Disney, of all studios, may have conquered a rarity, a live action revamp that is flawless. And with a fairy tale, of all things. Cinderella may have just become the most brilliant adaptation, and a fantastic film. There’s a Disney princess who finally says, and believes in, the word no. There’s a prince who won’t be forced into marrying for the sake of his kingdom. The film is really geared towards young girls, but really, it appeals to families and basically, anyone.
Would this be a typical cheesy Disney film, with the typical love story and characters bursting into song? Would we get anything of the Perrault story, or even the Rodgers & Hammerstein stage musical? In short, it’s the best of all worlds here.
Disney definitely needs to remember this: Leave future fairy tale adaptations in the hands of people like Kenneth Branagh. It will only benefit the studio in the long run. They’ve truly got something magical here. Kenneth took what material he had been given and created something somewhat unique. We’ve still got the usual Disney fairytale, with several little twists that are unique to the film. It seems Kenneth not only looked at Cinderella from the view of a film- maker, but from perhaps the point of view of the audience too. It’s always appreciated when a director, along with the film’s crew, takes into the consideration the feelings of the viewers.
Kenneth directed the film using lessons learned from past directing experiences including Frankenstein and Thor. He ensured that while there is a message of love, it’s not the main message. It’s about kindness, courage and standing up for one’s self. Kenneth, along with the writers, ensures this message flows throughout the film.
The screenplay, penned by Chris Weitz, flows sublimely and maintains this throughout the film. Although, there are still a few continuity mishaps and plot holes throughout the film, and it would’ve been nice to have answers. It would’ve been nice to know how exactly how Lady Tremaine pieced together that the mysterious girl at the ball was Cinderella. There were just unanswered questions that, given the somewhat decent length of movie, could’ve been worked in. It would’ve also been nice if more of the original fairy tale had been included. Granted, Cinderella has been adapted more so from the original Disney version than other materials, and it shows. It may be a Disney film, but if Into the Woods (also made by Disney) could include some of the original fairy tale materials, so could Cinderella. By not doing as such, it fell slightly short. That being said, the film made up for these short failings in numerous ways.
Kit (the prince) is an actual human! Richard Madden’s portrayal of the prince is good-looking, intelligent and for once, led by his own thoughts and emotions. Kit is a man who can think and act for himself, respecting Ella’s decisions to. Both he and Lily are well spoken and articulate. It’s difficult to not to watch them and become absorbed into their story as they are convincing together
Cate Blanchett plays Lady Tremaine, but there is not enough of her. Her screen presence is commanding - when she is actually on screen. Due to the lack of, we’re never really given the chance to see her role fully develop. While Cate acts brilliantly making the Stepmother her own, there’s not really a full chance to see her full nastiness. It’s a bit of a let down, in all honesty. Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger need a definite mention, particularly Sophie, as stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella. They’re a brilliant, yet not over the top, source of comic relief. Helena Bonham Carter is in full swing as the Fairy Godmother. She is slightly eccentric, sympathetic to Ella’s plight, and yet full of tough love. Helena just does such a good job, despite only being in the film for about five minutes.
It is not the visually stunning world, fantastic (yet simple) score, or the cinematography that make the film. It is the stunning costume designs, courtesy of Oscar winner Sandy Powell, that really make the design elements of the film. There will, more than likely, be an Oscar nomination for Sandy for her absolutely gorgeous designs. The costumes are meticulous. You can see the amount of effort that was put in to every single outfit. The vivid colours, every detail, and how the costumes are unique to each character is just brilliant. It’s not often that the detail goes right to having the colours of the costumes match the emotions of the characters.
Despite a few flaws, Cinderella is pretty impeccable. From the acting to the costumes and, most importantly, to the character of Ella and her ferocious individuality, Cinderella is a divine film. It’s one of the few films I was genuinely sad when it was finished. You know you’ve got a good film when you’re left wanting more.
Cinderella is out this Friday