‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991) is the final Disney film that holds importance to me. Directed by Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, the film was one of the first in what is now regarded as the Disney Renaissance in the 1990s. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was also nominated for Best Picture at the 64th Academy Awards, the first animated film to receive this honor.
The film draws upon the relationship of Belle and the Beast. It’s tender, but sweet. She sees him for his kind soul when no else paid him much attention. I feel that it’s a lesson that we should learn from; not to judge a book by its cover. Love reveals itself by the end and this happy-ever-after story pulls at your heart strings.
Like many young adults my age, I first saw this film as a kid nearly ten years after its original release. It was one of those VHS tapes in the clunky plastic cases that sat in our dusty TV cabinet. Although I always enjoyed the film, it didn’t mean as much to me until high school. When I was a senior, the drama department, which I was actively involved, mounted a production of the stage musical. I played the part of ‘Lumière’ in this show and that experience is very significant in my life. I had one of the best times of my life during the creation of that production. I made lifelong friends during the process and it remains one of my greatest accomplishments.
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