Tale as old as time
What does one wear to opening weekend of one of her favorite childhood animated movies 2017 live action remake? Branded character gear, of course! I was just as excited to wear my embroidered Belle Beauty and the Beast Jean jacket and book purse as I was to see the film. Somehow I feel that wearing branded merchandise and accessories make you feel just that much more connected to the characters and storyline. My jacket and purse are just as classic of pieces as is the movie and I cannot wait to wear them out to my next Disneyland adventure.
Beauty and the Beast 2017 Fan Theory
Circa 1991 Beauty and the Beast is one of my all time 90’s VHS faves!!! When I got word of a 2017 remake and release, I was beyond excited, yet slightly apprehensive. I mean, how can you mess with a classic? Why fix something that is not broken? After watching this remake, I have come to accept that the beauty of a fairytale is that a happily ever after may not necessarily include chapters that were purposefully left out. The remake keeps true to the essence of the original yet builds further upon the story to create new depth and meaning that provide insights and closure to some previous mysteries.
***DISCLOSURE - the remaining part of this blog post may have spoilers of the new film so please do not read further should you wish to not know and/or have not yet seen the 2017 film***
Symbolized by a rose, Beauty and the Beast is a tale that illustrates the pain and beauty that a true love story endures. The essence of love in Beauty and the Beast is actually depicted through multiple character relationships. The main and obvious love story is highlighted between Belle and the Beast; however, the depth of the meaning of love itself is also showcased by Belle’s quest for adventure, the endless love Maurice has toward his daughter and his beloved wife, how Belle is selfless in protecting and caring for her father, the loyalty of the Beast’s staff, and even the “love” Gaston has toward his own self. What particularly kept me scratching my temple throughout the movie was the character Agathe and her ties to the village people, Maurice, and the Enchanted rose. Halfway through the movie I realize that Agathe is actually the Enchantress. As the movie continued, I hypothesized a fan theory that Agathe/the Enchantress is Belle’s mother. Therefore, I believe that the Enchantress/Agathe/Belle’s mother ultimately plays a deep, powerful and pivotal role toward ALL of the characters in the film formed from events stemming from a rose.
My reasoning that Agathe/the Enchantress is Belle’s mother is as follows:
The Enchantress is a shape-shifter. Hence why it is possible that she take on various characters and looks (the old woman, Agathe, Belle’s mom)
The Enchantress had reasoning to cast a spell on the Prince. Was this because she would be the ultimate watcher and protector of all village people as Agathe and wanted a Prince who was actually worthy of taking on such a role? And that this “test” was given by the acceptance of a rose?
When Belle and the Beast visit Belle’s childhood home in Paris, the vile Belle’s mom takes poison from is in the shape of a rose which further depicts the symbolism of the Enchanted rose as the Enchantress.
Agathe rescues Maurice from the wolves and heals him. Is this essentially showcasing that Agathe has to come in this form because it would not have been appropriate to have appeared to Maurice as an Enchantress? Also, just for kicks I’m going to pretend that the tea she served him was rosebud tea ;)
Agathe stays in the village as a beggar (in my opinion disguised as a beggar) in order to watch over the well being of all village people. She actually has a modest and simple makeshift home in the forest where she has all of the essentials to survive. Her purpose therefore seems to be that of a motherly role of a caretake to all, most importantly, still caring for and watching over her daughter.
Is it possible that the reason why Belle broke the spell is because she is blood of blood of the Enchantress; therefore, giving Belle magical powers as well? (Do I hear Beauty and the Beast 2!!?)
Although it appears that Agathe bought the enchanted rose back to life after the Beast died, that doesn’t mean that Belle didn’t fall in love with him PRIOR to last petal falling, which could mean that the spell was indeed actually broken by Belle. I feel that Agathe/the Enchantress brought the rose back to life because she wanted the rose never die (particularly relating the rose to love - the love she has toward her daughter and Maurice and the new love that was formed between Belle and the Prince)
Although Belle’s mom is no longer living in human form, Belle’s mom is able to stay connected to her daughter by shape shifting to characters Agathe/the Enchantress, as needed.
In essence, the Enchanted rose is restored to symbolize and showcase that the beauty of true love never dies.
Till the last petal of the Enchanted rose falls,
J9
