After the Sleeping Beauty through Maleficent in 2014, Disney reintroduces yet another princess in a live action film. True enough, Disney’s 2015 rendition of Cinderella is true to its animated version, and is quite more humanized than what was expected.
Downplaying the roles of the animal friends that Cinderella is popularly known for, it is quite a more honest story than the animated version ever was. It is also worth noting how Disney is starting to rationalize the evils of the villains, and places it in perspective.
After seeing the film, it was quite difficult to place what to expect – should I like to see a plot twist or a loyal remake? There were certain elements that was added to create a more realistic approach to the magical transformations and how each major character was given a back story (except for the sisters Drizella and Anastasia).
Though the timeless tale remains the same, it helped us understand the reasons for such. It’s sort of an “Origins” series for the princesses, as I have mentioned earlier, back stories were carefully introduced into the film to make character decisions more realistic.
I sort of understand Lady Tremaine’s anger towards Ella, whose mother remains to be the heart of the household despite being married to her father. She was a jealous woman, and she disliked the idea that Ella was prettier than any of her daughters, not to mention that they were both slow and… dull, despite their efforts. They were a colorful pair, and were the signature comedic relief in most Disney films. Cate Blanchett, as always, does an excellent job in performing her character. She was definitely something else in this film.
Richard Madden’s prince was also quite well. He was perfect for the role, in my opinion, and his smile remains to be as striking and charming as ever (read: Rob Stark lives!). The prince here had a certain connection with the townsfolk – he’s not your ordinary royal. He loves his people and his people seems to love him back. The idea that all were invited to attend the ball was his as he pursues the mysterious lady he met in the forest. Apparently, Ella had much of an influence on his leadership and decisions in that brief meeting, and it was quite obvious that he was overwhelmed by her.
I was surprised to learn a few months ago that Helena Bonham Carter was cast as the Fairy Godmother. As always, Helena Bonham Carter takes a character and makes it her own, which usually always works so well you wouldn’t really mind. In the animated film, the Fairy Godmother was sort of chubby and short (we can say she was stout, I guess) and very motherly. In this film, I couldn’t help but see the fairy godmother as Bellatrix Lestrange turned good. Carter injected her own quirkiness into the character and was such a perfect narrator. I did not expect this of her, and I think I should see more of her movies other than the whimsical parts she takes – definitely a brilliant actress. Just check out her meme-worthy screens!
“I WIN”
Lily James might not be everyone’s choice for Cinderella, but after seeing this film, I couldn’t help but find her attractive, and perfect for the role. Her characterization of a brave kind of kindness and innocence was perfect – you can actually feel the kindness overflowing in her that it resonates far beyond the screen. This is the first time that I actually noticed her as an actress, and I can’t wait to see her in more films. Her acting was excellent – you can feel the emotion she’s feeling at that scene through her eyes, and you wouldn’t feel any bit of doubt about her. It was a job well done. The only thing I didn’t like was that she had a lot of breaths in between lines – but it was something anyone could overlook.
Overall, Kevin Branagh’s film was incredible and worth the time (and I still see him as Gilderoy Lockhart). It’s not something you would die for, but it was definitely a pleasant watch for everyone of any age and gender.
//SRV
STEPHEN VELEZ 