Review: ‘Cinderella’ recreates magic of animated classic (Includes first-hand account)

Disney has a long history of adapting classic fairy tales and popular legends for the screen, though their versions usually exclude the bloody elements previously woven into these narratives. Still, these animated renderings are the fundamental editions of these stories for many children. Now the studio is branching out, reimagining these tales for a live-action format that retains the original magic that endeared people for a lifetime. The latest retelling of Cinderella captures all the enchantment of the animated film while making the fantasy more real for audiences.

Ella (Lily James) grew up in the happiest of homes with two loving parents (Hayley Atwell and Ben Chaplin) who encouraged her whimsy. But sorrow befell the cottage at the edge of the forest when Ella’s mother died. Years later her father hoped to once again find happiness with a new wife (Cate Blanchett) who brought with her two daughters (Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera). But they filled the house with darkness that only grew more wicked when Ella’s father passed away on a business trip. From that day forward, Ella was a mistreated servant in her own home. However a chance meeting with a young man in the forest offers her hope, which would have been even greater if she knew he was the Prince (Richard Madden). Forbidden from attending the palace ball by her stepmother, Ella’s Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) appears to wipe away her tears and send her to the party in style. But her problems are not nearly over as her stepmother conspires to ensure it’s the last time Ella ever sees the Prince in spite of his exhaustive search for his true love.

One element it’s reassuring to see maintained is Ella’s relationship with animals, particularly the insatiable mouse called Gus-Gus. She begins speaking to them as a child based on a suggestion that one only has to listen to hear their response. When she’s older, they are her only allies in the house and reciprocate her kindness. Fortunately none of the creatures actually can speak until they are transformed into Ella’s servants the night of the ball, avoiding any hints of madness in the character. In addition no one spontaneously breaks into song, though “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” do play over the credits.

Everything about the picture hearkens back to the old school Disney princess that saved the studio 65 years ago, which is actually the best thing they could have done with this picture. Putting a real girl in Cinderella’s stunning blue gown (that shimmers shades of dusk as she twirls) and Swarovski-styled glass heels while maintaining the essential elements of the animated film is an accomplishment at which fans will not scoff because being swept away in her hopefulness, compassion and joy is part of the experience. However the one minor but valued alteration is a slightly more autonomous Ella who seems like she eventually would have found a way out from under her stepmother’s thumb even if the Prince and Fairy Godmother hadn’t shown up.

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Lily James, Cate Blanchett and Richard Madden

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