My Cinderella Review
In the past, I've criticized Disney remakes, but there are two that I personally enjoy. One of them is Cinderella, and to celebrate this film's tenth anniversary, here is my review of Cinderella 2015.
We all know the story of Cinderella already, but this remake is one of the few remakes that respect the original film but have made changes that worked. In the animated movie, the mice get more screen time. Still, in this film, they really do dive into Cinderella's parents, and we see this character go through so much hell, from losing her mother and father to horrible abuse by her mother and step sisters. However, she never gives up and has courage through it all. I like this version of Cinderella: she remains who she is and doesn't try to change because of her experiences.
Lilly James does a fantastic job playing Cinderella, and this movie launched her career. She went on to play Pamala Anderson in Pam and Tommy and do more work.
Unlike the animated film, the Prince develops more character, and we get to know his character. He even has a name, which is Kit.
Kit's a prince who doesn't want to marry someone he doesn't know, and he's a good guy who cares about his dad, who is dying. Everyone is pushing to marry an heir for the kingdom. You might know from Game of Thrones that Richard Madden plays Robb Stark. Remember how everyone was still upset about the Red Wedding when this movie came out. It made everyone feel better because Robb Stark lived happily ever after and married the woman he loved without consequences.
We all hate Lady Tremaine, as she is one of the most hated Disney villains. Lady Tremaine is played by Cate Blanchett, who does a fantastic job playing this heartless bitch. Also, her stepdaughters, played by Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera, are funny in the movie. Lady Tremaine hated Cinderella because her father still loved her mother. She hated the fact this girl was everything she wanted in a daughter. In the ending, when Cinderella leaves with Kit and Cinderella looks back at her, you think Cinderella would want revenge on her and her stepdaughters, but no, Cinderella forgives her. This shocks Lady Tremaine because of all the pain she caused Cinderella; she forgives her instead. Realizing that she should have been a mother to her instead of treating her like a slave.
The film is also about the grand duke, but unlike the animated film, he's a villain in this film who wants the Prince to marry a powerful princess whose family's lands are strong. The duke is played by Stellan Skarsgard. Also, you have the Captain, who is the Prince's best friend, played by Nonso Anozie.
Helena Bottom Carter plays the Fairy Godmother in the film. I find that funny because Helena has always played gothic characters, but seeing her as the Fairy Godmother is really funny. Helena does a great job playing the Fairy Godmother, and her take on bibbidi-bobbidi-boo is very good.
Why it's the best Disney remake because it respects the original film; Kenneth Branagh, the director of the film, made some changes from the original animated film, as he focused more on Cinderella and Kit because he wanted to build the romance and focus their character development. That worked unlike most Disney remakes nowadays: break down characters, sideline the main character, change the story for pandering sake, and push the agenda over the story. Cinderella didn't do that. Instead, the movie was character-driven and story-driven. Disney remakes would be great if more Disney remakes were like that and respected the source material.
So that's my review of Cinderella to celebrate ten years of this film.
It's a great film and, by far, the best Disney remake besides Jungle Book.
Let me know what you think of my review.
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