Imagine yourself sitting down in front of the television. You turn it on, flipping through the channels, yet there is nothing of interest or satisfying to you. Because of this, you need to decide what you should do. Should you turn off the television and find something else to keep you occupied or just watch whatever’s on?
This is what happened to me one day while I was home alone. I finished housework and a bit of writing work. Nothing decent was on television, but that didn’t stop me from diving into the DVDs and VHSs that occupied two big shelves in my living room. Being a teenager or younger, you’re probably asking yourself, “What’s a VHS?” A VHS is simply a large black tape that movies or shows were put on for the older generations entertainment. I’ve always enjoyed the movies on VHSs. I grew up watching them, so they’re a big part of my life and I continue to watch them.
Anyways, rummaging through I see my Disney movies. Ah, the wonderful world of Disney! I have quite a collection of Disney animated movies such as Hercules, Aladdin, The Lion King and Mulan. I even got some great older generation ones like Honey, I Shrunk The Kids and A Kid In King Arthur’s Court. But my eyes were feasting on one single movie that has been a passionate obsession of mine since it came out in the early 90s. I was about 7 years old when I glanced at my favorite movie of all time: Beauty & The Beast.
Why would Beauty & The Beast be the best Disney movie to me? As a child, this question would probably stump me because I wouldn’t be able to come up with the perfect answer. I’d most likely say something like “Because it’s cool”. Yeah, I thought it was cool back then. But looking back on it, I realize there is so much more to this wonderful animated film than anything.
Rewatching it so many times for over 20 years, I’ll tell you this: I’ve never felt there was a better love story than this one. And this one is definitely a tale as old as time. The first written story of this classic fairy tale was written by a French novelist named Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont back in 1756. This tale varied over the years across the continents, each adding their own twists and turns to the original. I’ve heard plenty of them, but nothing pulled me in more than Disney’s creation back in 1991.
For me, Disney’s idea of the Beauty & The Beast tale is the best one of all and there are plenty of reasons why including:
1. It’s got the most beautiful animation I had ever seen. It’s got a great flow with very few chops within the scenes. Plus, the beautiful dance in the ballroom created with computer graphics that must have taken an extremely long time to create. As jurassic as computers were back then, it was amazing how they were able to create such a magnificent sequence of events.
2. They included a strange love-triangle. Amongst Belle and the Beast, there was the not-so-studly, muscle-bound fool, Gaston, who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word “no” or other forms of rejection, Belle having to repeat herself so many times over. Honestly, I don’t think I’m the only who was glad the Beast ended the reign of that guy, which was an awesome fight sequence, by the way.
3. There’s comedic relief in the form of Gaston’s crazy sidekick, Lefou, and the talking objects/furniture located in the Beast’s castle. There are plenty of moments where Lumiere and Cogsworth could make me laugh the loudest and I’d actually be looked at strangely by my own kids (as has happened on several occasions, so I’m used to it). Oh! And of course, can’t forget about Beast’s bathtime! I tell you, if my hairdresser cut my hair like that, I’d be blushing fifty shades of red! Though Beast could pull it off well. At least if he was in a humorous mood.
4. The story within the story. “What in the world is she talking about?” Is what you’re thinking right now. In between Belle imprisoned at Beast’s castle and their happily ever after, there was a beautiful Christmas tale sequel released called Beauty & The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas that was created in 1997. With a variety of new musical numbers, characters and fantastic storyline, we meet an extremely grumpy court composer turned organ named Maestro Forte, who only wanted the Beast to continuously wallow in loneliness, never to turn human again. The Beast had a deep-seeded hatred for the Christmas season as it was the time he was turned into the Beast. However, Belle, with the help of her friends, set out on a mission to change all that! If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it!
5. This entire movie wouldn’t be complete without it’s perfected tragic love scene. With the Beast injured and out of commission, he cannot help but feel his death is near. Belle’s appearance brings a softness to this wicked beast and tears to the beauty’s eyes. I admit, I cried at this part several times over the years (even though I know how it ends). With that last dying breath of his, Belle reveals her true feelings, seeing past his monstrous form and utters “I love you” just as the last petal from the enchanted rose falls. Her love was able to bring Prince Adam back to his original human form and give them a “Happily Ever After”.
6. And one of my last reasons for the love of Beauty & The Beast: The music! I’ve always loved music as a kid and having such fantastic musical numbers within this movie was great! The classic “Beauty & The Beast” song will always be my number one favorite. But, honestly, even without music, I’d still adore the film.
All in all, no other movie, whether Disney or not, can top Beauty & The Beast. If it ever does, the sky will rain down lemon drops and gum drops.
So, let me in on what you think is the best Disney movie ever made! Can it top Beauty & The Beast? Tell me!
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