Cinderella
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Richard Madden
Drawing inspiration from both the Disney animated film and Perrault’s classic version of “Cinderella”, this new version of the classic fairytale chronicles the magical journey of Ella, a young girl who is forced to become a servant to her vain and selfish stepmother and stepsisters after the tragic demise of her father. With the help of her kind fairy Godmother, Cinderella must find the courage to win the heart of the handsome prince and make her dreams come true.
One thing that makes this interpretation of “Cinderella” unique from its predecessors is that while it has elements of sentimental fantasy woven throughout the story, this new adaptation of Perrault’s classic story, while it does stay true to Disney’s animated version of “Cinderella”, is rooted more in truth. One way that this is illustrated in the film is in the character of Ella, herself. The strength of Ella’s character rests in her mother’s dying wish for her to always “have courage and be kind.” While there are times that Ella’s spirit is tested by her vain and jealous stepmother and stepsisters, her strength is conveyed in the subtle moments when her character is indeed kind and courageous; especially to those who do not show her kindness in return.
Another element that makes this version of “Cinderella” special is conveyed in Cinderella’s relationship with Prince Kit. Unlike the animated film where Cinderella and the prince shared one dance and lived happily ever after, this adaptation allows Ella and Prince Kit’s romance to be more believable because their relationship - as well as their individual characters - is allowed to grow throughout the film. While their true identities remain shrouded in secrecy at first, the loved shared between Ella and Prince Kit is able to endure because in the end, they are both willing to transcend the obstacles that seek to destroy their love and love each other for who they truly are.
Disney’s newest live action version of “Cinderella” is quite possibly one of the best adaptations of the “Cinderella” story that has ever been brought to life on film. The casting for this film is stellar, particularly for Helena Bonham Carter and Cate Blanchett who breathe new life into the iconic characters of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and her evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine. The visual artistry of this film is breathtaking and the story stays true to the original while also allowing this version of “Cinderella” to have its own unique identity. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves fairy tales.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Richard Madden
Drawing inspiration from both the Disney animated film and Perrault’s classic version of “Cinderella”, this new version of the classic fairytale chronicles the magical journey of Ella, a young girl who is forced to become a servant to her vain and selfish stepmother and stepsisters after the tragic demise of her father. With the help of her kind fairy Godmother, Cinderella must find the courage to win the heart of the handsome prince and make her dreams come true.
One thing that makes this interpretation of “Cinderella” unique from its predecessors is that while it has elements of sentimental fantasy woven throughout the story, this new adaptation of Perrault’s classic story, while it does stay true to Disney’s animated version of “Cinderella”, is rooted more in truth. One way that this is illustrated in the film is in the character of Ella, herself. The strength of Ella’s character rests in her mother’s dying wish for her to always “have courage and be kind.” While there are times that Ella’s spirit is tested by her vain and jealous stepmother and stepsisters, her strength is conveyed in the subtle moments when her character is indeed kind and courageous; especially to those who do not show her kindness in return.
Another element that makes this version of “Cinderella” special is conveyed in Cinderella’s relationship with Prince Kit. Unlike the animated film where Cinderella and the prince shared one dance and lived happily ever after, this adaptation allows Ella and Prince Kit’s romance to be more believable because their relationship - as well as their individual characters - is allowed to grow throughout the film. While their true identities remain shrouded in secrecy at first, the loved shared between Ella and Prince Kit is able to endure because in the end, they are both willing to transcend the obstacles that seek to destroy their love and love each other for who they truly are.
Disney’s newest live action version of “Cinderella” is quite possibly one of the best adaptations of the “Cinderella” story that has ever been brought to life on film. The casting for this film is stellar, particularly for Helena Bonham Carter and Cate Blanchett who breathe new life into the iconic characters of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and her evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine. The visual artistry of this film is breathtaking and the story stays true to the original while also allowing this version of “Cinderella” to have its own unique identity. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves fairy tales.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.