The history of Cinderella goes back to the early 1600s when Charles Perrault first penned a story about the “persecuted heroine.” Since that time, the concept has been molded by several different authors, the final version as we know it was polished off by the Brothers Grimm in 1812. Since then, literally hundreds and hundreds of variants of the story have been produced in writing, song, stage, and the movies.
Regardless, none of them hold a candle to this spectacular Disney re-make. It burst out of the gate with over $70 million in ticket sales the first weekend and shows no sign of slowing down. While the movie is an eye opener with costuming, background sets, and musical interludes, its’ Cinderella herself who will knock your socks off. Lily James, best known to Downton Abbey fans as Lady Rose, steals the show with a marvelous portrayal of our heroine. Her radiant smile and beauty will capture your heart as she struggles through the trials and tribulations that we all know she has to endure.
While anyone reading this knows the story forwards and back, there is just enough “fresh thinking” to hold your interest, although that is probably not necessary as the colorful presentation alone will most likely keep you glued. If that doesn’t do it, Lily James herself should be more than enough.
While the film, from beginning to end, is a first class production, the scenes where Cinderella meets her Fairy Godmother up to and through the midnight ride home are particularly clever and entertaining. Cinderella’s entrance into the Palace in her beautiful gown, catching the Prince’s eye, is a show stopper, to say nothing of the various dresses worn by the women trying to catch his eye.
Cinderella
Entertainment Rating: ★★★★
Rating: PG
Possible Oscar Nominations: Best Fairy Tale remake, Cinematography, Costume Design
In the meantime, the supporting cast includes Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother, someone you will “love to hate.” Another Downton Abbey regular Sophie McShera (Daisy), stars as one of the stepsisters Drizella. Richard Madden is impeccable as the love-smitten Prince, and the rest of the characters are perfectly cast.
We were the only adults in the theatre without children in tow. It would have been great to have some of our grandkids along, but the timing didn’t work. Nonetheless, I am happy we went. It was an enjoyable respite from much of the Hollywood “stuff” we sometimes put up with, and I would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone regardless of their age or inclinations.
