Beauty and the Beast

It hasn't been long since Disney's live action version of the animated classic Beauty and the Beast came out in theaters. After seeing (and loving) the movie, I wanted to compare Emma Watson's portrayal of Belle to the animated classic.

Found on Google Images

First and foremost, Belle is now an inventor. In the original movie, her father Maurice is the inventor of the family. One of my favorite scenes is when she invents a washing machine with a barrel and a donkey so that she may read to a child and also wash her clothes. Not only does she receive criticism from the townspeople for teaching a girl to read, but also is looked down upon for being clever enough to come up with something to make life simpler. Despite the negative feedback, Belle continues on with her life with her head held high. 

Image of Belle and Maurice (Kevin Kline). Found on Google Images

Secondly, Belle makes attempts to escape from the castle by tying together sheets and clothes so that she may climb down the castle wall and see her father again. This makes the newer Belle seem more independent, strong-willed, and resourceful than the previous Belle. 

Belle trying to escape. Found on Google Images

While the animated Belle sent messages that empowered young girls, I think that all of these changes to Belle's character improved how young girls now see Disney princesses and themselves. Emma Watson's Belle shows that girls can be inventors (or engineers), they should overcome obstacles in the way of their goal, and never let criticism based on gender change the way they think of themselves. Overall, the live action Belle is more resourceful, strong-willed, and a better role model for young girls today.