I know we usually review romance books here but I’m breaking the mold to review a movie. This weekend I went to see Cinderella with a girlfriend who had an extra ticket (the young lady she was going to take had to back out – lucky for me!).
We all know how fairy tale romances go. The beautiful girl, the mean stepmother, some kind of chase scene or spell that renders the young girl helpless/banished/sleeping, and the charming prince who saves the day.
Every young girl dreams of being swept off her feet by Prince Charming and carried off to live the perfect life with the perfect man in the perfect kingdom. Then we open our eyes and have to get on with our less-than-perfect day.
The newest telling of Cinderella follows the original storyline but adds some lovely twists and new messages that make it refreshing, fun, and worth seeing. Now, I don’t want to give the whole story away (what? you say you know how it ends? I think not!) but I’ll give you a few hints.
Ella (Lily James from Downton Abbey) is a delightful child growing up with doting parents, living a charmed childhood. When her mother is suddenly taken ill, she leaves Ella with a few words of wisdom before she dies.
Have courage. Be kind.
That theme runs throughout the movie. Ella encounters a number of speed bumps along the way but manages to take the high road even as her position in life deteriorates almost daily. Because of her kind heart, and her mother’s urging to be courageous, she strives to handle what life throws at her with grace and occasionally sheer determination. She’s sweet but not spineless, kind but not a doormat.
Who plays a better female villain than Kate Blanchett? She’s wonderfully evil as the wicked 
stepmother. I couldn’t wait for her to get her due! At her wits end with this dreadful “mother” and stepsisters, Ella takes off on her horse (that girl can ride!) and encounters the prince. He is, of course, adorable but believable. One thing I especially appreciated in this movie was his relationship with his father, the King.
When life is nearly unbearable and Cinderella is at the end of her courage and hope, help comes in the form of Helena Bonham Carter, her fairy godmother. The encounter between the two is delightful. Even the fairy godmother isn’t perfect in this film.
The storyline is true to the original – until the final scene. I don’t recall seeing this ending in any other versions. I won’t give it away, but let’s say that it’s a wonderful update with a clear message for girls in the 21st century (of any age).
I loved this movie version for a number of reasons. It’s a delightful romance – a spirited young woman doing her best with what life has dealt her, and a young man who honors his father but also wants to follow his heart. Their relationship includes twists and turns, bumps and roadblocks. They must come to know themselves, and what is important to them as individuals, before they can finally come together.
It offers some lasting, important messages for young girls (and even boys) about making good choices, standing up for yourself, and believing in who you are at the core.
And lastly, her ball gown is to die for. :)
So when you need a break from reading or writing your own romance, check out the newest Cinderella. It’s a romance for all ages that will leave you with a heart sigh and a smile.
Have you seen it yet? If so, what did you think?
Stacy is a freelance writer with articles published regularly in local community magazines and national publications. She also writes web copy for area businesses and a monthly newsletter for a women’s health business. She blogs regularly on Land of 10,000 Words where she features Minnesota writers, and provides insights into the writing craft and industry. Past president and founder of MN-NICE, the Minnesota ACFW chapter, she is now the Area Director for Minnesota. Her debut novel, One of Me, releases June 1, 2014, through Choose NOW Publishing. And if you ask her about her 1st grandchild (born Valentine's Day 2014), she'll be happy to show you some pictures.
I haven’t seen it, but reading your post surely made me want to see it :P
I love movies that voice important messages :)
I’m taking my granddaughter to see this movie this afternoon.
I was happy to see the added message to this age-old story, Samantha. I love a good romance, but I also love a good message along with it!
You’ll BOTH love it, Merrillee. I wish my granddaughter was older than 13 months so I could take her!
I just watched in the theater with my sis-in-law & niece today!! From the movie trailer, it looked like a good one, but maybe not something real spectacular. Like the same old, same old kind of story. However, I was literally blown away by everything in the movie!! It draws you in emotionally from beginning to the very end. And the scenery….oh my!! Just like being in a real fairy tale story as you would imagine it to be. I loved all the unexpected twists & turns, it just added depth to the story. It brought out all the emotions, grief for real it brought tears to my eyes (more than once), loathe for the stepmother & sisters, the attraction between Ella & the prince, the love between Ella’s parents and the price & his father, I mean just EVERY single emotion a person can feel. It made the story so real to me. I would highly recommend this to anyone of any age.
Yes, I do agree…Ella’s dress is the most gorgeous on the planet!! I think the kindness in her heart makes the whole beautiful person she is. Someone you would want to have as your best friend. The prince just makes the whole package complete, they were truly meant for each other! Your heart will swell with all the love you feel between them. Certainly a very romantic movie with a moral story. “Have courage, Be Kind”…kind of sounds like scripture doesn’t it? ;-)
All in all, the most refreshing movie I have seen in a very long time! I might just have to watch it a few more times, I don’t think I’d get tired of it!
I’ve heard it’s awesome from several sources! Hope it comes to my little town. :)
Stacy, thanks for your recommendation – it’s releasing in Australia soon :)