Cinderella (2015)

"I have to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. Have courage and be kind."

Ella (James) lives an idyllic life and is beloved by her parents (Hayley Atwell and Ben Chaplin).  Her world starts to unravel when her mother dies.  Her grief-stricken father marries the Lady Tremaine (Blanchett), a widow with daughters Anastasia (Grainger) and Drisella (McShera).  Tremaine and her daughters hate their new home and look down on Ella.  After the death of her father, Ella is forced to work as a servant in her own home.  Despite he harsh treatment of her Tremaine and her stepsisters, who call her "Cinderella", she continues to heed her mother's advice to "have courage and be kind."

One day she meets Kit (Madden), the Prince, who hides his true identity.  Their interaction is brief, but both are interested.  Kit and his father, the King (Jacobi) are throwing a ball for all the kingdom.  The ball is meant to rally the spirits of the people, while also securing a princess for Kit to marry.  Ella is not allowed to attend the ball and her mother's gown is ruined, will she find a way to the ball?


In 1950, Disney Animation released Cinderella.  The character and story have taken on a life of their own with countless adaptions and satires of this story.

The story originated in folklore, with different countries having different versions.  The first recorded version was written in 1634 by Giambattista Basile and called "Cenerentola" and based in Italy.  In 1697, French writer Charles Perrault wrote "Cendrillon", this is one of the most popular versions of the story and is the base for Disney's version.  The other most popular version is the Brothers Grimm's "Aschenputtel", which is more violent than the other versions.

For this live-action version, screenwriter Chris Weitz and director Kenneth Branagh chose to stick closely to Disney's 1950 film, keeping the character names (including the names of the mice).  Their characters are true to the animated film, with a little more personality and motivations.

The cast is incredible.  Almost everyone involved is British (Cate Blanchett is Australian and Stellan Skarsgard is Swedish).  Lily James is enchanting as Ella, who is good and kind without the film mocking her.  Cate Blanchett is icy as Lady Tremaine, while still showing other sides to her character.  Helen Bonham Carter is the slightly off-beat fairy godmother, without making her a caricature.  The men are all good... the only issue is the step sisters.  They are one note and annoying.  There isn't any personality there and their voices are grating in large doses.

The setting is beautiful and the costumes are perfection.  The costumes (and costume designer Sandy Powell) are nominated for an Oscar.  This is a beautiful film that will please fans of Disney's animated film, and children who are experiencing the magic for the first time.

Cinderella (2015) 105 minutes
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Lily James as Ella
Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine
Richard Madden as Prince "Kit"
Helena Bonham Carter as Fairy Godmother
Stellan Skarsgard as Grand Duke
Nonso Anozie as Captain of the Guards
Holliday Grainger as Anastasia
Sophie McShera as Drisella
Derek Jacobi as King