By far, Disney was at its best when this film was made. It made history when it became the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, and it rightfully deserved it. The classic fairytale is slightly tweaked, as...
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By far, Disney was at its best when this film was made. It made history when it became the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, and it rightfully deserved it. The classic fairytale is slightly tweaked, as Belle, the book-loving heroine and town misfit agrees to take the place the place of her imprisioned father in the Beast's castle. Unlike other tellings of the story, the rose is used as a timer - when the last petal falls the Beast will remain a beast unless he can earn the love of a woman. Even the Special Edition doesn't detract from the film as it artfully adds in a new musical number to show the other inhabitants of the castle preparing for Belle and the Beast's big night. Gaston, the antagonist of the story, is openly chauvinsitic, refering to Belle as "little wife" and condemning her love of reading, because it will give her ideas and dangerous thoughts. Ultimately, the beauty and the beast come to an understanding and find the love they've always dreamed off. For once, a happy ending that isn't overly sacchrine.