Beauty and the Beast

Name: Beauty and the Beast - Christian Parent's Review
Item: Beauty and the Beast
Rating: 1
Author: StoryScanner

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General Review

Parent's Guide to Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a musical romantic fantasy film that reimagines Disney's classic animated tale as a live-action spectacle. It follows Belle, an intelligent and independent young woman who finds herself imprisoned in an enchanted castle by a monstrous Beast. As Belle navigates her new surroundings, she uncovers the kind heart beneath the Beast's frightening exterior, eventually falling in love and breaking a powerful curse. The film is intended for a family audience, but its PG rating stems from instances of action violence, peril, and frightening imagery. It is generally recommended for older children due to its more intense scenes compared to the original animated version.

Things to Consider

High1

Witchcraft & Occult

Magic and occult themes are central to the narrative, revolving around an enchantress who casts a transformative curse and later undoes it. The fantastical elements drive the core plot without explicit rituals or dark magic implications beyond the initial curse.

An enchantress named Agathe transforms the selfish Prince into a Beast and his entire staff into enchanted objects, placing a time-sensitive curse linked to a wilting rose. At the story's climax, as the last petal falls and the Beast dies, Agathe reveals herself and uses her magic to break the curse, resurrecting the Beast and restoring all enchanted objects to their human forms.

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Medium5

LGBTQ & Gender IdentityViolenceRomance and Sexual ContentScary & Intense ContentDisrespect & Rebellion

Low3

ProfanitySubstance UseAnti-Christian Themes

Medium5

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

The 2017 film includes subtle but confirmed LGBTQ representation through the character of LeFou, Gaston's sidekick, depicted as having same-sex attraction towards Gaston. Director Bill Condon referred to a specific moment as an 'exclusively gay moment,' which has been a point of discussion among parents and reviewers.

LeFou consistently displays mannerisms and adoring looks towards Gaston, suggesting a romantic attraction. For instance, he asks Gaston, 'What about us?' when Gaston reveals his intention to marry Belle. In the film's concluding scene, LeFou shares a brief, joyful dance with a male henchman who had previously been seen happily wearing women's clothing, confirming the 'exclusively gay moment' mentioned by the director.

Violence

The movie contains several instances of action violence, peril, and fight scenes, which are considered more intense than the original animated film. These include physical attacks, the use of weapons, and implied deaths.

Romance and Sexual Content

The film features mild romantic elements, including kissing and suggestive flirting. While there is no explicit sexual content, some scenes contain innuendo and physical displays of affection between characters.

Scary & Intense Content

The movie contains several frightening and intense scenes, including dangerous animal attacks, the Beast's initial aggressive demeanor, and a confrontational mob, making it more intense than the animated predecessor.

Disrespect & Rebellion

The film portrays clear instances of disrespect and rebellion, primarily through Belle's defiance of societal expectations and Gaston's arrogant and dismissive treatment of others, including acts of manipulation and imprisonment.

Belle exhibits consistent defiance against the provincial town's expectations and Gaston's persistent romantic advances, demonstrating her strong independent spirit and desire for a life beyond traditional roles. Gaston demonstrates severe disrespect towards Maurice, mocking him and conspiring to have him committed to an asylum after Maurice speaks of the Beast, and later imprisons Belle to prevent her from saving her father.

Low3

Profanity

Profanity is minimal and generally mild, with only a few instances of coarse language and one religious reference used in an angry context.

Substance Use

The film includes incidental depictions of alcohol consumption within a social, period-appropriate context, primarily in a tavern setting, but substance abuse is not a central theme or glorified.

Anti-Christian Themes

The film primarily features a secular fantasy narrative with some background elements of Christian culture, such as a chapel with a crucifix. There are no explicit anti-Christian themes or direct mockery of Christian beliefs within the plot. However, some Christian parent reviews express concern regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ representation as conflicting with their values.

Belle is shown interacting with a priest and receiving books in his chapel, where a large crucifix is visible, indicating a general Christian cultural setting rather than a thematic conflict. While the film's narrative does not actively promote anti-Christian messages, some Christian review outlets voice concern over the movie's inclusion of homosexual references, viewing it as 'annoying and offensive' from their perspective, which reflects a clash of values rather than direct anti-Christian plot points.

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Disney's 2017 live-action rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" presents several core themes that resonate with biblical values, offering a rich ground for discussion among Christian families. Central to the narrative is the profound message that true beauty lies within one's character, not in outward appearance, a principle echoed in biblical teachings (1 Samuel 16:7). The film consistently rewards virtues such as kindness, empathy, and sacrificial love, exemplified by Belle's compassionate nature and her willingness to sacrifice her freedom for her father. Conversely, vice is clearly depicted through the arrogant and selfish character of Gaston, whose pride and misogyny ultimately lead to his downfall, demonstrating a sense of moral accountability within the story. The worldview presented leans towards a transcendent perspective, suggesting that inner transformation and genuine love hold the power to overcome curses and redeem brokenness, rather than a materialistic or relativistic view of life and meaning. The enchantress, who instigates the curse, can be seen as an instrument of divine-like judgment and mercy, allowing the Prince an opportunity for repentance and growth. The movie is particularly strong in its redemption themes, which align closely with Christian concepts. The Beast's journey from a self-centered prince to a loving individual illustrates a powerful narrative of repentance, forgiveness, and grace. Belle's unconditional love and self-sacrifice are portrayed as the catalyst for the Beast's redemption, drawing parallels to Christ's redeeming love for humanity, which breaks the curse of sin and offers new life. The theme of forgiveness is further highlighted as the villagers ultimately accept the transformed Beast, restoring harmony to their community. Family values are positively portrayed through Belle's deep devotion to her father, Maurice, showcasing a loving and protective parent-child relationship. However, Christian parents should be aware of the film's representation of magical elements, as the enchantress and the curse are central to the plot. Additionally, the inclusion of a subtly depicted "exclusively gay moment" involving the character LeFou has been a point of controversy for many Christian viewers, raising concerns about its alignment with biblical teachings on sexuality.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

Not recommended for children under 8 years, with parental guidance recommended for children up to 12 years, and suitable for children over 12 years. The MPAA rated the film PG for 'some action violence, peril and frightening images.'

Good to Know

Parents should be aware that the 2017 live-action version is notably more intense in its depiction of scary and violent scenes compared to the 1991 animated film. Discussions around themes of inner beauty, kindness, and compassion are central. Some may wish to discuss with children the potentially problematic implication that a woman can 'fix' a dangerous or frightening man, as well as Gaston's misogynistic treatment of women. The film's 129-minute runtime may also be challenging for very young viewers to maintain attention.

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