Lots of Dancing Thoughts: The Heart of a Classic

Beauty and the beast - warning - spoilers

A heartfelt fan analysis of the 2017 Beauty and the Beast film.

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Wow! I am in awe after watching Beauty and the Beast 2017 again - ITS SOOO BEAUTIFULLL!!!

I am touched by the adjustments Disney made in the script and characters to weave a story even more lovely and entertaining than the original (though the original gives it a run for its money).

The casting was on point, the acting excellent, the music impeccable and emotional, the visuals, costumes and magic, absolutely stunning.

As I watched, the deeper meanings began to move me and by the credits my face was scrunched up between tears and smiles, I didn't want it to end.

On watching the second time, I was struck by the character of Gaston. I will get to the others but for now I am bursting with the insight wrought from his character. Though he was terrible, the people followed him. Why? There's such a purposeful contrast portrayed between he and the beast.

In the beginning you see Gaston's, pride, vanity, lust and greed - at first seemingly harmless and simply annoying. You see elevation of self, manipulation of others, immaturity, ignorance and selfishness.

Later, he gets worse. He convinces the town to take violent action, he is a persuasive leader with a hunger for power. What a classic moment when Belle says

"He's not a beast, Gaston, YOU are!"

And what a moment when the Beast echoes this statement and spares Gaston's life. You could clearly see Belle helplessly watching the scene between them and her quick smile when the beast chooses mercy, wow!

It's very dramatic when Gaston, the wicked, "receives his just reward".

Ah, Emma is so perfect in this roll. Besides her looks, she fits so naturally - and not surprisingly - into the role of someone who is kind, deep, passionate and giving. She wants to share what she has with others, she wants to create and inspire. She wants to see and know everything.

I love the deeper character they gave Belle's father and how they changed him from the comic relief in the original to a devoted and loving father. You see the sorrow he's gone through and the choices and sacrifices he's made to protect his daughter. Excellent.

I love the part where Belle is convincing him to try to escape. You know he's thinking

"You're just like your mother"

You see him visibly change from someone who has protected her in fear for so long, to someone who will trust and dare to be courageous again.

I like how Lefou is portrayed with more of a sense of conscience and how he eventually realizes Gaston's not so worth his efforts. It's nice to see him join the others in defense against the dictator.

And the Beast - I like how we see a little more of his past. He had heartache and was raised by a bad example of a father. We see him held accountable for his actions as an adult. Isn't that the way life is?

Something that stood out to me was the gift from the enchantress - the magic book that offered the beast a little escape to the outside world. It was called "one of her cruelest tricks of all," but I think it was a gift offered in kindness.

Though she punished him, she was kind and merciful. She was there in the end to set things right even when all was clearly lost. She was already waiting to heal the land before the miracle happened.

Oh the ending! The transformation was beautiful!!! I only wish Bella said "It's you!" when the prince appeared. Also his real name was never spoken and that bothers me a little :)