Over the weekend I had the chance to see the new live-action remake of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Before heading into the theater I read the reviews for one of the most anticipated movies of 2017. I was surprised by the bashing the Disney re-make received, and realized all the critics pointed to the same thing--there were some distinct changes to the film.
Going in, I was prepared for the worse. However, I was pleasantly surprised and scoffed at the critics. Yes, there were changes to the movie. Nonetheless, it was amazing.
Here are three major changes in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, and an explanation for why it is okay that Disney made the changes.
WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
1. Why Belle is seen as an outsider.
In the 1991 anime classic, the opening song "Belle" comments on her desire to leave the provincial life. However, it is never quite clear why the town folk think she is so strange. In the live-action 2017 adaption, the movie expands on this dislike giving it a real reason--her intellectual pursuits are uncommon for a woman in 18th century France.
This change in the movie gives a more realistic idea of why the town folk thought her odd, and in my books, is totally okay.
2. The mystery of Belle's mother has been solved.
In the animation, Belle's mother is a mystery and has long since been the source of many YouTube theories. However, Disney finally gives us the long-awaited question of "Who is Belle's Mother?" in the 2017 film.
Not only is this change welcoming for those who have always longed for the mystery to be settled. But it also explains why Belle never left her small village, even though she desired too; her father, Maurice, was over-protected due to what happened to her mother.
3. Disney has added to the beloved array of songs
While the filmed was filled with all very well-known classic songs, Disney gave the new film a few extra musicals that fit in perfectly with the story line. While this might be jarring to some who wanted the movie to be stickler to the original, I found it to be a breath of fresh air. It gave the movie something to anticipate that I wouldn't have before.
