Film Review - Cinderella
Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Every kid has their early Disney favourites. Whilst children of the 2000s (and let's face it, the rest of us too) are of the newly defined 'Frozen Generation', I was very much a Cinderella girl. It's the perfect fairytale with the happy ever after. Which is why my 5 year old self has been desperate to watch Disney's 2015 live-action version of this classic. Whilst I apologise for the late review compared to the release date, nobody has been waiting for this more than me. I won't even lie and pretend the opening sequence didn't give me goosebumps and proceed to make me bawl like a baby. Disney Princess fangirling aside, let's crack on with the review. I promise to be as unbiased as possible.
It's pretty clear what the story of Cinderella entails, and from the get-go, it's pretty much clarified that Kenneth Branagh is not trying to rewrite the books. We get to see more of Ella's (Lily James) perfect childhood, and her relationships with her perfect parents. Maybe it's a little too perfect (strike that 'maybe' - it is.) but it sets the scene for the rest of the film, and gives poor Cinders a very tall pedestal to fall from.
The 'real-life' non-animated setting and scenery is presented beautifully, be it in Prince Charming's fancy kingdom or Cinderella's family home which is (intentionally) filled with character. There's also some nice (slightly overly drawn) touches with the magical transformations and the CGI animals - particularly the mice. I thought the casting was similarly spot-on. Lily James makes an easy transition to Hollywood leading lady, reminding me of a young Keira Knightley with her British charm. It is very easy to believe she is this selfless impossibly nice princess-to-be. Cate Blanchett, who seems to tackle every role with complete sophistication, is a fantastic evil jealous scheming stepmother. Is it possible to BE evil with one glance? Yup. Other great cast additions include Helena Bonham-Carter in yet another tailor made role, and Richard Madden as Kit/Prince - I like that the casting directors have opted against one of your Top 20 Standard Leading Hunky Male Actors. Bravo.
My favourite thing about the latest Cinderella is that it still retains its magic - for me that's two decades on from first falling in love with the story. Despite being somewhat older and wiser, it remains fresh, magical and charming. Having courage and being kind become mottos hammered into your brains throughout the two hours' running time. Such admirable morals of remaining positive, helpful, loving and strong despite how others treat you are missing from so many films these days. Cinderella spells it out pretty damn clearly.
What I will say is much of the storyline is still quite idealistic. There's been little change from the then-Disney movies to what we've become used to seeing nowadays. However, there's a much-needed defiant exchange between Cinderella and her wicked stepmother, and Cinderella's inner strength is portrayed in many subtle, wonderful ways. The Prince's back story is also built upon, forging a character that is much more than some charming eye candy. That said, I can't ignore the downright cheesiness and simplistic script in several places, but then if you think back to its predecessor, you can't really expect anything too groundbreaking. If I put my hopeless romantic hat on, it's fine.
There's not really anything missing from this brilliant adaptation of Cinderella. Sure, Disney have received some stick for that tiny waist, but body image aside, everything is as we'd want it. A quietly strong heroine whose empowerment is a highlight...an almost poetic story setting...a very charming Prince...some insightful background we never thought we needed...and a powerful story of kindness winning the day. It's simply enchanting.
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