So, I know that I haven't written anything in a few years, however I have had a lot of questions on my personal thoughts on the new live action of Beauty and the Beast. So, there may be a few spoilers here, however this is my opinion.
For how the movie opens, it shows how Prince Adam-that is his name-becomes a Beast. And it goes a little deeper into the curse and how that affects everyone who lives in the castle. Knowing the curse already, the difference between the animated is how the curse and the sorceress come about. Remember, "the price was spoiled".
The movie also answers the question how did the beast and the castle be so close to the village and no one know about it? In the animated version Maurice stumbles upon the castle within a half days ride on horse. Same in the live action. I love how the movie answers this one question-how does the castle exist without the villagers knowing-it also answers the connection that the village has with the castle and those who live in it, and how Maurice comes across it. True Belle fans have several theories about how both the castle and the village co-existed. I love the way the live action went into this and made the connection so beautiful.
So, as far as Emma Watson playing Belle, I had my doubts. Seriously, I did!! However, not only did she do it beautifully, she was most definitely more true to character than I thought. She was very smooth and very true to how Belle should be. Belle was an outsider in the animated version and we don't know why, she is just labeled as different. That goes deeper in the live action movie, and I'm glad. I feel as though you get to know her better and you actually get to know the 14th century of France better, and how women were looked upon. In the trailers there where the opening song "Bonjour" is being sung, you see the boys going to school and if you will notice there are only boys going to school to be taught by a male teacher, and the girls and women of the village are washing clothes. Women that could read were looked down upon and made fun of. Women weren't worth educating back then beyond the expectation of cooking, cleaning and caring for the children. Men helped with any learning and homework that the boys may have. So, Belle knowing how to read and do "mens work" you see why she is an outsider, and what she has to put up with by being, basically, smarter.
Gaston. Well, he's Gaston. In the animated version, why he is so revered by the villagers is never explained. The live action does. Based upon a reference of war, and another reference of the black plague, I am guessing that the movie is based around 1780 or later. Belle is estimated to be about 18. Gaston is said to be in the war, and was a Captain-reference his red coat for that one. It also gets a little more into how much influence over the village he has. The live action also explains why Gaston wants Belle over any other girl in the village. It is quit humorous and something to think about.
When Maurice comes across the castle, it is apparent how long Belle expects her father to be gone.You also see how Maurice wants to honor his daughter and gets in trouble for wanting to keep a simple request. Other than the horse coming back without her father, its also past time for him to come back. She doesn't go looking for him just because the horse is barebacked. She goes because she knows something is beyond wrong. You see her take off and find the trail to the castle-which is also answered how the horse knew where to find the castle. True to the animated story line-almost moment by moment- the movie plays out beautifully. Belle finds the castle, encounters the beast and switched places with her father. There is more depth to this scene than the animated and I do believe that it is more beautiful and thoughtfully written out.
After this you see the Tavern scene and the Gaston song. Which is amazing! I loved it and was hoping it lived up to expectations that I wanted. It did and more. I loved it, so much. Lefou was hilarious and the beat was a little different, however, you shouldn't be disappointed at all. We also, true to the animated, see Maurice come into the tavern and ask for help rescuing Belle from the enchanted castle. I love how the next bit of the movie plays out with Maurice's character. His relationship with Gaston, and how Gaston reacts. I think that this vital part of their relationship is a major part missing from the animated. You see Maurice more as an inventor, then when his daughter is taken, you see him become more concerned about Belle. In the live action you see him more as a father concerned about his daughter, not just in this scene; throughout the whole movie. I love that twist.
Pretty much the whole middle of the movie plays out true to the animated movie, however there is depth in everything that happens. I was expecting a little more from the "Be Our Guest" number, however that is me and it is still beautiful and played out wonderfully.
Next comes the west wing scene, the wolves scene, and where she cares for him. True to the animated, even to the point that you could run some moments up against the animated and they play out second by second. However, there is more depth and a story line there. The library scene-which is a major favorite among Belle fans- is beyond hilarious and the movie visits it more than once. Which I am grateful for!!!!! Then comes a extra scene or 2 and it goes into depth about her mother and what is in Belles heart. Now, before you go and say its ________. Its not. The extra details are from the old storyline. As a matter of fact, the only thing-that I can remember- that is left out is the fact that Belle has 11 or 12 older sisters. Fun Fact!!!
The ballroom scene came before I knew it, and it is beautiful. I only wish it would have lasted longer. And, true to form, it followed the animated version so after that came the mirror scene. Prince Adam-AKA the Beast-gets a scene after Belle leaves and I think that he has always needed it. In the animated you don't get much on the Prince Adams heart transformation and much is assumed. Although I have never thought that in the animated version that him roaring was a great way to express your feelings. Also, when Belle leaves, its much more of a rush than in the animated. I mean, how did she get out of that dress without the rest of the household knowing what was going on?
The scenes that follow is much more practical about what would really happen as far as Maurice and Gaston. Belle lives up to her expectations as far as standing up for herself and her father. A lot of the lines in the animated version are also in the live action, so you should be pleased when they repeat a lot of that in these scenes. There is still a lot of the villagers fight scene that come over from the animated, however there are some pleasant surprises that happen that make you think, did I hear that right? Well, you did, and it will be important to the end!! I loved it, just because they took every detail and knit it all back together.
Overall the movie was funny, and beautiful. The details and the intricacy of the sets are stunning. Yes, I looked. The dancing is one to be admired-watch their footwork-and so precise. With that, a few things to watch. Both versions show Prince Adam as more of an animal when Maurice and Belle meet him. Watch as he transforms to be more human like in not only how he carries himself, and how his face transforms. Its on purpose. There is a beautiful moment in the live action where you see Prince Adam and Belle walking and they look out over a lake. Really look at the lake. Its going through a transformation. Just like someone else. Human Again is not really in the movie, however they do reference it several times. And watch the transformation of the "Antiques" as Cogsworth says. They seem to also go from less objects to more human-like too. Again, on purpose.
So, one question; or technicality, I have always had from the animated was how did everyone transform AFTER the last petal fell and the rose stem died?!?! Guess what? It is answered-and oh so eloquently-in the live action. I honestly loved this ending better than the animated. It didn't just end. It knit details back together.
The scenes that everyone is making a big deal are not as big of deal as they are saying. Kids wouldn't know what they are seeing, and adults can even not notice one of the 2 scenes! So, as far as it being a totally gay moment, nope. Sorry. It looks more like someone wanted that in the movie and they added it in a the last minute. Yes, they went to the effort, however, it wasn't worth throwing a fit over. At least in my opinion.
So, inclusion, it was everything I wanted it to be and more. I could see it again and again. I will be pre-ordering this from Disney Store and enjoying it. I won't be taking my girls to see it in theaters because of how large the screen and how life like the wolves and jumpy scenes are. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. Have a great night!!
Summer
