The atmosphere that was once filled with anticipation as the whole family awaited the release of the live action incarnation of Beauty and the Beast, has now been dampened by news that the movie will not be released in Malaysia. (Update: It has been confirmed that BATB will be released on 30 March, uncut, with a PG-13 rating!)
But that shouldn’t stop us from still obsessing over the film, starring everyone’s favourite A-lister, Emma Watson, as the title character. Read on, and we promise you and your kids will be rewarded 😉
We first met Belle when the Disney animation was released in 1991, so it’s no wonder we’re excited for the kids (and ourselves, let’s not KID anyone) when we first heard that this remake is happening. That Celine Dion song! That yellow dress! That adorable teacup! What’s not to love?!
Belle is arguably a princess different from the rest, which is why she’s our favourite! If you need some convincing, here are our reasons.
1) Belle the bookworm
Not just any bookworm – one that doesn’t care about what others think of her! Now, who does that remind us of?
In this remake, she will also be an inventor just like her father, Maurice. And what a refreshing change – a Disney princess known for her brains as well as her beauty!
Instead of the kids leaving the cinema wanting to be a street racer or an assassin, wouldn’t we totally love it if they picked up a reading habit? Hey, smart is the new sexy!
2) Belle the independent woman
Unlike many women in her time, Belle is not concerned about getting married and having kids, and most certainly not someone as “positively primeval” as Gaston!
3) Belle the kind-hearted
If anybody could represent the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”, it would be Belle. She sees past his frightening appearance and even falls in love with him, and defiantly retorts Gaston when he mocks her.
4) Belle the courageous
‘Nuff said. She has no problem speaking her mind – must be those darned books!
5) Belle the curious
Not allowed to explore the castle? Nope, Imma do what I want.
If Belle isn’t the best role model for your children, we don’t know who can be! Kids who love reading? Yes please! Kids who are kind and compassionate? Sign us up! Witty kids who can retort with comebacks without any hesitation? Err…we’ll come back to that.
At the time of writing, Beauty and the Beast will not be showing in Malaysia. *cries*
But you can nurse those wounds by heading over to Sunway Pyramid from 10th to 26th March to immerse yourself in Belle’s world with a Beauty and the Beast inspired display. Kids and adults can take part in colouring, airbrush tattoo and nail art workshops available all day round, and creative rose-making workshops on weekends. You can also shop for Beauty and the Beast related merchandise!
At the centre of the concourse, you can marvel at an exact replica of the Beast’s enchanted red rose glistening in a bell jar.
And if you spend RM500 in 2 receipts, you can redeem a limited edition Beauty and the Beast notebook.
We’ll see you there!
