Source: Imdb
Finally got around to watching this Disney classic, and I have to confess that I severely underestimated this film. I expected a flat and boring cookie-cutter romance with a damsel who happens upon her prince charming and they live happily ever after, but there was quite a lot more action going on here. While this IS a love story, Belle is far from a damsel. Her character (for a Disney film) is surprisingly fleshed-out: an intelligent, independent woman with a straight spine; a feminist at heart. I was really impressed with their efforts to show different facets of her character and they spent a lot of time building her. Similarly, I thought that Beast came across quite a lot better than he could have, too. His anger is completely understandable, but so is his transformation. The suicidal ideation at the end is startlingly dark for a children’s film, but makes sense, too, and adds a definite gravitas. The side characters are good as well. I loved Chip, and Gaston is just such a disgusting misogynist scumbag that his presence just highlights what a great heroin Belle is.
Visually, this film also had a lot more to offer than I expected. The shots were great compositions rich in detail, with flowing animations full of interesting little ticks and gestures. The only thing that was a bit too much were the really, really long musical numbers. Those could have used a bit of editing. Also, how did they go from winter to summer in (and I quote) 12 hours? Be that as it may, as Disney films go, definitely one of the best. I’m tempted to give 4/5.
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