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Beauty and the Beast (2017)

The diversity of the cast is refreshing to see. There are several women of color at the Prince’s ball, and there are people of color in the village.

The women in the village who gush over Gaston look less sultry than their characters in the animated version.

I like how Belle’s father sings in this movie. It makes him more personable, and it shows that he really loves Belle.

Also, I think mentioning Belle’s mother makes Maurice more relatable because the audience can sympathize with his lost. In addition, I like how Belle’s mother has a face now.

In addition, I like how Maurice’s reason for living the village was to buy a rose for Belle, and how it tied to the painting of Belle’s mother.

I think Maurice’s profession as an artist is just as fitting for his character. It was adorable that the clock he was working on contained figurines of Belle and the family.

I think the live-action version emphasizes Belle’s passion to read more. She gets in trouble by the villagers for trying to teach a little girl how to read. Because Disney is becoming more progressive, I think they’re trying to push this message more.

That was completely inappropriate how Gaston touched Belle’s dress. Gaston would be in a lot of trouble if he did that to a woman in today’s society.

I never realized how athletic Belle is for being able to ride a horse.

Maurice is sassy with the Beast, and it makes him seem less timid.

“Oh! I’m not a princess.” With a disgusted face, Belle corrects the wardrobe and tells her that she is not a princess. Belle acts like its an insult to be called a princess. Then, the wardrobe dresses her, and squeezes her waist in fabric. This gives the word “princess” a negative connotation. Being a princess means being pretty according to the wardrobe.

LeFou acknowledges that he’s illiterate, and can’t spell Gaston’s name. It makes his character look worse. 

In this movie, Belle has a closer relationship with the workers in the castle. Mrs. Pots doesn’t try to stop Belle from leaving. 

 I like how in this film, Belle fights the wolves, and you can tell she can defend herself. This scene also alludes to her athleticism and strength. 

“Think happy thoughts. Go back to the war. Blood, explosions, countless widows.” This scene reinforces male stereotypes. 

When Maurice stands up to Gaston, and defends Belle it shows that he is less scared in this movie. He stands up for what he believes in. 

In this film, the Beast’s mother passed away. The workers in the castle think the Beast’s actions are justified because of how he was raised by his father. They take the blame for how the Beast acts because they didn’t help raise him more. I don’t have sympathy for the Beast because he’s old enough to know right from wrong. 

 This film also emphasizes that the Beast is an avid reader like Belle. I understand more why Belle fell in love with the Beast. They’re both considered “outsiders,” love to read, and have lost a parent. 

The audience finds out in this movie that Belle’s mother died from the plague. 

 Gaston treats Belle like she’s an object. He tries to kill Maurice so he can have her all to himself.

Emma Watson didn’t wear a corset for the ball gown, and that sent a positive message about body image. A person doesn’t need a tiny waist to be beautiful. In the 2015 Cinderella, Lily James wears a corset, and she looks like the cartoon version of Cinderella with a very small waistline. The corset wasn’t necessary because the actress is naturally thin. 

Similar to Maurice, I think having the Beast sing makes him more personable and emotional. 

It was so funny when the Three Musketeers were turned into women. It reminded of the scene from Mulan when Yao, Chien-Pao, and Ling were disguised as women. 

 Overall, I think this was a good adaption of the animated version. I believe the parts they added to the storyline helped develop the characters and the plot more.

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Moana Film Reaction

•   Similar to the first-wave films, the overview/background context of the film is told in the opening scene.

•   Baby Moana parted the ocean like Jesus parted the Red Sea.

•   Moana is told to stay away from the ocean. In The Little Mermaid, Ariel is told to stay away from the land. A similar theme in Disney films is that there’s some type of forbidden place.

•   My friends think the turtle in the ocean is Crush from Finding Nemo.

•   “We share everything we make.” Moana’s parents instilled good values in her at a young age.

•   Moana is going to become a chief instead of a princess like the girls in the first-wave films.

•   “You can find happiness where you are.” Someone should have told Ariel this.

•   In this film, Moana has a close relationship with her grandmother, and that type of relationship is not explored in previous princess films. In Mulan, the grandmother serves more as comedic relief than a role model for Mulan. Usually, the relationship between the daughter and the father is focused on more in the princess films.

•   Moana looks different than the other princesses. She looks younger and has a more realistic body shape for a teenage girl.

•   Moana is supposed to be the same age as Aurora, Ariel, and Mulan, yet she looks a lot younger.

•   As newer Disney films are created, they cater to a wider, older, and more sophisticated audience. For example, the story of Cinderella is very basic and easy to follow. The film focuses on Cinderella’s rags to riches story and her journey to find true love. On the other hand, Moana is more complex and sheds light on Polynesian culture and the value of family. At five years old, I’m not sure I would fully understand the plot of Moana after watching the movie once.

•   It’s refreshing to see a young girl focused on her relationships with her family members than with a boy. This film emphasizes knowing where your home is.

•   The female protagonists of the second and third wave films are a lot more adventurous. Disney made a smart move by creating more athletic princesses because now a wider range of little girls can appreciate these films. Not all little girls are “girly girls” and like everything pink. Now, little girls who like sports and “stereotypical boy activities” can relate to Moana.

•   In this film, Moana is seen sailing, running around, and climbing.

•   Maui’s song “Your Welcome” reminds me of Gaston’s song. It’s interesting that Maui’s narcissistic behavior is seen as comedy while Gaston’s narcissism is seen as arrogant and rude. The creators of the film make it obvious that both men are vain.

•   Similar to Mulan, Moana doubts herself and her ability to achieve a goal.

•   Moana saves Maui’s life more than once during this film, and he can’t even repay her by staying with her on the journey.

•   Like previous princess films, at the end of the movie Moana receives respect from the people who doubted her.

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Mulan Film Reaction

Mulan’s father begs the matchmaker to find her a husband. I’m pretty sure my father and brother are dreading the day I start dating. This shows what a different time it was, and how different their ideology was.

In Mulan’s family honor is brought about by finding a good husband.

Mulan’s face structure is a lot different than the previous princesse. Her face is wider, and looks more realistic. However, she still has the skinny body type and little waist like previous princesses.

“You may look like a bride, but you will never bring your family honor.”

I can’t believe her family was so disappointed after one failed attempt at finding a husband. Even if it was common for women to marry young during this time period, Mulan is still only 16 years old. She has a lot of time to find a husband.

It’s only been 15 minutes, and there’s multiple references to Mulan’s beauty. Her father compares her to a flower.

“Teach her to hold her tongue in a man’s presence.”

This scene reminds me of The Hunger Games when Katniss volunteers for Primrose.

“I know my place. It is time to learn yours.”

I know this film takes place during a different time period where there was a lot of restrictions on women, but Mulan is treated so poorly. Her father repeatedly shuts her down.

Mulan doesn’t even think twice about fighting for her father. It seems unrealistic because she doesn’t hesitate at all, and she didn’t know the empire would fall under attack.

The scene with the ancestors, reminds me of Halloweentown High when Marnie is talking to the Halloweentown Council. The council of monsters are shouting at Marnie all at once, like the ancestors are yelling amongst each other.

Mu-shu reminds me of Donkey from Shrek so much. They’re both voiced by Eddie Murphy, and I think the characters have similar personalities as well.

“My eyes can see straight through your armor.” Wow Disney!

“They’re disgusting. No, they’re men.” The stereotype is that a man needs to be violent and gritty to be a “real man.”

Why doesn’t Chi-Fu like Li Shang?

When Mulan sees Shang shirtless her reaction is priceless.

Shang has the body of a superhero, and depicts an unrealistic body image for men.

I noticed that Disney villains are exceptions to body image. For example, Shan Yu and the Huns have orange eyes with grey skin while Ursula has purple skin.

Chi-Fu is so demeaning towards women yet he’s the most feminine guy in the group. When he goes to bathe he literally looks like a college girl in a communal bathroom.

The men don’t want a girl that has a brain, or speaks her mind. They just want a woman that will cater to them.

I never realized how dark this film is. The audience sees the destroyed village, and one of the Huns alludes to killing one of the Emperor’s soldiers. In addition, you see Shang get shot by an arrow.

In the First-Wave films, no one officially dies.

I can’t believe Chi-Fu just threw Mulan on the ground after she risked her life for the country.

Mulan just saved the entire country, and they’re mad at her for being woman.

I love that Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po dressed up as women. I guess Shang is too masculine to dress up. It’s about time that he follows Mulan.

In real life, if a girl puts her hair in a bun you can still tell she’s a girl. Shan Yu only remembers Mulan as a soldier when her hair is in a bun. That scene is very unrealistic, and I don’t understand how Shan Yu didn’t notice her before.

It makes me happy that Shang is finally defending Mulan, and people are finally showing her respect.

Mulan was referred to as a flower again. Not all women are soft and delicate like a flower.

“Sign me up for the next war!” “Would you like to stay forever!” Mulan’s grandma only has a couple of lines, but she’s hilarious.

True to your Heart!!!!!

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The Curse of Masculinity

Susan Jeffords’ writing, “The Curse of Masculinity,” changed the way I view male leaders in film and society. She starts her introduction using a real world example of men focusing more on their work or their family. Her example focused on the differing agendas of Republican candidates during the Reagan Era. President Ronald Reagan and Vice President Dan Quayle focused on family vales and moral principles during their campaigns, while President George Bush emphasized his list of achievements and experiences in politics. I believe she chose a good example to start the introduction because most Americans are familiar with the Reagan Era, and can relate to that example. However, I don’t think her hook is strong enough to capture the interest of readers who aren’t fascinated by politics. Also, when I first read the piece I didn’t understand how her introduction related to the Beauty and the Beast and society’s ideas about masculinity. I had to read the entire piece to understand how the two related. 

Jeffords’ thesis is that men in film are depicted as victims of their work and masculinity, and are saved by their families and women. In addition, until men are freed from their masculinity, everyone else around them suffers. I thought her thesis was easy to find, and it is restated throughout the piece. Also, she did an excellent job of taking examples from different films, relating it back to the thesis, and following the M.EA.L. plan for her body paragraphs. 

Jeffords’ first example is Leonard Reitman’s 1990 film Kindergarten Cop starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. She starts by summarizing the plot of the film, and sates how Schwarzenegger’s character changes from a tough and violent police officer to a loving father and teacher due to the help of his family. Like other 80’s heroes, John Kimball did his job too well, at the expense of his family. These men are depicted as the victims, and it is the job of the people around them to change their ways and to love them. Towards the end of the piece, she relates the Beauty and The Beast to the same idea. I never realized how heavily the film focuses on the Beast’s dilemma. Belle’s main role in the film is to change the Beast. Similar to the 80’s film, the Beast is the victim of his own masculinity, and it’s the fault of the people around him who didn’t teach him how to behave properly.

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Beauty and the Beast Film Reaction

Now that I’m older, this film is a lot more problematic ...

“Beauty is found within.” Unlike the first-wave movies, this film emphasizes inner beauty, and having a good personality.

The other people think Belle is weird because she likes to read and is curious. The other people in the village are focused on their appearances, and dating. 

“She’s the most beautiful girl in the town. That makes her the best!” The prince’s single reason for liking Belle is her appearance. 

The people in town don’t like that she enjoys reading and learning. The villagers are content with being ignorant, but Belle and her father (an inventor) are very curious and want to learn. 

I love how the Dad blames the horse for them being lost. 

Belle’s father is heavier and looks older than previous parents of princesses. What does this say about body image, and beauty and brains? 

The 2011 film Beastly is a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast, and I really enjoyed that movie. It was a modern spin on the Disney film. 

Eww why is Gaston being so aggressive. 

“Little wife.” He’s extremely sexist, and demeaning to women. 

Gaston just named all the stereotypical gender roles for women while describing his life with his future wife. 

The Beast was cursed because he was obsessed with appearance like Gaston. Maybe Gaston would’ve changed his views about beauty like the Beast did if Belle would have had a relationship with him. 

When Belle says she didn’t get to say goodbye to her father, you see a glimpse of remorse from the Beast for the first time. 

The Beast is physically and verbally abusive to Belle and her father. 

I love how Gaston’s sidekick is awkward and unattractive. In Disney films, the sidekicks are usually weaker and less attractive. This depicts the idea that beauty and power go together. 

Chip is sooo cute!

I wonder what would have happened if Belle’s father would have stayed in the castle. Who would the Beast have fallen in love with? 

I realize now that the Beast basically forced Belle to stay with him, and fall in love with him. 

The beast got angry and aggressive when Belle kindly rejected him. That is not a healthy relationship. 

It’s creepy how the Beast used the magic mirror to spy on Belle. He’s being very controlling. 

I see a lot of similarities between the Beast and Gaston, yet Gaston is only viewed as the antagonist. 

The scene between Lumiere and the feather-duster is kind of raunchy for Disney. The feather-duster is saying no and Lumiere keeps touching her. I see now how that scene can be controversial, and makes it seem like saying “no” is another way for women to flirt when it’s not. 

Be Our Guest is an iconic scene. When I think of Beauty and the Beast, this is the song that comes to my mind. 

I wonder if the objects always talked, or only after the Beast and the castle were cursed. 

Now that I’m older, it is weird that Belle fell in love with the beast. Isn’t he technically an animal? He has horns and fangs. I understand that he changes back to a human, but I don’t think I would be able to fall in love with an animal if I wasn’t one. 

Belle acts more like his mother than his girlfriend at times. 

This film has a lot of good messages about the value of inner beauty, but it’s also controversial pertaining to the topic of relationship violence.

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The Little Mermaid - Ariel’s Beginning

To continue with The Little Mermaid theme this week, I decided to watch the prequel The Little Mermaid - Ariel’s Beginning. 

I did not know there was a prequel or a sequel to The Little Mermaid.  

Wow King Triton looks so young with the brown hair. 

OMG Ariel looks like a baby! 

Ariel looks just like her mom!!!!! 

There’s more mermaids and less animals in this movie, which I really like. Ariel’s sisters have personalities in this movie.

In this movie, you get to see Athena’s death. She was crushed to death by a pirate ship. 

King Triton bans music from the kingdom because Athena died trying to save the music box he gave her. 

In this movie, Triton does not seem resentful towards humans despite the death of his wife. He’s more concerned about controlling Ariel. 

What type of animal is that green blob supposed to be? 

Marina looks like Ursula with the overdone makeup and purple outfit. I thought they were sisters, but they’re not. 

You get to see Ariel’s rebellious/fun nature when she’s tickling one of her sisters with seaweed. 

I feel like Triton is more strict in this movie. He gets mad at Ariel for just messing with her sister.

“I hate this place.” Ariel is still very teeaager-esque in this movie.

Marina wants to be Chief of Palace Staff, but Sebastian has the job. 

It seems like there’s less singing in this movie. 

Marina has a disco sounding song. The songs in The Little Mermaid sound like Calypso music.  

Flounder looks the same as he does in The Little Mermaid.

In this movie, you get to see how Flounder and Ariel meet. 

“I can’t make it in the slammer!” Flounder is so cute. 

Compared to her sisters, Ariel is a lot less vain. 

All of the sisters’ names start with the letter A. My brother and I both have names that start with double A’s. 

In this movie, Ariel never mentions anything about land. She’s more concerned about how she has to do the same thing everyday, and can’t have fun under her father’s rules. 

Flounder trying to be sneaky is so funny. 

Shake Shake Shake Señora! Here comes the singing animals! 

Ariel’s reaction when she sees Sebastian sing for the first time is hilarious. 

The scene in the club reminded me of Under The Sea in The Little Mermaid. 

Ariel has a good voice in this movie too! I don’t know how that’s possible because music is supposedly banned, so when does she practice singing. 

In this movie, Triton assigns Sebastian to Ariel and that’s probably why they are so close in The Little Mermaid. 

Her sisters are boy crazy. It seems like Ariel could care less about a boy in this film. She’s so excited to listen to music and dance.

I wonder how the creators of the film chose what color tail each mermaid would have? Do the colors of their tails coincide with their personalities? 

Sebastian is wild in this movie haha. 

I can’t believe Triton screamed at Ariel! 

Marina tried to do Ariel’s pose on the rock and failed miserably. 

I like how Marina Del Ray is merperson but represents a sting ray, and Ursula was an octopus in The Little Mermaid. 

I can’t believe Flounder is rapping Shake Shake Shake Señora. 

Marina changed her outfit to pink, and reminds me of Aurora’s pink dress. 

Similar to The Little Mermaid, Ariel is not the main target of the villain. In this film, Marina wants to get rid of Sebastian, and decides later to get rid of Ariel too because they’re friends. In The Little Mermaid, Ursula hurts Ariel in order to hurt King Triton. 

I believe Ariel is just as rebellious and funny in this film, as she is in The Little Mermaid. It’s nice to see her not worried about a boy. Her motive in this film is to bring music and love back to the kingdom, not to be with a prince. Compared to The Little Mermaid, I think this film is more progressive.

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The Little Mermaid Film Response

After watching The Little Mermaid, I remembered why Ariel was always my favorite Disney princess. 

FATHOMS BELOWWW! We did The Little Mermaid for my eighth grade play, and I was the captain and got to sing a solo for this song.

I forgot how good The Little Mermaid soundtrack is.

There’s no mermaids of color in the crowd.

Flounder is still adorable, and sounds like a five year old.  

Since when do sharks eat mermaids?

I wonder why Ursula is a blue/greyish color while the other characters have normal skin tones.

Ursula explains how she’s going to use Ariel to hurt Triton. This supports Do Rozario’s writing, and how there’s a connection between love and the kingdom.

“I’m sixteen years old. I’m not a child anymore.” Could she be more of a stereotypical teenager?

“As long as you’re living under my ocean.” I’m pretty sure every parent has said this to their child at least once, and substituted roof for ocean.

Compared to first wave princesses, Ariel is adventurous and curious about the world. Originally, she wants to be with other people, not just a man.

PART OF THAT WORLD!!!!!

I love all the ocean related puns.

That’s literally how my dog looks in the kitchen when he’s searching for food.

Love at first sight is a common pattern throughout the early princess films.

The kingdom wants Eric to marry a princess. This depicts the idea that the “right” girl has to be of royal status.

No dog gets left behind!!! I would have jumped in the water to save my dog too.

It seems like Ariel only likes Eric for his looks.

How did Ariel put Eric on the shore if she can’t walk with a tail? Disney films are very unrealistic.

After one encounter she’s already boy obsessed! Under the Sea!!!! I’ve sung this song in two shows, and I love it.

Triton is okay with Ariel dating a merman, but not a human.

I find it weird and annoying how Ariel calls Triton daddy. She sounds like the stereotypical spoiled brat.

The animals associated with villains are always creepy and ugly while the animals that follow the princesses are cute and friendly. (Ursula/eels and Ariel/Flounder)

What are those brown creatures?

It’s sad that Ariel has to change herself (into a human) in order to obtain the prince’s love.

True love’s kiss appears in multiple of the Disney princess films.

“You have your looks, your face, and don’t forget the importance of body language.” I think Ariel is sexualized more than some of the other princesses.

The storyline creates the idea that beauty is more important than having a voice in a relationship.

Little girls might think you only need to be beautiful in order to succeed in life, and to find your prince.

“Shows up in rags and doesn’t speak. Not my ideal princess.” What is the “ideal” princess?

I like how in this movie, a man cooks for the princess.

When I was younger, I had a electric toothbrush that played “Kiss the Girl.”

“That’s kinda pretty.” Wow Prince Eric that was kinda rude.

Ursula called Ariel a tramp! Clearly, Disney got a little raunchy with this film.

Ariel cries a lot more in this movie than I remembered. She’s the epitome of an emotional teenage girl.

Triton is king, and he’s still not powerful enough to defeat Ursula.

Like Do Rozario’s piece mentioned, Triton becomes accepting of Prince Eric at the end. He goes against his views and gives up his daughter in order to make her happy.

The father-daughter relationship is very prevalent in this movie. Compared to the first wave films, I criticized less aspects of this movie. In addition, I think this movie is more entertaining than the first wave films, and has a better soundtrack.