Mar
2018
The Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast tells a story about a young, selfish prince who, along with his castle’s servants, is cast under a curse by a wicked enchantress. The prince is turned into a beast, and sentenced to live as a beast until he learns to love and accept love in return. He 
eventually finds this love with an unknowing headstrong village girl, Belle, who he originally takes as his prisoner. The film, released November 22, 1991, addresses important life lessons and morals, but does not fail to raise some eyebrows in the process. The film idea was originally proposed in the 1930s and 1950s, but failed due to lack of ability and creativity from the story teams at the time. The film finally found success, at both the production and reception levels during the late 20th century.
The story of Belle and the Beast sends a powerful message about the importance regarding inner beauty. Belle, despite the Beast’s grotesque and alarming appearance, does not let that interfere with their relationship and eventual romance. Belle refuses to believe that the 
outward appearance of the Beast is indicative of his inward intentions and actions. Through Beast’s character, the lesson of inner beauty truly shines; however, the character of Belle also lends to an important message. Belle is a stubborn young woman, determined to do more with her life than to simply end up in a marriage where her duty is strictly housework. She wants an education and to see more of the world than just her small, provincial village. In most Disney films leading up to The Beauty and the Beast, the female characters were not portrayed as Belle is; that is having dreams and desires of which do not include a man. The Beauty and the Beast show young viewers, particularly girls, the importance of having your own ambitions and that these dreams are not limited by gender.
Despite Disney’s newfound features of women empowerment, there were still several questionable aspects of the film’s story. The film educates its viewers on the power of love and kindness, and the faults of arrogance and hatred; however, the development of the Beast’s and Belle’s relationship is often looked at with disapproval. The Beast meets Belle by capturing her father and then holding Belle prisoner. He forces her to stay in the castle with him, separating her from her father and her community and controls what she can and can’t do while at the castle. These actions are representative of an abusive relationship. Belle, despite these overbearing actions, continues to care for the Beast and is determined to change his negative outlook on life and people. Although the Beast does eventually change his ways and becomes more open to love, is this the right message to be sending to children? Many people have come to ask themselves this question. Does this movie send the message of the importance of change, or does it suggest that abusive men can change if a woman gives them a reason or a push to? The Beauty and the Beast is a beloved film by many, but does it actually send the messages we want audiences of younger ages to be receiving?
https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/disney-90-hidden-lessons-favourite-2458104
Winston Smith
March 16, 2023 at 6:58 pm (1 year ago)“Belle is a stubborn young woman, determined to do more with her life than to simply end up in a marriage where her duty is strictly housework. She wants an education and to see more of the world than just her small, provincial village. In most Disney films leading up to The Beauty and the Beast, the female characters were not portrayed as Belle is; that is having dreams and desires of which do not include a man. The Beauty and the Beast show young viewers, particularly girls, the importance of having your own ambitions and that these dreams are not limited by gender.”
While I salute your analysis, I gladly take the time to highlight a misconceptualization in your interpretation in this paragraph, concerning the last sentence. Yes, the film shows to younger women to pursue their dreams, which is portrayed in the film through books and Belle’s love for stories, but that has nothing to do with ambition. The film doesn’t show Belle ambitious at all, it just shows that she has dreams and her own way of thinking and that she stays true to her personality and her values especially against the disrespect of other people. Ultimately that is translateable by her having her own and a good personality that cares about her environment and about staying good/pure and with good people. But to say she’s ambitious is total bs, ambition means setting goals, and pursuing them with all your heart. She just knew what she didn’t want and she had certain dreams which led her ultimately to what she wants after that was presented to her by a man. Just ask yourself: Would she have gotten what she had at the end of the film without a man? If you watch the film closely there is no way you can think that that would be the case. And to answer your question: Yes, that film 100% gives one of the best messages portrayed in films over the last forty years, especially for younger audiences. There should be more of those films.