Yesterday my eighteen-year-old daughter and I were privileged to see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in the new live action format for 2017.
Overall, the Disney retelling of the classic story of love between Belle and the Prince was magical. The original is one of my favorites so I was pleased to see that the new live action version stuck very closely to the original with only a few slight twists from the animated movie I know and love. Sadly one of those twists was in the addition of overtly homosexual content sprinkled throughout the movie’s subplot, as I’ve described below.
The cast choices for Belle, the Beast, and the animated characters who become human again in the end were delightful. One of my favorites was Maurice (Belle’s Father) and of course I loved the actress who played Belle. Even the choice of character for Gaston was spot on.
This movie is currently causing quite a stir in the news and online in social media because of the leaked comment from the director, Condon, who mentioned an “exclusively gay moment” in the movie. Everyone who knows I’ve seen the movie already is now asking me the question – what exactly does that mean? What is this exclusively gay moment everyone is talking about? If you don’t want to know ahead of time, stop reading here.
Here are my observations about the sexual content in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Disney’s Exclusively Gay Moment
1) Le Fou (Gaston’s sidekick) is clearly gay and clearly infatuated with Gaston much more obviously than any gay character has appeared in any other Disney movie. Unlike in Finding Dory, the homosexual content in this movie will not be missed.
2) Le Fou starts giving Gaston a hand / shoulder / ear massage during the Gaston song that is definitely sensual from Le Fou’s perspective. EDITED TO ADD: This song also includes a moment where La Fou briefly sits on Gaston’s lap, leans in, puts Gaston’s arms around him and then says “Too much?” Gaston is perturbed.
3) At one point toward the end, Gaston gets very close to Le Fou’s face; they are face to face and it looks like a romantic angle but Gaston is actually angry and yelling. It draws a direct contrast between what Le Fou wants and the fact that Gaston has really just been using his devotion all along. EDITED TO ADD: I’ve been struggling all week with wondering why I put this into my review and why it bothered me or was even noticeable to me. I think it is because this is the point at which I thought the rumored kiss was going to happen. It didn’t. So this point in the movie is really a non-issue but if you see that close up image of their faces – don’t worry. They don’t actually kiss or anything.
4) In the final dance scene, Le Fou is dancing with a woman but at the very end he cuts in on another couple and dances with a man. It was made to appear as a fortuitous accident. What I did not realize until later was that this is the same man who earlier “enjoys” wearing the woman’s dress. (explained below under other sexual content.) EDITED TO ADD: I’ve seen various reviews stating that this was two seconds long and others stating it was four seconds long. Either way — this is the exclusively gay moment Condon was referring to. It was not insignificant.
5) Because the audience was expecting the homosexual element, there was a lot of giggling and awareness or expectancy among the audience in the theater about Le Fou’s obvious crush on Gaston. If you have little children, this is just going to serve to draw even more attention and questions in their minds.
6) There are several verbal innuendoes of a homosexual nature that grown-up audience members are likely to notice – a lot like many of the punch lines and references Disney has put into kids movies in the past, presumably so that adults can enjoy the movie too. I didn’t notice these myself, but afterwards when I reviewed my post with my daughter she said “Mom, you have to mention the verbal innuendoes.” So they are in there. I did notice, a few times, scattered laughter from the audience after the fact where I had clearly missed something.
Other Sexual Content in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
1) In the final battle scene, three men are attacked by the wardrobe (Madame Garderobe, a female) and dressed as women. Two of the men run off in horror and terror but the third decides he likes it and runs off happy as Madame Garderobe (the wardrobe) sings, “Be free.”
2) At the end, Belle falls in love with the Beast while he is still the beast, but does not kiss him until he has been transformed back into a human. They are seen kissing and later dance together.
Conclusion
Unlike its animated predecessor, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in live action format is rated PG for Parental Guidance recommended. If you are concerned about the inclusion of gay sexuality and the subtle display of lust in this movie yet still plan to attend, you will definitely want to have a guided conversation with your kids either before or after you view this film as a family. I do not plan to see the movie in the theater with any more of my children (my 18 year old attended with me and a fabulous conversation afterward) and will rent it to watch with my husband a second time to verify my first impressions before we decide whether or not to purchase it for our family to watch at home.
Thank you
Thanks so much for your input on this. Did you know about the “gay moment” before you saw it? I’m just wondering how subtle it would be to a kid or someone who didn’t know?
Sigh.
Hi! So I’m confused? Is there a conversation that is clearly about Le flou being in love? Trying to see if it’s subtle or if you can clearly catch on to him being in love with Gaston?
No one came out and said anything in conversation. However it was certainly obvious just from La Fou’s gestures and facial expressions and the odd massage and other things I’ve mentioned. Maybe subtle. In a way. But not really as subtle as some people are claiming. Especially since he danced with the transgender man at the end.
Thank you!
Not transgender. Cross dresser is the correct term for a man dressing in women’s clothing. Not all cross dressers are transgendets or even gay for that matter. And before anyone jumps on me, I am Christian. I just feel we need to stick to the correct terms…
This is how it begins… Just push the envelope a little and see how people react. They are heading in a disturbing direction that will only get more blatant with time.
I agree with you completely!!
exactly— they are testing the waters… and it will continue to get more blatant and we will become more and more desensitized to it
I did know about the gay moment beforehand and I did go into the movie with the purpose of being able to right this post for all of you. However, ask yourself this question. How likely are your children going to miss a four second dance between two men – especially if you buy the movie and they watch it over and over again? In my home if my little boys didn’t catch it the first time they most certainly would the second or third time. I think they pick up on a lot more than we imagine.
Great write up!! I’ve been curious just what was in it. I posted about it yesterday and have been getting lots of comments. 🙂 Thanks for stating the facts, Amy!!
You are welcome. I’m glad I could help.
Thanks for the heads up, but I feel compelled to point out that the Disney version is not the “original”. I teach French and my seniors study the actual original film, the 1946 Jean Cocteau version that uses live people after reading the French story that the movie is based off of. Oh, and Disney is the one that added singing cups and lamps. The true originals just have enchanted aspects to the castle. I have students current and former who have stated they will be comparing this to the actual original, not the Disney version which was created decades later.
Most of Disney’s stories aren’t original. Snow White nearly died three times before the dwarfs saved her, the final time she simply had a chunk of apple stuck in her throat. Sleeping Beauty has more than three fairies, with Maleficent actually being one fairy that was not invited (as opposed to a witch), and the original Little Mermaid she sacrifices her life for the prince instead of ending up being with him. They are much darker than Disney makes them out to be.
I understood her to mean the original Disney animated production, not that it was the original story.
Disney movies is for kids of course they wouldn’t follow the original version its not suitable for young kids to watch. Listen to the song “a dream is a wish ur hearts makes” they give kids to believe in there on dreams.
I don’t know you personally, but this section causes me to question you perspective as you turn a man into a “she” in your review ? Maybe a typo?
” 1) In the final battle scene, three men are attacked by the wardrobe and dressed as women, two of the men run off in horror and terror but the third decides he likes it and runs off happy as she sings “Be free.””
Trish – the she in this sentence refers to the WARDROBE not the boys. The Wardrobe is a female and a singer. I apologize that I was not clear.
Oh, good to know. I thought you meant after the wardrobe change, the ‘he’ immediately considered himself a ‘she.’
The confusion was caused because a pronoun must immediately follow the antecedent it refers to. Since the men were mentioned in between the wardrobe and the pronoun, the men would be the antecedent for all following pronouns in the sentence. Just a little editing tip to help with future blogs. 🙂 The better editing you have, the more reliable your information seems. You can always have a friend read through it for grammar such as the difference between “right” and “write.” Then when it comes to stuff like pronouns and antecedents, you can google it or use an English-lit reference tool.
Hi Jennifer. Thank you for the grammar lesson! I have an editor, who is very good to me and works super hard to fix all of the broken antecedents in my posts, but because I posted this one *before* she had a chance to edit it – I’m sure antecedent improvements are coming down the pipe.
How subtle will it be for a 9 year old girl?
I think most 9 year old girls will pick up on a lot of it. I don’t want to take my eight year old boys at this point.
In 1991 the original Beauty and the Beast was rated G.
And was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
Thanks for the article.
Serving Jesus above all but you had the “privilege” to watch this sick movie. SMH
I’m supposing that you are a Christian, with this statement? I am a Christian, worship leader and a pastor’s wife. I may not believe that living a gay lifestyle is God’s best plan for you, but a better thing it to talk to someone with respect, instead of taking a jab at them from another angle. While you may totally be opposed to this movie… we all have things in our lives that might not be God’s desire. You have to take certain things in this world… the good the bad the ugly… Etc and shelf what is not beneficial to your character. I think our words need to hold more grace, then slander. My son came out of the closet this year and is gay. I will love him no less, even though like I said before, I don’t believe that this is God’s best for him. There but for the grace of God go I… I choose things in my life every single day that is not good for me and I know it. I will go see this movie and others. If I choose not to see this movie, because of one scene, then I have to stop seeing every Hallmark movie that is played on the TV. There’s something controversial on every show that we watch. This is just like in the 80s, when everybody band, I believe it was Procter & Gamble, because of a certain belief. No Christisns were going to buy any more products from them. If this is truly how we’re going to live, then we can’t buy anything from anybody, because everybody believes something different than ourselves. Grace always wins…
Well said!!! God bless you.
Thank you for your support. I appreciate it so much. 🙂
Hi Mrs. Amy,
I am single with no husband and no kids and I appreciate your review of this movie. It’s objective and honest. The way I see it is if Christians are going to boycott this movie, then they need to stop going to the Disney parks too. The hypocrisy is ridiculous in my book. I am not condoning homosexuality. In fact a dear nephew of mine came out of the closet recently. It saddens me but yeah…I don’t love my nephew any less. If we as Christians were more consistent with how we portrayed Christ to a lost world around us perhaps things wouldn’t be as bad as they seem around us. I commend you for your honesty. I probably will see Beauty and the Beast and not because I’m “less” of a Christian than others. Would like to remind my fellow Christians out there that if you cannot in good faith go see this movie- don’t go. It even says “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” But if you can go in good faith (good conscience: not influenced by others’ choices, by personal conviction) to see this movie, go.
Great Christian reply filled with understanding, love, and grace.
Beautifully written.
SAD THAT DISNEY, WHO MARKETS TO CHILDREN, IS EXPANDING THE SLIPPERY SLOPE JUST TO ADVANCE THE GAY AGENDA…THAT’S HOLLYWOOD TODAY. IT IS IMPORTANT TO EVALUATE AND MONITOR OUR CHILDREN’S EXPOSURE. DISNEY IS NO LONGER A SAFE SUPPLIER OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR CHILDREN.
I agree completely with this comment. This is sadly true.
Unfortunately, Disney has not been a safe supplier of children’s entertainment for decades.
But what’s wrong with letting children know and see gay people? I’m sorry for replying so late.
Prayers for you and your family, Melanie Lynne. That’s a difficult place to be in, but God is there, too. And He is enough. Keep praying❤️
Very well said!’
So beautifully articulated!
It takes a great amount of courage to truly love. Thank you for being an example of this to all mom’s (and all believers really).
“Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres… Love NEVER fails!”
And as a side note, I appreciate that you actually saw the movie before reviewing it! Better than the usual, “This is the worst movie I never saw!”?
Amen to grace!
Thank you for Christian, common sense approach to this subject. You are absolutely right. How can we share God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice if we’re stuck away in our own little safe world because we “disapprove” of everything that is out in the world? Thanks,
privelege: a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.
Amy was invited to see the preview of the movie. That is a privilege no matter what your opinion of the movie.
Exactly!
It is a privilege to see the movie before it is released so that I can address these issues before parents make a decision.
And we thank you!
Don’t make your trolling so obvious next time.
You’re incorrect on one thing in this article – its animated predecessor was rated G, not PG like the live action movie.
“Unlike its animated predecessor, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in live action format is rated PG for Parental Guidance recommended.”
Please read carefully before posting a bit-picky post on an article written to help. Amy clearly states that the PG-rated live action version is “unlike its animated predecessor.”
Thank you, I did make that edit once I could get back into my site on Saturday.
As someone who LOVES the original, and a total Disney Geek, most of these scenes sound pretty near identical to the original. Especially the scenes between Gaston and Le Fou. It’s always been a suspicion that he is gay. My daughter who has seen the original hasn’t picked up on it, and I didn’t until I was nearly an adult myself. From what I have read in other reviews, it is nearly identical to the original and the broadway production, not just an adaptation like Cinderella or Jungle Book. Makes me wonder if it was “leaked” to stir the pot, and get more publicity.
The composer for the Disney animated version was openly homosexual and had just been diagnosed with AIDS when they began working on the film. It’s not surprising that there were subtle “hints” that a character might be gay.
Hi Rachel!
I hadn’t been aware of this! However, after some research, it’s important to note that the musical composer, Alan Menken, is not gay, but the lyricist was gay, and was diagnosed with HIV in 1988, while working on The Little Mermaid, not Beauty and the Beast.
Obviously, this would not negate your point, but I thought it important to note that The facts appear to be slightly different than presented, unless I misunderstood you, which is possible 🙂
Anyway, thanks for pointing that out! Hope you have a great day!! 🙂
I have always felt that Le Fou had a crush on Gaston in all Disney productions, but was not necessarily out of the closet.
Heather this was my thought exactly! I feel like the pot has been stirred and therefore people are now viewing this movie with a very critical eye, seeking to find the bad. But nobody is mentioning the fact that La fou was overtly infatuated with Gaston in the original animated movie from Disney!
I did not see this in the original movie at all. I saw him ogling the bar maids and wanting to be the cool guy.
Excellent review, thank you!
Quick point: the original animated version from the 90s was most definitely rated G, not PG.
Thanks for this thoughtful review!
Amy, you underestimate the understanding of children today. They are exposed to so much more than we ever were at a very young age. You make it sound just like I would expect someone who doesn’t see what is happening here. This follows bho’s executive order to allow boys and men in girls locker rooms, bathrooms, hotel rooms on school trips, etc. Hollywood and the far left leaning progressive liberals are trying to “transform” our country, and that starts by DE-SENSITIZING our children to make all this look normal. Well, IT IS NOT NORMAL and I would never take a child to a film, play, etc. that had this kind of material in it. Let these kids be filled with pure innocence as long as possible! I hope they do horribly in their numbers, ratings, etc.
God forbid children are exposed to other things and you have to actually parent. Exposure to other cultures is the cure for prejudice. Believe it or not, they’ll be exposed to it eventually.
Exposure leads to education and raising children that will follow Jesus, not that I want to expose my children too young, but answering questions and having discussions will help them be better people. I feel that teaching them to love everyone no matter the differences in culture, belief and lifestyle is just as important as teaching them the bible.
I am a homeschool mother of 5 and I was encouraged by another mother,to come to this site and get the “real scoop from someone who has actually seen it”.Your review actually concreted my decision to not go and see it.This film “winks” at sin.It places a deceptive seed within little ones.Jesus warned us to be gentle as doves[that goes for being gentle with our young impressionable children that were given to us by God to raise for His glory;and wise as serpents.Wisdom is so absent from Christian parents today.We say we will stand for Christ when it comes down to it,but aren’t all these decisions taking a stand one way or another? As Charles Spurgeon said of DISCERNMENT,”Discernment is not knowing right from wrong,but knowing right from almost right.” We are at war and our enemy is still using the same lie that Eve bought,”Did God say…?”
Best comment I’ve read.
Thank you.
Thank you for standing for truth in a graceful way! Wonderful response!
The only problem in today’s world is that you can protect and shield your children as much as you can however you’re still not going to be able to block every little thing they see and hear. You’re better off letting them see what they will and then use the Word of God to teach them the “truth” about it. Trying to hide it will only drive their curiosity later in life.
This is true to an extent, but there is a lot to be said for introducing difficult topics at *age appropriate* times rather than allowing them to see everything that could come up and then trying to explain it. Waiting until kids are older to discuss some of the difficult issues in life protects them from having to deal with things that their young minds are not able to process. Parents are the best ones to decide for their own children when the right time for these discussions is.
I agree that age appropriation is necessary. Scary that it is everywhere though. My 7 year old son who goes to a Christian school a d I were watching the cooking channel and they brought out the contestants spouces out and two men kissed. I so wasn’t expecting it that I didn’t have enough time to “shield” him from it.
Yes! Amen! Nicely said.
I agree with you!!! Not going to go watch it either.
Yours is a very important comment. This will get worse and worse unless we stand up to it and refuse to give them our money.
Yes, yes, yes! The CSpurgeon quote is one I’ll tuck away for safe keeping. Thank you.
Thank you! We can not say we love those who are in sin, yet celebrate or be entertained with sin. especially knowing that sin leads to our destruction!
Well said! I do not plan on seeing this movie. I actually stopped watching secular movies, which I wrote about recently on my own blog. I agree wholeheartedly – why would we want to be entertained with things that Jesus suffered on the cross to set us free from? There are plenty of great Christian movies around these days that have none of the filth and blasphemy that secular movies do…
Wisdom! Thank you!!
I totally agree. When I heard about this being in the movie, I decided I do not even wish to go see it in the theatres with my friends, never mind my kids. I do not wish to celebrate or be entertained by sin. And Disney’s animated feature is one of my favorite movies (probably because the main character loves to read and was considered weird by the townsfolk… and I could associate with that).
Thank you Tammy. Well said.
Thank you.
you are very welcome.
I think people underestimate what kids do & do not understand!!! You say oh younger kids won’t know, well some just don’t give kids enough credit, they’re kids, young kids who understand way more than some think!!!, If I feel like I have to have a conversation with my children about certain scenes in a movie then it’s probably just best not to even take my kids. Kids should be able to go see a movie without parents having to explain to them what they might see or saw that was maybe sexual in nature in a movie!!!!
Although I’m glad to read this information in order to confirm that we would never see this movie, I’m puzzled about why a Christian would see it at all.
I agree. And I love Disney movie, but our family will not be seeing this movie. And they will know why, it will be me planting the seed of Gods words, not a movie they see, and then talking to them (seed planted)after we watch it and see everyone laughing and incuraging the movie. I think people have forgotten the song be careful little eyes what you see. For the Father up above is looking down with love, be careful little eyes what you see.
Perhaps to be able to comment intelligently on it for us? You know, so all of Christendom isn’t making ignorant comments about something we actually know nothing about? There is sometimes a benefit in discerning, mature believers getting *firsthand* information about something for the benefit of the Church as a whole.
Thank you for this. Can you comment on the “payoff at the end” that the director seems to refer to in regards to LeFoue’s character?
I really did not get that comment unless it refers to the fact that the transgender man who was dressed as a woman is the one who ended up dancing with La Fou in the final scene, but dressed as a man again. I did not even realize that it was the same person until I read another blogger’s review today. It happened to fast for me to notice. I *thought* going into the movie that there would be a kiss or something significant that was the payoff but I didn’t see anything I thought fit his description.
You’ve made the reference to transgender twice. I’m wondering if you meant transvestite? They are two very different definitions.
The correct term here would be crossdresser. Transgender refers to to someone who presents as a gender different from the sex to which they are born (ie: male to female).
Please stop throwing around the word transgender! This character in the movie is a man that got in a fight with a wardrobe and during that fight, the wardrobe dressed the man in women’s clothing. You are using the word transgender, as a way to create fear mongering in hopes that you will further deter Christians from watching this movie.
I’ve checked my post five times for this word and I do not see it. I don’t have time to go through and edit comments.
Disney airs the first gay kissing scene.
This is absolutely disgusting!
Absolutely against what God’s Word teaches!!! Call them!!
Name :Robert Iger
Company Name :The Walt Disney Company. 8184607477 they will put you to a message recording and leave message. Here is another number that you can talk with a live person and she will put you through a recording. 818-560-1000
Email Address :[email protected]
Company Url :https://www.disney.com
Libby – I did not see any gay kissing scene in this movie.
I believe Disney did release a Disney XD tv show that had homosexual couple kissing.
I think you are correct about that. I just wanted to clarify that it does not happen in Beauty and the Beast unless I blinked at the wrong time. Beforehand there were rumors of a kiss happening.
They are talking about “Beauty and the Beast” here. Not a show.
Thanks Amy!!
You are very welcome.
I never liked this story because it grooms little girls to accept the bullying behaviors of men who they hope to be able to transform into princes with the excellence of their true love. This story has all the early hallmarks of domestic violence.
Forget having a guided discussion about gay behavior. Instead, tell your daughters to never go with a man who separates her from her father and tries to control her by intimidation.
Martha, astounding point! Why is nobody talking about romanticizing a man/beast kidnapping a girl and manipulating her into loving him? This overtly wrong behavior has much more potential for harm to girls and young women than homosexual undertones. Disney has wittingly or not used beautiful songs, animation, and a gay storyline (which might be just a red herring) to normalize a horrible way to treat women. Without things like cute little singing cups from Beauty and the Beast and bondage from 40 Shades of Grey, these two movies are shockingly too similar! Have we all been duped for decades? I dont know, but as a gather of two teenage daughters, I plan to teach them to see a man for who he is, not who she wants him to be.
*father of two teenage daughters
I remember a time when “good Christians” did not read fairy tales to their kids because they glorified evil (I think that was it – can’t remember) so my mom wouldn’t send any books to my nieces and nephews unless they were specifically Christian.. She’s since changed her view….. Fairy tales are good(white hat) vs evil (black hat) with good winning out. They remind us of the story of Jesus vs. satan and that Jesus wins. Maybe they weren’t written with that specifically in mind but that is their role none the less. The cruelty of the Beasts’ treatment of Belle’s dad is the very reason he was cursed to wear the skin of a beast.That is the point of us witnessing it. Gaston’s pride is the very reason he is not the hero and is never seen as one. It is not Belle’s beauty that wins/changes the heart of the Beast…it’s not her attempts to get him to love her or her aspiration to change him… it is her kindness and grace (as in not giving what is deserved) that melts his heart to love and give. Much like it is God’s kindness and grace that leads us to repentance and a soft heart. We can look for a demon behind of every bush or we can look for the Light in the darkness.
It would be easy to take issue with my, purposely chosen, words black and white.& the deep psyco/sociological messages those possibly inflammatory words conjure but again…do we look for and proclaim the sin and darkness? or do we look for the light of redemption that God is waiting for us to embrace and point that out to others?
I appreciate your comments. Sometimes we can be so “heavenly minded, we are no earthly good.” And I think sometimes we are so busy going after the “beast” (the sin in others) that we lose sight of grace and the love of Christ…”do we look for the light of redemption that God is waiting for us to embrace and point that out to others?”
Thank you Amy for sharing your take on this movie. I do think parents need to decide what is best for their children. But let’s be a beckoning light in a dark world…not a harsh fluorescent that only makes others want to shut it off.
I tried to be very respectful and factual, not harsh.
I might be wrong because I haven’t seen the original Disney Beauty and the Beast in a while. But didn’t the Beast take Belle’s father captive because he took something that belonged to the Beast? And didn’t Belle decide on her own to take her father’s place? Not sure this could exactly be called kidnapping, although no doubt a good conversation with your kids would be a good thing. Lessons to teach our kids: First, we can see Belle’s love for her father, and then his love for her in wanting to go save here from the Beast. How wonderful is that lesson! Next, we never see in the original Disney movie the Beast doing anything bad to Belle. He treats her kindly, which is confusing to Belle. Belle looks beyond his ugly exterior to his good heart, which is a good thing to teach children. In the end, she finds out he is a prince of a guy all along. Real life doesn’t usually play out so neatly, but there are plenty of good examples in this story to teach children — love of your family, looking at the inside of a person (their heart) vs. the outside of a person (their looks), which is what God did when he chose David to be king. (Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.) I don’t think there is any real bullying in here, though the Beast does need to learn how to control his temper, which Belle rightly tells him. Belle stands up pretty well for herself against the Beast, don’t you think? He learns a lot from here as well, which is a good thing. Lots of good lessons to be learned if we just sit down and talk to our kids about them.
Having said that, I would not bring my kids to the movie if I had little ones (mine are grown). But I did want to go see it, and now I won’t. Disney knew for sure that adding gay characters would cause some people to have to choose between their consciences and moral standards or going to the movie. They did not have to put these scenes in the movie. The only way to let Disney know how we feel about this is by not going and hitting them in the pocketbook, kind of like what happened to Target back wit the transgender bathrooms, and there is also a petition going around. Disney is making it difficult for some people to be able to go, all in the name, it appears, of spreading the gay agenda. Also, as Christians, we needs to remember to treat everyone in a kind manner concerning this. These comments have been really great in that regard. Thank you for this.
Very well said!
Very well put and why I love the story.
Well said! 🙂
Wow! Excellent point!
The original Disney version of the film is G rated, not PG. I appreciate the information about the PG version.
Thank you. Once I could get in to edit my post on Saturday I did update that information.
Thank you so much for your honest opinion of the movie! It is so helpful for us with littles who were debating on taking them to the movie. Great post!
You are very welcome. I am glad I could be of help. It is a hard decision for so many of us who saw the animated version in theaters as the original generation. It was the first movie I watched with my (now) husband when we were dating — sitting in the dorm lobby together with about 30 other students.
Thank you for your review. We were so looking forward to the live action Beauty and the Beast and are terribly disappointed with the addition of openly homosexual content. We will not be viewing this movie.
Thanks so much for your thoughts. You validated what I decided after hearing the gay character plot. I had promised my 4 and 8 year old we would go before all this news came out, but we will no longer be going.
The movie release date is March 17. How were you able to see the movie so soon? Early screening somewhere? The whole conversation buzz online the past couple days has me very concerned. Thanks.
I am currently on the Disney press list for movie screenings and often get to see movies before they open.
Thank you!
Amy, thank you so much for the review.
My daughter (6) begged to have a “movie party” this year, and we bought the entire package for her to have a party at the theatre/see the movie with her friends. Now, moms are canceling, and it looks like I will have to change my party. I’m so upset by this…not only that it will surely disappoint my daughter, but also that they went to this length. I truly wish I could see the film, to judge for myself, but I’m all-around just bummed…
I am actually wanting to see the film again just to verify that my first impressions are correct. I can understand wanting to judge for yourself.
Thank you for these inputs and comments. Our kids are young teen-agers (14 and 16) and will not watch this with them. God bless you and all you do.
Interesting review. Such rude comments from folds who claim to be Christian. I think when the author talks about the “original” version, she means the original Disney version. This is a very old, old story and is much different than the Disney versions. But who cares it’s make believe. And I thought Le Fou seemed quite gay in the original cartoon and so did my five year old son. He said, “mommy, I think that guy is in love with Gaston” He didn’t understand what gay was then but he got the drift.
I am bewildered as to why anyone, and especially Christians, speak or act as if it is necessary to see every Disney movie that is made. There are many other fun things to do as a family that involve interaction both physically, as in outdoor games or sports, and emotionally, as in bonding over conversation at special dinner out. Teaching a child that they must see every Disney movie, attend every Disney on Ice, or own every Disney character toy just encourages greed and dissatisfaction as they grow into adulthood and face the realities of financial responsibilities. Would time with your child not be better spent face to face rather than sitting side by side facing another screen? A Disney movie might be a treasured memory if it were an occasional special event. If there is any question about the suitability of any movie why bother wasting precious moments trying to decide if you should take your child? This gives the question far more importance than it could ever deserve!
Well said, that woman! Thank you for sharing that, it really blessed me.
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Well said, that woman! Thank you for sharing that, it really blessed me.
You realize in the cartoon version he still gives Gaston a foot massage and rubs him and leans in for a looks like wanted kiss while they were dancing together so this is not added it was reacting what was there. Watch the cartoon movie again we just watched it today all those parts you are concerned with did happen in the movie.
I do not consider a foot massage like the one in the cartoon ANYTHING like the hand massage I saw in the live action version. You might be able to draw a small comparison, but the homosexual undercurrent in this movie was not nearly there in the animated movie.
I am a little disappointed in everyone’s comments. The point to this is we shouldn’t have to decide whether a Disney movie is questionable or not. Disney should remain for children. If we as a population do not take some control and refuse to watch things that are slowly causing our children at an impressionable age to accept things we are wrong. If you don’t go they won’t make these type movies. We have allowed all the tv and movies to become mostly inappropriate for almost everyone because we continue to ignore and watch. Disney should be ashamed and parents should take a stand to refuse to spend their money and take their sweet innocent children to something like this. It will get worse and worse with acceptance.
Exactly. It’s called ‘de-sensitisitzation’ & that’s exactly what Satan hopes to accomplish. Look @ our easy acceptance of the media: how much the norm is it now for couples to live together or have sex outside of marriage & we barely blink? How about ”magic” in TV shows/movies? Stuff that we shouldn’t accept barely causes a ripple. This has started a whole lot earlier – we sold out a long time ago & most haven’t realized it.
I’ve noticed on the Disney kid’s channels a substantial number of shows based around magic (or sufficiently advanced technology it’s essentially magic). My objection to that isn’t about the magic, it’s that it’s a crutch for lazy writers. If you can snap your fingers and anything happens, then you don’t have to put a lot of effort into writing.
It seems that there is not just a “gay moment”, but several moments. Your advice is sound. View the movie before watching it with your children. Thank you!
Thank you for breaking it all down, it puts my mind at ease. From all of the “controversy” I expected the scenes to be much different than you described. We will still be taking the kids to see it.
Sad that Disney can’t just be Disney anymore. I hate what this world is becoming.
Can you explain more about the dance between Gaston and the man? I didn’t understand exactly the context and what the happy accident was–or how it was perceived or accepted by Gaston.
More info would be appreciated; thank you!
It is not Gaston who is dancing with a man. He is dead at that point. In the final scene, Belle and the prince are hosting a formal ball in the castle. The scene really revolves around them dancing, but at one point toward the end a close up is shown where La Fou is dancing with a woman. It pans in and out and then at some point he “cuts in” or somehow ends up dancing with a man (who is the happy cross-dresser from the earlier scene.) It is made to seem like an accident in some way but it still gets the point across and they keep dancing off the screen. Hope that helps. It also all happens very fast.
To add a little clarity, it is the type of French court dance where the partners are frequently changed. So at the point when a natural partner shift occurred the two shifted to the wrong partners (presumably leaving two ladies without anyone to dance with) they smile awkwardly but not unhappily (it stays there long enough so you know who the other character is) and the camera leaves them.
I am more concerned with this moment because of all the other moments leading up to it and the weight of importance given it by the Disney director. Not because of a mistake in a dance, but that it was purposeful, intentional and specific.
Yes, I know. I was more commenting on the circumstances of the narrative. It is clear the characters are happy. But to have it happen accidentally in a dance where everyone is constantly changing partners (which means they would switch shortly) is a different narrative than is LaFou had bodly walked across the dance floor and asked another man to dance. I’m disputing that the two of them dancing wasn’t purposeful by the story tellers, but just pointing out exactly which story it was they were telling is all.
*not disputing rather.
We recently decided to not take our children (ages 12-2) to see the Lego Batman movie because of conflicting reviews about it’s homosexual agenda. Something about the the running joke of Robin having two dads and thinking that’s cool? We decided to wait until it’s out on video so we can preview it. I noticed your recent review of the Lego movie but these things must have been pretty subtle to escape your notice? I was just wondering how you thought these movies compare in pushing this type of agenda?
I did not think the “running joke” about two dads had anything to do about homosexuality. That never even occurred to me. I’d have to watch it again to know for sure if it was a homosexual inference at all, but the two dads turned out to be the same person. (Batman and Bruce Wayne). And it wasn’t something that was stretched out through the whole movie. It was maybe two minutes. There is no comparison. I saw no agenda at all in LEGO Batman and the homosexual overtones in Beauty and the Beast were clear and obvious.
I do not “do” DISNEY. Because of the DISNEY Company stand for indecency and pushing their HOMOSEXUAL agenda …. I have never gone to DISNEY World and almost never watch DISNEY-ABC, nor do I go to or rent DISNEY movies !!
As a practicing CHRISTIAN it is my duty and my honor to boycott them
Hi, Amy!
Thanks for the heads up. My husband and I have been waiting for this movie to show so we, together with our 5-year old can watch this. Now I’m thinking of cancelling the plan off.
Once again, thank you so much. Blessings!
We too have a 5 yr old who is very excited to see it, but my heart is telling me no. It’s not just one scene (if that were the case we could fast forward) but it’s sprinkled throughout the whole movie plus Disney is very proud to finally have an openly gay character. The new Cinderella was def a winner in my book!!
Thanks for the great review. I have been on the fence about watching since the big “hubbub” but appreciate your take on it as it gives me more to think about!
I am really shocked and amazed that Disney, of all movie execs, would allow this in a children’s story. As society why must this be “stuffed” in our faces in everything. If one man likes another man, it is not my business but keep it in your home. My religious beliefs are violated as well, so is it fair that I have to remain silent because their feelings are hurt? What about my feelings, beliefs, etc. I am sick of seeing it, reading about it, etc. I pray I have taught my children right from wrong. I do not teach my kids to not be a friend with an openly gay person, but again it is that person’s beliefs not mine. I sleep with my husband, I have 4 kids, and I am not out parading that I need more rights because I am heterosexual. What if I wore shirts saying heterosexual and proud of it? That would cause an uproar. Moral of the story: What you do behind closed doors is your business and I am SICK of hearing about it!! Shame on Disney in my opinion!l
You are completely missing the point of basic human rights. But theh must not deserve that because it conflicts with YOUR religious beliefs.
You go in public with your husband, correct? Then why can’t a homosexual person be in public with their loved one?
I’m a heterosexual, married woman of two kids. I believe in God. I believe in being a good person and helping others. And I find that much more fulfilling than sitting around shaming others. One of my main parenting goals is to raise open-minded children who accept others for who they are, and who are a friend to those who need them. Let God judge others. It’s not your job. I believe Jesus would be a friend to those who need it most.
“I believe Jesus would be a friend to those who need it most.”
Jesus didn’t turn a blind eye to sin. He often rebuked and/or confronted people with their sin. As humans we often allow our emotional connection to people to overrule what we know to be right/wrong. We aren’t loving people if we see them doing something that is destructive and we don’t try to help them find their way to God’s righteous path (of course this must be done in love and with compassion and kindness). I tried to teach my children that each person is created in the image of God and should be loved and respected for that reason. Each person also chooses every day how they will live and if they will accept or reject God and His ways. If they choose to reject God and His ways I do not and cannot accept/embrace that sin as OK. Loving/respecting someone but rejecting their belief/sin seems to be something most people, even Christians, do not understand in today’s culture, but that is exactly what Jesus did. He loved us all and rejected our sin…to the point of dying to give us forgiveness for our sins. That is the message I have tried to instill in my children.
I feel really sad for any 16 year old that has to get a parent’s permission to watch “PG” rated film. They will for sure not be prepared at all for the real world.
I think you are reading more into what I said than you should. Even if I won’t be spending any of our money on the movie (I did say we haven’t decided about that yet) that doesn’t mean I would stop him from seeing this movie if he asked to go with friends. I honestly don’t think he has any desire to see this particular movie so that is a non-issue here. He is not quite 16 (two weeks) and will have his driver’s license and access to a car soon. He is a second degree black belt, an assistant instructor, has many friends and knows how to manage his money and go grocery shopping, cook and do laundry. He’s very academic and will be able to easily get into college and find a good career. I am pretty sure he will do just fine in the real world and has more freedom than you imagined by reading one paragraph in my post.
Thank you for your review! I like the guided conversations to have before and after movies . I’m already doing that with my 10 yr old and he understands and now he’s able to “feel” out movies and tell me if something goes against our values. My 5 year old really wants to see this movie but not sure she will understand the guided conversations. My convictions are telling me no 🙁
Seems harmless to me. Even if the character is truly gay, you have to remember that it’s 2017 and if you are truly a Christian, you would love all god’s children, no matter what their sexual preference, especially a FICTIONAL character!
I don’t recall her saying anything about not loving anybody, especially fictional character.
Your article is well written. I was immeduately caught off guard when I noticed the “Beauty and the Beast” advertisement for dolls and other toys. A part of those proceeds go to you, cost per click, and especially if there is a sale. There seems to seems to be a gap in your conviction, your perspective and your willingness to accept financial reward for the sale of these products.
One, I enjoyed the animated version very much and have no problem with purchasing those products. I’m not anti-Disney or all for a #DisneyBoycott. Two, I have already paid $250 THIS WEEKEND alone just to keep this post up on my server because traffic has crashed it. There are expenses (sometimes massive) involved in having the privilege of providing you with the information you need to make wise choices for your family and one of the ways I cover those expenses is by placing ads on my site. Three, I don’t actually pick which products Amazon or my ad service provider shows you – they do it based on the post and/or your previous viewing history on Amazon. Four, nothing on my site is pay per click. The ads are paid per 1000 page views, and the amazon ads only result in a small commission if someone actually purchases something on Amazon. If it bothers you, don’t click and don’t go to any sites that have ads.
Spoken like someone who has no clue of the financial cost of running a popular blog.
Not going to lie, I’m a bit disappointed that this whole thing barely touches on the beastiality that the whole movie centers on AND the sexual violence in the story. A girl kept captive by a beast who verbally abuses her until she gives in and falls in love is surely more problematic than homosexual undertones.
The beauty and the beast fairy tale is fantasy… if the beast didn’t talk and dress like a human and was a lion I would consider it beastiality.
I believe the term beastiality refers to the act of sex between a human and an animal. Since the “beast” in this film is a human trapped into beastly form by magic and they do not ever consumate a relationship, this is not beastiality.
Thank you so much for doing this review! It confirms my decision not to see it in the theater. I am so disappointed, as I was looking forward to this movie more than I had any other in a long time. I love Emma Watson (Belle) and Luke Evans (Gaston). What a shame!
Thank you for your review, it is much appreciated! God Bless!
If the animated version is anything to go by there is some kind of fault that could be found with each and everyone of the characters. Greed pride anger laziness excess drunkeness disobedience no respect of boundaries or rules animal cruelty immodest apparel deceit……. It is such a shame to pick on any one above the other especially when that one is love.
Neither heterosexuality nor homosexuality are to be confused with love.
You didn’t say anything about Gaston’s misogyny, violence, bullying, infidelity, and egotism. I’m assuming these are acceptable, and don’t raise an issue when presented to your sons?
Also, you seem to misunderstand the difference between a cross dresser and transgender individual. Wearing a dress does not make one transgender. In fact, in my people’s culture, the male warriors wore skirts into battle.
On occasion I have been known to sport a skirt, knee socks, and even a small purse. But in my people’s culture, this is not seen as feminine, but is the accepted dress of the males, and wholly masculine.
One final note. In the prologue, it is clearly stated that the curse will not be lifted unless the prince can “learn to love another.” No sex is specified. [Words have gender, people have sex]
Honestly, judging Disney by (your) Christian standards makes about as much sense as me judging my neighbor’s children based on my parenting preferences. Disney is not a Christian company, and has never claimed to be.
This post is not about judging Disney. It is about choosing whether or not to go see the movie in theaters or purchase it for viewing in your own home or choosing not to see it at all.
Thank you for your review. I just wanted to mention to people who may not know, Walt Disney World has a gay pride day at their park every year. They are a for profit company and not necessarily Christian, so don’t assume that Disney movies will show Christian values either.
I so appreciate this review. I’ve seen the hype and wanted to watch and decide for myself. I still do after reading this, but it is so helpful to have a little more informative of an article on what to expect besides the vague and often hype driven guesswork articles hot topics like this tend to deliver.
I am so sorry for all the high emotion going on in your comments thread. Thank you for being our early eyes and telling us exactly what to expect before taking our kids to see it. I personally can’t wait to go with my six year old!
You are very welcome! I appreciate your support.
Thank you so much for this review! Beauty and the Beast is my favorite movie and I have so looked forward to taking my daughters (5 & 7) until we heard about this.
Do you think that most of it would go over the heads of the majority of younger children? Or is it very overt?
Discussion is, obviously, always necessary regarding every movie.
I think in part, it depends on how many times your children see the movie. Will they look past two men dancing together (for four seconds) the first time they see the movie? Possibly. Will they notice once they’ve seen the movie six or seven times? I think so. And I also think children see far more than we think.
We do NOT “CONDONE”—Homosexuality, because GOD (in his Word) states, in several passages (scripture) that it is a SIN–and an abomination to GOD—-Sooooooo——We will NOT be going to see “Beauty and the Beast”–because, we will not support this Behavior !! It is NOT our place to—Judge______”GOD will judge”—-We are to LOVE the person, but not their SIN……………..Also , there are many other SINS that are named in the BIBLE—-and one SIN is no greater than another !!!!! It is ALL SIN, in God’s eyes !!!!!!
That doesn’t make any sense. Why not use it as a teaching opportunity? It’s not about the gay character after all. Tell your kids that you don’t support gay behavior, but just like Jesus you respect everyone.
Amy, thank you for your thoughtful review. We are in similar places with kids, and your views on things tend to match with mine. I got a little bogged down in the comments, but I just wanted to be an encouragement to you. Keep up your good work!
Thank you for that. I appreciate your kindness and the time you took. I’m a bit bogged down in the comments myself. 🙂
Thank you! I have heard about this and was disappointed about what Disney did! I was looking forward to another Disney movie with the family. My kids range from ages 4-9, and unfortunately they won’t be able to see this! It is sad that we can’t even do family movie night without screening movies anymore!
Thanks
The real issue for me is that this is an issue at all. If you want your children to grow up in a better more inclusive world filled with tolerance and acceptance this doesn’t require a conversation – it requires nothing more than just enjoying the film for what it is… as a father of two children (ages 9 and 6) I’ve never had them question me about these things because I don’t make them a “thing” in the first place. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I thank you for your point of view – my point of view is just don’t focus on it as a concern and it isn’t one.
Agreed.
It’s not just the homosexual thing they are pushing, but bestiality as well.
It’s all so subtle, just like Satan in the Garden of Eden.
It may seem innocent enough, but kids won’t see it as being a man changed into an animal, they see an animal, then a man. Seed sown.
I don’t think that we realise just how subtle the agenda is and what may go over our heads doesn’t go over the heads of our children, because they are way more observant than we are. The seeds may not become apparent straight away, but later in life the world will water them and then seedlings sown by the enemy will grow, and at the least cause children to doubt, and I don’t even want to think about the worst case scenario, although seeing all the rainbow flags and facebook posts says enough to me.
Seeing as you haven’t seen the movie (given the date of your comment) let me correct your misconception. Spoilers ahead. You are first introduced to the prince as a man before you ever see him as a beast. There are numerous flashbacks showing him as a human prince. There is no handholding, kissing, etc when he is a beast. There is the iconic dance and that is the only contact between them. It is absurd to call this any form of beastiality. He was human, he was cursed, the curse was lifted, he was human again. If you don’t want to see the movie or don’t approve of Disney, awesome. But don’t say things that just don’t hold any water whatsoever.
Thank you so much for your review, I had no idea that any of this was in the film. My 9 year old has had March 17th circled for weeks now as we had planned on going on a mommy/ daughter date to see this, now I’m not so sure. I will be taking this to the Lord in prayer, thanks for the heads up!
Amy,
Thank you for your thoughtful review! I now know that 1) I am not spending money to see this movie and 2) I don’t have the patience for movie review blogging. This must be your calling because I would have flipped the table and walked away from this.
I’ve got new for you, If your kid turns out gay because they saw a short scene in a Disney movie, they were already gay!
My family will NOT be watching this movie based on your review. I don’t feel anything will be missed. Thank you so very much! 🙂
I’m surprised there hasn’t been an outcry from gay activists about “straighwashing”, since Josh Gad isn’t gay. Your article pretty much confirms what I was expecting, that it’s more bark than bite. This time.
Thank you!! I needed a Christian review! Looks like we will be avoiding the movie. How disappointing.
Thank You!
The truth is Disney has been duping parents with its animation from its beginning. Walt Disney was not the “grandfatherly” person most people believe him to be. Do some research. The company has not changed direction it is going exactly as planned. It has been a tool in the underminding of Gods’ absolute truths in our culture. It is working. If you believe you and your children can watch these things and just have conversations to clarify inconsistencies in your faith, and yet come out spiritual unscathed or not influenced you are naive. Just ask advertisers and the marketing industry the impact that this medium has. It is scientifically proven. Not to mention God said look not on the unclean thing. Yes your children will be exposed to things in real life and you will have to parent and teach them through things but that is different than inviting it into their minds and hearts. This is spiritual warfare and yes they will throw in plenty of light so you can “look for the good” and have plenty of opportunities to discuss these “positive” lessons with your children. I would remind you that we are warned about the dangers of mixing light with dark and that this is Satans tactic. He does come as an angel of light for this very purpose. Give your children real nourishment for their minds and they will recognize and discern evil, subtle or not, when confronted with it. Give them Disney’s (or Hollywood’s) confusing mixture of light and dark and they will be more likely to question and compromise. May God bless us all with discernment and a love for truth.
Mother of 6. 🙂
Thanks,
Now I’m sure to take my kids to the see this film.
I find it very important for them to experience age appropriate gay relationships and Disney usually has none.
I want my kids to know that Homosexuality is just fine. If one of them will be gay growing up I want them to feel accepted and loved without even thinking about it.
So glad we have gay friends to model all kinds of healthy relationships.
Hero-worship of someone who’s using you hardly seems like a “healthy” relationship, homosexual or not.
It doesn’t play out that way at all actually. LaFou never tells Gaston of his feelings. He comes to the realization that it isn’t healthy and that Gaston is evil.
Amy, thank you for this review. This is my favorite Disney movie and I’m so disappointed with what they have includef in “a family movie”. Totally ruined it. My girls are older and understand this topic, but now I have serious reservatons of seeing this movie. Maybe I will wait until it’s on DVD and rent it. So bummed.
Having read and pondered on your review as well as the previous comments shared here, I have a few questions and thoughts:
What was Gaston’s response to Le Fou’s rubbing him? Indifference? Annoyance? What part of Le Fou touching Gaston causes such angst? Their genders? Could this be a subtle message that even big, strong men have to deal with harrassment?
Disney movies have been studied for years for their underlying messages…some of which were captured here. Finding Nemo can be used as a conversation starter about parent-child relationships. The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been used to start discussions about the signs of sexual predators in authoritative positions. This live action movie can be a start of questions about how children feel about others touching them…how they feel about seeing men dress as women…how they feel about how love helps and hurts people.
By focusing exclusively on the first impressions of the “gay moments,” we miss the more subtle messages that Disney movies offer.
I read many comments trying to understand the angst expressed. But I loved this one by Kirsten – “By focusing exclusively on the first impressions of the “gay moments,” we miss the more subtle messages that Disney movies offer”
I am fortunate that my daughters are now of an age and understanding that I can wait to rent the movie, and use it for another conversation starter on relationships and touching and good choices. Looking forward to it now, I wasn’t when I started reading these comments.
Wow. Thanks for your insightful review. It does help us in the decision-making process. And sad to see that Disney can’t leave a good story alone.
Thank you for your review, but is this really an issue- I would think people would be more upset with the fact of a human falls in love with beast and wants a relationship with the beast (not like this is a dog or anything). Belle is willing to die for this beast because they love each other.
Yet the issue people have about this movie and are in an uproar is about a possible homosexual scene based on an interpretation of how a male looks at another male.
Understanding that this is a movie – but seriously if a possible homosexual scene is gonna stop people from seeing a movie and not the fact that a women and a beast will fall in love and are willing to die for each other – then we got some strange priorities in life and as christians
This movie is not about beastiality. It is about a man who is trapped in the form of a beast by magic. And beastiality refers to the act of sex between a human and an animal.
Thank you!!! I am getting so tired of people trying to say this is beastiality. He was a man. He was cursed. Then he was a man again. There was no sexual contact (not even a kiss) when he was a beast. She fell in love with who he actually was (thus the whole point of the story!!!)
Thank you for your honest assessment of a controversial topic.
Thank you for an honest view into this movie. It confirms our decision not to allow our kids to view it.
All those who claim to love Jesus, (God) and believe in his holy precepts should reject spending a single penny on this movie. If we support this movie, which is a direct attempt to indoctrinate young children and young adult adults into believing that homosexual relationships are acceptable, then we must also accept the responsibility of the consequences are society will face as it continues its moral decline. We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive both good and bad for what we did in the body. This is every Christians opportunity to shout Jesus’s name rather than Barabbas’ name. Who will you honor?
I must be getting old cause even though I know all the non Christian things happening in this world, it doesn’t mean we have to have it thrown in our face as a movie. If my children were still little, they would not be going. As a child, let them have their own fantasies. Life passes us fast and they’ll learn all the idiotic things going on and hopefully, they will not get engaged in such activity.
I’m so grateful for your honesty and courage, Amy.
Thank you so much for your support. I am so grateful for those who have appreciated this heads up and treated me with kindness.
My thing is if u go into it looking for something good or bad that is what u will see especial bad u will see it every time I haven’t seen it yet but it is one of my favorite movies and for many reasons so for me I respect u job u had to do but if people still want ur kids to see it that is there and then they can explain what in the movie to them let parents do there job and stay in ur lane
Thank u
I don’t believe I am outside of my lane at all – I am not telling anyone that they have to do this my way. The fact that you are the parent of your own kids and must make your own decisions is understood. I did my best to remain respectful and factual by describing exactly what happened.
I don’t recall reading anywhere in the review that Amy tried to tell anyone what they should or should not do. She did a great job of addressing the highly publicized “gay” influence in the movie, and obviously leaves it for parents to make their own decisions. It is her job to share her thoughts & opinions – you cannot write a review without them.
You know, gay people exist regardless of one’s personal beliefs. Many Christians don’t approve of people living together without being married…yet you would be polite to that person all the same. Hopefully you would do the same for a gay person.
So why are you considering avoiding this movie simply because of gay innuendo? You see gay people in real life, so why not use the movie as an teaching opportunity? Explain that “we don’t approve of gay conduct but we respect all people because that’s what Jesus would do.”
Isn’t that are better way, than pretending it doesn’t exist? Eventually your kids WILL meet gay people… don’t you want to have talked to them about it BEFORE then?
Actually we see and are very polite and respectful and even kind to all people when we interact with them. Quite a few of my kids have met homosexual people. And we do have conversations at home when we see homosexuals kissing in the park but that doesn’t imply that we spit at or yell at them when we see them. This has nothing to do with those individual people and everything to do with the the fact that Disney is trying to normalize this one particular sin. You don’t see Disney normalizing sex outside of marriage or lustful eyes between the main characters in any of their G or PG rated movies and if they did – most everyone would say it wasn’t a kids movie. And yet you wouldn’t claim that I was being angry and hateful to everyone in the world who had sex outside of marriage, which would be a lot of people. Instead you would recognize that I don’t want Disney normalizing such behavior in front of my six year old.
I understand your point Kai, but isn’t it also true that we can teach our children that they can take a stand against any agenda that they don’t believe in? Now, I don’t mean against people, we have to teach them to treat people with love, as Jesus did. But, this business of making a huge push to demand that everyone think the same way is really not ok.
Each family must decide for themselves, but there is nothing wrong with saying no, we aren’t going to support that because they are working SO incredibly hard to press a political agenda. They have, actually, the director and media have made a big issue of it, so we do have to decide if it is appropriate one way or the other. I appreciate this perspective from a kind, intelligent, Christian, mother.
You are correct (in my opinion) though, it is a great teaching moment. But, you can teach kids about sex & anything else, without demonstrating or without supporting someone else’s agenda. I say it is a great teaching moment to show them that we don’t always have to buy into the mainstream view. We are allowed to take a stand, respectfully, lawfully, and without being unkind to others. I’d much rather my boys learn that.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy life to write this honest and thorough review. I really appreciate it!!!
I like your article but n the cartoon the wardrobe puts men in dresses at the end as well. Before anyone jabs at me I am taking my kids to see this and they are 8 to 16. No matter where you turn in this world there is going to be gay tendencies, Your article was great and I am not jabbing at you each parent is different but I am not going to shelter my children from the reality of the world. Sadly It is part of society and one day our children are going to have to deal with it. These people are human too and as a Christian, I must say God loves us all.
I found your blog bizzare. We are all Gods children in all our vibrant diversity. Watching a gay character will not make our children gay. But comments like yours will make those of our children who are gay feel ashamed and attitudes like this lead to our outrageously high gay teen suicide rates. Shaming children is very in-Christ-like. Judgement is too. I pray that none of your children happens to be gay and if they are that you see the light and have the love and faith to accept them for who they are.
I’m sorry, but your comment is out of line. It’s almost like you didn’t read the article at all. Not one place did she mention anything about shaming children, treating people badly or speaking ugly to those who are gay. What she DID do, was her job – she answered the many questions which have been spawned because the DIRECTOR & media have made a big deal over this so they an push a political agenda. She simply describes the scenes so that parents know what the publicly described as “exclusively gay” look like. Parents wanted to know, Amy’s job was to describe it – she did. Now you can go see it, or not, whichever is best for your family. I’m sick and tired of hearing people say that having an opinion about this means that a parent isn’t accepting their children for who they are. As parents, we teach our children about our beliefs, political, spiritual and so forth. The people who don’t leave room for children to feel accepted and loved unconditionally, are doing it wrong. Sharing opinions about HOW gay scenes in a child’s movie are laid out . . . well, that is simply helpful information for PARENTS.
you people do realize that most of the stuff in this movie mentioned above also happened in the original cartoon G rated film correct? and I don’t think your 7 year olds picked up on it then. It’s just fun.
So what? Why would you prevent your child from seeing a movie that includes acknowledgement of gay people? Gay people exist. Do you think pretending they don’t is doing your child a favor? What if your child is gay and this gives him/her an opportunity to talk to you about it?
Wow! A lot of opinionated people leaving comments. I’d like to just take a moment to Thank You. It is so nice to stumble upon a blog from an actual Christian woman. I will bookmark your site??
Thank you for an open and honest review. We were so excited about the movie but since we read about the “gay” aspect we are not sure it’s something we want to support by going to a theater. Our daughter is 18 and we had planned to see it with family. I will share your input with my husband and daughter along with a lot of prayer and make a decision.
Thank you again.
Thanks for the post. Discretion is always advised when we’ve become so desensitized to so many things already.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency in your review, as well as your follow up reviews. Most of my children are still young enough that they wouldn’t care to watch this, but confirms that I don’t need to support it by seeing it. It is sad but not surprising at the volume of adults claiming Christianity that are willing to accept this movie and brush aside the homosexual presentation….it just shows the current culture’s indoctrination of depravity and the many that are falling into its trap, regardless of the timeless truth God has laid out for us. Bless you and your family for standing up and speaking truth!!! We should all be so bold.
I am amazed at some of the comments on this site. While as a follower of Jesus we are called to love our neighbor. Show the Love of Christ to our enemies and except that all sin is equal. Yes all this is true, however should we continue to expose our children and ourselves to sin through television or movies? While I would never harm or act rudely to a homosexual I do not condone or except that as God’s way of living and so with that in mind I would not have my children watch a movie that make this act look acceptable. The more children are exposed to something sinful the more desensitized they become to it. We in our home do not watch movies that are rated R or that have curse words, we don’t watch things that condone sin. We get enough of that out in the world and have plenty of conversations with our children about the things they see on a daily basis. We surely don’t need to continue to put it into their heads day after day through the movies and Tv they watch. I am the mother of 6 children and I am so thankful for this post and others that warned me about this movie. We as a family will not be seeing this movie, and one comment was right about not being able to be able to ban all things that don’t agree with God’s standards because we wouldn’t be able to live however when it comes to some things that we don’t Need we can for sure make a stand as christians and not participate. Example a movie is not something we NEED so we can choose not to ban it and not watch it. I feel this is why so many things are going haywire in America the Christans are not making a stand. We are using the Love card to make everything acceptable, but this is not what Jesus Called us to do, He called us to love the person but HATE the sin. Even though we all have sin we should hate all the sin. So we can still be loving without agreeing or supporting sin.
I really appreciated your “detailed” review. Thanks for taking the time to put it all down in writing. Disney is definitely trying to sneak in their homosexual agenda. We know it’s not God’s agenda. In fact, He has much to say about homosexuality in His Word. Just wondering…in lieu of all your comments, it seemed odd at the end of your narrative, that you would even consider buying this for your family???
Thank you! Just what I was looking for :). Having 13 and 9 year old girls, they have been excited to see this movie for a year. Now debate will ensue with my husband wether or not we should go. It’s so disappointing that Disney feels the need to sexualize its movies.
I wonder how many people who have posted here and are afraid of Disney normalizing the ‘gay agenda’ (whatever that is), also voted into the presidency a man who in my opinion normalizes sexually preying on women, divorce, bragging about not paying his taxes, and accusing his predecessor of very serious crimes – via social media. Such hypocrisy astounds me.
All of life is a teachable moment and an opportunity to learn. How sad that so many seem so afraid of both. Thank you for an interesting blog post about the film.
I love how yall are perfectly okay w bestiality but god forbid a man love abother man.
Thank you Amy, I’m a grandma to 12 children and often buy the digital copy to watch here for them. I wish I were more surprised by this info, but I’m not.
I appreciate the warning and will let my children know. Children are exposed to way too much sexual innuendo already and I certainly will pass on this one.
God bless you
Thank you! I really appreciate your honest review.
thank you soooo much for this review– i was wondering what exactly the “gay” moment was that they were hinting at— thank you for being straight forward!!!
Wow. Did I travel back in time or is it still 2017?? Because by reading these comments and this post it surely doesn’t feel like it. I am absolutely appalled at most of these attitudes here. Love is Love. Period. Why is this even an issue?! Heterosexual people have been kissing and making out in Disney movies since Disney was created. Where has the uproar been for almost every single Disney movie? God forbid your children see all love for what it really is… LOVE!
It actually really frightens me that you choose this to be all bent out of shape over yet the story depicts a teenage girl getting taken against her will, locked up, and then FORCED to be with an ANIMAL. That really doesn’t appall you??!?! So being gay is WAYYY worse than kidnapping, false imprisonment and a controlling and abusive man? Got it. Are all your daughters aware you feel this way?Because surely they would not be keen to hear their mother’s fell this behavior is acceptable.
Oh and I love how you can twist and turn it every which way you want to say that “oh no, this is not even close to bestiality” but the most subtle things you that might possibly think be gay, you MUST hide your children from. This is seriously so backwards! How can you not see it?
I hate to break it to you all but the “gay agenda” simply does not exist. It’s something all you homophobes made up so you have something concrete to whine about.
Thank you so much for these details. I agree with the commenter below who said, “This is how it begins…” So sad to see a company descend like this. We are witnessing the beginning of the end of traditional family-friendly Disney. I will not be seeing it, but I will wait for the DVD so I can watch it with my Clearplay (www.clearplay.com). I have already contacted the company and they have promised a good filter for this when it comes out.
Thank you for this review! I planned on taking my five year old daughter but have decided against it. I appreciate you taking the time to write this.
Yahll sure got dirty minds to see stuff like your describing in a kids show.
No I haven’t seen it or any other Disney movie in 30 years…No interest in such crap..
But humans I understand…An you gotta think dirty to see dirty ..Shane on all of you!
I kept my review pretty factual and based my interpretation of those facts on the director’s own comments. I fail to understand your point and I do not agree. As Christians, we can certainly see the sin without loving the sin.
Thank you for the review. I am sorry to see the Disney corporation stoop to such a low point. I will keep my cherished older Disney classics and pass them on to any grandchildren I may have, but will not longer support the corporation.
Great info. For me, the review doesn’t really matter because I refuse to give Disney my money where this movie is concerned! We need to send them a message that most of America doesn’t want to view this kind of entertainment! Especially where when our young children are involved!
Your kids probably know more about the LGBT community than you do. “Protecting” them is not better than being honest. Guys love girls. Girls love girls. Guys love guys. Some people (1 in 1500) are born with both sets of genitals or non decipherable sex (fact). Maybe spend more time teaching them that violence is wrong not love between people. They will understand easily.
Since we homeschool, I highly doubt my kids know more about LGBT than I do. They aren’t getting indoctrinated anywhere. The bottom line is, its a sin. That hasn’t changed. God doesn’t change.
Imagine being this miserable of a person.
Hi Amy,
No amount of shielding your kids from gay themes in movies will make them less straight or less gay. If anything, it will encourage a constructive conversation — an opportunity for you to teach your kids that, while they might not be gay, some people are and that’s okay.
Teach your kids that while you may not agree with homosexuality, it is important to always treat others with respect. It’s not okay to make fun of the ‘gay’ boy in school. It’s not okay to scold the two girls holding hands as they walk down the street. This will go a long way.
Long story short, the ‘gay’ undertones in this movie are very subtle. So don’t shield your child from them. It may be the perfect opportunity to teach your little ones about the importance of treating others with kindness. Gay or straight.
Sincerely,
The bullied gay kid from a Christian high school.
You make a very good point about treating everyone with kindness and respect, and I appreciate the fact that you chose to take the higher ground here and respond to me with courtesy and respect instead of hatefulness. Most of those who have commented here assume that I do not treat others with kindness and respect. In fact, we have plenty of opportunities to live that out in daily life, where we see and interact kindly and respectfully with homosexual people on a somewhat frequent basis — without supporting a movie and a director who are purposing to normalize something God has called sin and abomination.
1 John 2:15-17
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Hello, I am gay Muslim from the Middle East. As I watch the movie, the way LGBT is presented in the movie is not as it is supposed to be. Gay doesn’t mean lustful as it can be seen in the touching scene. I would suggest if there are more courtesy that would be much better instead of presenting explicit contents.
are you guys serious? its 2017, it’s taken long enough for members(including me) of the lgbtq+ community to get some of their rights. i think it is beautiful that they put these little moments in disney shows, it shows kids that it’s completely normal to be gay, transgender, bisexual, questioning, etc. children should be taught from a young age that this is normal. BECAUSE IT IS NORMAL.
I am a fan of this movie and of many movies, so I know that sin is often present in film…as it is in life. Why shelter your kids from sin when you can use it as a lesson? Kids are going to grow up around sin, it’s inevitable. You might as well use a kind-hearted film to explain how to deal with it. Also- why is Lefou’s lifestyle choice more offensive than the other sins presented in the film: the prince’s obsession with material things, Gaston’s vein attitude, the townspeople bullying Belle, etc. The Bible teaches us that a sin is a sin is a sin. Explain to your children why you disagree with Lefou’s choices, but also teach them to forgive and accept him. Were you not able to forgive and accept Belle’s father even though he stole a rose?
Genuine questions: did you know the actor who plays Gaston is gay, and does anyone bothered by Le Fou think a few quite subtle gay references is worse (or better) than a gay man acting in the film?
Unless you point it out( as you Have) children will not notice the “gay” element unless you have taught them about alternative life styles.
My grandchildren are under 9 and do not. I saw it with teacher friends and we were much more concerned about the helplessness Belle feels as she is separated from her father and the violent wolves in the forest. We know these are two things that freighten children. So we look at things through a child’s eyes as we do every day. I have explained to my 5 year old granddaughter about these scary scenes and that she can close her eyes for a bit and then it is over. I told her the other scenes are so enjoyable that I don’t want her to miss it for a few scary scenes.
I’m sorry I felt as though I needed to add this point in but who cares? Are people really that up in arms about this? Do they not know they are sinners as well? If you care so much about these sinners then pray for them, do not slander them and hate them for who and what they are. They are on a journey with God and if you care so much that they are gay and they are sinners then pray for them but also remember to pull the plank from your own eye before trying to pull the splinter from another mans eye. Also this, (John 13:34), “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
I’m glad you noticed this. Because I was furious that they changed LeFou’s character from what Disney original had him. They were so stupid to change it. They should have left LeFou character as just a boot licking lacky.
Thank you for your review. My son’s first grade public school teacher wanted to play this and I was concerned about the rumors. Your review clarified that this is not the right time for my son to see this movie.
Your article was brilliant. But with all due respect, I have to politely disagree. Here’s why: I am a God loving mom but I have to say, after seeing this film a few times, all these “gay” moments were such a non issue. My girls and I were caught up in the music (fantastic!), the choreography of dances, costumes, set designs, special effects, makeup and the creativity of character background extension. The attention to detail (the makings of the be our guest scene, building the little town and creating the hill for Belle to run up). All those dwarfed the alleged problematic “gay moments”. I think for our family, watching the behind the scenes showed how passionate those involved with the film were, passionate because they were proud to be a part of it. Proud of the opportunity to bring this cartoon to life. Not because they wanted to sneak in subliminal messages to influence our children morally. Truth be told, the cartoon LeFou has always been light in the loafers anyways.
In the end, it was just a wonderful classic brought to life. I am glad my girls will be the next generation to enjoy the music that made me smile as a little girl.
Sigh. I loved the original Beauty & the Beast but perhaps I’m biased since I worked for Disney Feature Animation in the 90’s. When I finally got around to seeing this live action version all I can say was I was truly shocked at all the luciferian imagery in a Disney movie. The “gay issue” is mere red herring compared to the occult symbolism prevalent throughout the film. The grunt location, animation, camera crews & cast are largely unaware of what they are part of, but the lead character designers, head animators, lead set designers & top FX artists know damn (sorry) well what they’re making…
Let’s be honest here: don’t the 3D castle denizens look much creepier than the original cartoon characters? Let’s see, Cogsworth’s back & sides are festooned with Minerva, the Masonic owl mascot, Lumiere’s brow & nose ridge form a horned devil’s head when the light hits it full on and his clothing has stylized baphomets with traditional 3-point crowns.
The wardrobe is really disturbing: she has no face where her mirror should be – instead it’s a dark murky stage (for altered personas) below her non-existent eyes – her mask has nothing behind it.
And why did they change the design of the cute little French maid feather duster? I suppose it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that white peacocks are dark occultists favorite way of depicting phoenix/ firebirds/ bennu birds that “return with the sun.” What’s so bad about that? Luciferians just love associating their ‘light bringer’ with any symbol having to do with resurrecting, returning or rising sun/star imagery.
And last but not least, the beast. Glen Keane, a conservative Christian animator, originally made the beast to be part bison & part wolf with short horns and a short tail. The new beast just looks like a Baphomet without the wings & hooves. I wonder what ol’ Glen thinks of what they did to his beast.
I could go on about location hidden symbolism but the two most important ones are the pub and the castle being transformed at the end. Forget Gaston & gay LeFou dancing on the tables, look behind them at the dark, creepy horned deer heads mounted on the walls. Why do they have ritual candles on either side of them in an already brightly lit pub? And why are they still IN SHADOW even though they are lit by candles on either side of them? WHO do they remind you of?
When the beast is “resurrected” the castle transforms to its former glory. As the sun brilliantly rises, some of its light shines on the pinnacles of the castle. One of the pinnacles has a gold statue of a man/youth with a star on his head. This is an old way to depict Lucifer since before Victorian times.
If you need more proof of the actual sinister nature of this “family” film- is if you have the stomach to watch the latest Taylor Swift video “Look What You Made Me Do.” The scene where she is dressed as a grand priestess in her occult black & gold castle festooned with serpents, one of which is serving her tea – with a teapot & cup that look EXACTLY like the 3D Mrs. Potts & Chip design. Seems like they are really rubbing our noses in it right there…
Apologies for the length of this, but I think people really need to know just how bad things have gotten in Hollywood. I hoped Disney would be spared but apparently they’ve been infected by the same sinister poison too. It’s just awful. Things have really gone downhill since my time in the business.