The Index of Why Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" (2017) Could Be Better Than the Original
When Disney announced a live-action remake of its 1991 masterpiece, the world was divided. While many consider the animated classic "perfect," the 2017 version—starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens—brought significant updates that some fans argue make it a more complete cinematic experience.
Whether it's "better" is subjective, but there are specific areas where the remake undeniably adds depth, solves long-standing plot holes, and expands the world of the characters. 1. Enhanced Character Backstories
One of the most praised aspects of the 2017 version is how it fleshes out the origins of its protagonists:
The Prince’s Upbringing: Unlike the 1991 version, where the Beast is cursed as an 11-year-old for a single mistake, the 2017 film shows him as a decadent, cruel adult prince. It also hints at a tragic past involving his mother and a cold father, providing a more grounded reason for his initial selfishness.
Belle’s Mother: The remake finally answers the question of what happened to Belle’s mother, revealing she died of the plague in Paris. This discovery, aided by a new magical book, creates a deeper bond between Belle and the Beast, as they both share the grief of losing their mothers at a young age.
The Staff’s Guilt: In this version, the castle staff aren't just innocent victims; they feel a level of guilt for not intervening in the Prince's cruel upbringing, which adds weight to their hope for redemption. 2. Solving Decades-Old Plot Holes
The 2017 screenplay by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos was designed to "fix" questions fans had been asking for 25 years:
The Missing Castle: It explains why the nearby village doesn't know about a massive enchanted castle: the Enchantress cast a spell to make everyone forget its existence.
Belle’s Literacy and Skill: While the original Belle loved books, the 2017 Belle is also an inventor. She creates a "proto-washing machine" to give herself more time to teach other girls in the village how to read, reinforcing her role as a modern, proactive woman.
Transportation: It clarifies how Belle actually got the massive, unconscious Beast back to the castle after the wolf attack—a detail the animated film simply skipped over. 3. A More Organic Romance index of beauty and the beast 2017 better
Critics and fans alike have noted that Belle and the Beast’s relationship feels more earned in the remake:
Beauty and the Beast live-action remake is best accessed for viewing via official, secure platforms like
rather than unsecured open directories. Compared to the 1991 original, the remake features expanded backstories, new musical numbers, and distinct CGI visuals. Review: Beauty and the Beast (2017)
The 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast is often considered superior to the 1991 original in terms of character depth, plot consistency, and world-building. Key enhancements include expanded backstories for Belle and the Beast, solved plot holes, and new musical numbers. For a detailed look at how the remake improves on the original, read the analysis at www.vox.com
While the 2017 live-action remake is often debated against the 1991 animated original, it introduced several "features" that some fans and critics argue make it a better or more complete version of the story:
Expanded Backstories: The 2017 film fills several "plot holes" from the original, explaining how Belle's mother died and why the Prince became so arrogant (attributed to his abusive father).
Modernized Belle: Emma Watson's Belle is reimagined as an inventor, creating a donkey-powered washing machine to free up her time for reading. More Depth for Side Characters:
LeFou: Given more agency and a redemption arc, rather than being just a punching bag for Gaston.
The Household Staff: Explains why they are also cursed along with the Prince—for standing by while his father mistreated him.
New Music: Added three new songs by Alan Menken and Tim Rice, including the Beast’s solo ballad "Evermore," which gives the character a more distinct voice. The Index of Why Disney’s " Beauty and
Visual Spectacle: Features Academy Award-nominated production and costume design, with Belle’s iconic yellow gown requiring 12,000 hours to complete.
Technical Quality: The film is available in high-fidelity formats like 4K and IMAX, offering a level of visual detail not possible in the 1991 animation.
The 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast provides a more grounded retelling of the classic fairy tale by layering in modern themes of personal history, intellectual connection, and social consequences. Key Story Improvements in the 2017 Version
While largely following the original plot, this version is often considered "better" by some for the way it fills narrative gaps and deepens character motivations:
Logical Plot Fixes: The film explains why the villagers forgot about the prince's castle: the enchantress's curse erased the castle and its inhabitants from their memories.
Belle as an Inventor: Belle’s character is modernized; she is not just a reader but an inventor who builds a "washing machine" to automate chores, giving her more time to read and teach other girls to read.
Deeper Backstories: For the first time, we learn the fate of Belle’s mother (who died of the plague in Paris) and the Beast’s upbringing, explaining his initial coldness as a result of his father's harsh influence.
Intellectual Bond: The romance feels more natural as Belle and the Beast bond over their shared love of literature. Notably, the Beast is shown to be well-read, even critiquing books Belle likes, which creates a more believable friendship. Core Themes and Lessons
Inner Beauty vs. External Vanity: The story continues to emphasize that true beauty is found within, but it contrasts the Beast’s redemptive transformation against Gaston’s growing inner ugliness.
Empowerment and Education: Belle's insistence on education for herself and other girls highlights reading as a tool for independence and freedom. Why was the Prince cursed as a child
The Power of Memory and Truth: Understanding one’s past—exemplified by Belle discovering the truth about her mother—is presented as essential for personal growth and moving forward.
For a detailed look at how the 2017 version altered the classic story beats to fit a modern audience: 22s
Several articles highlight that the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast
improves upon the 1991 original by deepening character backstories and modernizing its social themes. While some critics found the remake unnecessary or lacking the "soul" of animation, others argue its "human experience" and expanded plot points offer a more complete narrative. Key Improvements Highlighted by Critics
Beauty and the Beast: 5 ways the live-action remake ... - Vox
The 2017 film addresses plot holes from the original:
These fixes make the storytelling better for modern audiences.
The original had six iconic songs. The 2017 version has nine, including three new masterpieces:
These additions make the 2017 soundtrack objectively better in scope.
The 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast arrived with high expectations and predictable skepticism: remaking a beloved animated classic is risky, and the phrase “live-action Disney remake” had already begun to draw groans. Yet beneath the glossy costumes and CGI flourishes, the film quietly delivers strengths that make it better than many initial reactions suggested. Here’s a concise look at why the 2017 Beauty and the Beast deserves more credit.