Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Growing up, Belle was always my favorite Disney princess. Being bookish, resourceful, kind, and driven, she embodied who I wanted to be. The animation is stunning compared to anything made near this time! Hidden messages and meanings are sprinkled scene by scene, making this movie incredibly entertaining for all ages. For example, the contrast of blue and red in this movie is not accidental. Blue is used on the clothes of people with good in them, like Belle, opposed to the red clothes of Gaston and the red hues of the townspeople. Before the Beast falls in love with Belle, he and Gaston share similar traits and clothes.

Beauty and the Beast is a direct attack on toxic masculinity that is so important to show children at a young age, and unfortunately, adults too. Simply put, Belle doesn't rely on masculine figures to save her. While the premise of a man holding a girl hostage can be a dark idea for children, the theme is what people remember from this movie. Beauty is what's within rather than appearance. A simple idea, yet one that needs to be taught to everyone.

10/10