≡The Forgotten Tale
An old French story inspired the famous tale of Beauty and the Beast. The plot revolves around a fairy who, after falling in love with a king, gives birth to a girl, but is banished from the fairy world. The child grows up among humans and is called Beauty for her incomparable beauty.
Meanwhile, a prince raised by fairies suffers a terrible curse when one of them, having harbored desire for him, is rejected. Furious, she transforms the young man into a Beast, condemning him to live like that until a woman agrees to sleep with him of her own free will.
The fates of the prince and Belle intersect when the young woman's father, after taking shelter in the Beast's castle, picks a rose for his daughter and is sentenced to death. To save him, Belle surrenders herself to the monster and gets to know him better. Over time, she overcomes her fear and falls in love. When she finally gives in to her feelings and spends a night with the Beast, the spell is broken, revealing a handsome prince.
The queen, initially against the marriage, only accepts the union when she discovers that Belle is the daughter of a king. The tale, which inspired Madame Leprince de Beaumont, is said to have been based on the true story of Don Pedro Gonzales, a man who suffered from hypertrichosis and lived in the French court.
The animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991)
The animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991) hid curious details that few viewers noticed. During the scene in which Maurice gets lost in the forest and enters a cabin, it is possible to notice a book with an illustration of Aladdin on the shelf. This detail caught the eye because Aladdin would only be released a year later.
Another interesting fact is the design of the Beast, which does not resemble any specific creature. To create his appearance, the animators combined features of several animals: the mane of a lion, the horns of a buffalo, the forehead of a gorilla, the body of a bear and the legs and tail of a wolf. The combination resulted in a unique and striking look for the character.
In addition, a dramatic moment in the film makes direct reference to The Phantom of the Opera. In one of the scenes, the Beast, overcome by fury and sadness, tears up a portrait of his former human form. This gesture is reminiscent of the iconic scene in which the Phantom destroys images of himself, reflecting his anguish and rejection. These details show Disney's care in inserting layers of depth and homages within the animation.
Still not sure? Test yourself with one of these challenges 👇
Discover some interesting facts about Beauty and the Beast
The Disney Classic That Made History
Released on November 13, 1991, Beauty and the Beast is one of Disney's most iconic films. It was the first animated feature film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. It also won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and the Annie Award, cementing the golden age of Disney animation.
The story takes place in a French village, where Belle, an intelligent and dreamy young woman, rejects the arrogant Gaston. When her father, Maurice, gets lost in the forest and is imprisoned in the castle of a fearsome Beast, Belle sacrifices herself and takes his place. What she doesn't know is that the Beast is, in fact, a prince cursed by a sorceress and that the spell can only be broken if he learns to love and is loved in return before the last petal of an enchanted rose falls.
Over time, Belle and the Beast form a deep bond. As the rose is about to lose its last petal and the Beast is dying, Belle realizes her love for him and kisses him, breaking the spell. The prince returns to his human form, the castle transforms, and everyone lives happily ever after.
The Secrets Behind Creation
The animated classic that has won over generations hides surprising curiosities about its production. The protagonist of the story, known for her intelligence and strong personality, had her appearance and manner inspired by the iconic actress Audrey Hepburn. Known for her sophistication and elegance, Audrey served as a model for the character, influencing everything from her delicate features to her independent stance.
Another curious detail involves the choice of the voice actor for one of the central characters. To ensure the perfect voice, the actor responsible had to improvise in an unusual way. During the testing process, he auditioned inside a car, in the parking lot, searching for the ideal tone to bring the character to life. The unusual decision ended up guaranteeing him the role and helped create one of the most striking voices in animation.
The protagonist Bela
The protagonist of Beauty and the Beast is an intelligent and dreamy young woman who has won over generations with her strong and independent personality. Unlike the other girls in her village, Belle stands out for her love of reading and her desire to live great adventures beyond the confines of her small village.
Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she sacrifices herself for her father and decides to live in the Beast's castle. Initially frightened, Belle discovers that, behind the monstrous appearance of her host, there is a sensitive and vulnerable being. With patience and kindness, she manages to see beyond the curse and awakens feelings in the enchanted prince that he had never known.
Belle's love not only transforms the Beast, but also changes the lives of the castle's residents, who lived under the enchantress' spell. Her courageous spirit and her ability to see beyond appearances make her one of Disney's most memorable protagonists, making Beauty and the Beast a timeless classic.
The Beast: The Cursed Prince
Before becoming the feared Beast, he was an arrogant and selfish prince who refused to help a sorceress disguised as a beggar. As punishment, he was transformed into a monstrous creature and condemned to live isolated in his enchanted castle. The only way to break the spell would be to learn to love and be loved before the last petal of an enchanted rose fell.
At first, his rude and impulsive behavior makes him a frightening and ruthless being. However, as he lives with Belle, his true essence begins to emerge. The young woman realizes that behind his bestial appearance there is a gentle heart and a man capable of change.
Over time, the Beast learns the value of empathy and true love, transforming himself not only physically, but emotionally. His journey of redemption is one of the most remarkable in the classic Beauty and the Beast, reinforcing the lesson that true beauty lies within.
Gaston: O Caçador Vaidoso
Gaston is the main antagonist of Beauty and the Beast. Known for his strength and imposing appearance, he is admired by the villagers, who see him as a model of masculinity. However, behind his superficial charm hides an arrogant, self-centered and cruel man who believes he can have anything he wants - including Belle.
Convinced that she should be his wife, Gaston ignores the young woman's feelings and insists on winning her at any cost. When he realizes that Belle does not reciprocate his interest and shows affection for the Beast, his wounded pride turns into a dangerous obsession.
Determined to eliminate his rival, Gaston incites the villagers against the Beast and leads an attack on the castle. His desperation and thirst for power reveal his true nature, transforming him from a simple, conceited hunter into a ruthless villain. His tragic fate reinforces the lesson that arrogance and selfishness can lead to one's own downfall.
Still not sure? Test yourself with one of these challenges 👇
HOME