Film Review | Cinderella

Ella was a normal girl who grew up on the outskirts of a small kingdom. When fate dealt her several blows, she simply lived by two things that her mother taught her – courage and kindness. As fate’s twisted hands began to choke the life out of her, courage and kindness became harder to live by; fortunately, fate was not too unkind. With a small release, fate gave Ella (Lily James) a moment of peace as she her small world collides with that of an apprentice named Kit (Richard Madden). Regardless of her misfortunes, this was one moment in which magic had no role, but rather courage and kindness working hand-in-hand.

The Story

As enchanting as the moment it was brought to life with the words, “Once upon a time,” this latest adaptation by Disney is no different to their 1950 classic. Following the elements of their original animation and fairytale, we meet Ella, her evil stepmother (Cate Blanchett), her metaphorically ugly step-sisters (Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger) and of course, her handsome prince.

The only change we see in this retelling is the uncanny meeting of Ella and her prince. Yes, they still meet at the ball, but that meeting was more like a first date. Without “pumpkins, lizards and things,” we see our beloved Cinderella runaway from her stepfamily for a little while, only to see her charm her soon-to-be prince charming out of killing a prized stag.  Taken aback by her courage to speak to the heir of the throne, the prince cheekily decides to conceal his identity and introduce himself as Kit.

Irrespective of their true initial meeting and their true identities, this new addition to the Disney classic does not fail to relay that true love really does exist regardless of the circumstances. It is as enchanting as it is breathtaking.

The Cast

Lily James is a stunning Cinderella. She is graceful and elegant, which makes it easy for anyone to mistake her for a princess by the time she walks into the ball. There’s a gentleness to her acting and a consistency to her delivery of every line she utters. Her chemistry with Richard Madden so tangible that you’ll have goose bumps the moment they reunite at the ball.

Richard Madden is as charming as he is endearing. There’s a sense of playfulness to his manner and he truly brings to life a character that we first meet with a yawn – I don’t mean he’s boring, in the Disney animation the first close-up we get of the prince is of him yawning. Madden is captivating and brilliantly supports James as they fall-in love on screen.

Cate Blanchette is devilishly fabulous in her portrayal of Lady Tremaine. Heartbroken and spiteful about how her second marriage panned out, Lady Tremaine is this year’s most realistically relatable villain. Cold to the core, Blanchette’s depiction is as nerve racking as the winter’s first icy kiss.

Overall, Cinderella is a brilliant adaptation of a beloved fairytale and animated classic. My hat comes off to Disney Pictures, along with Kenneth Branagh and Chris Weitz for their revival of one if the most retold tale of all time. I can’t wait to see the next few classics being retold in live-action.

Star Rating: ★★★★★

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