Cinderella Movie Review

Cinderella brings back all the magic and timeless characters which we know from the story and the 1950s animated film. This time around, we get the live action adaptation and it truly delivers.

The film is considered a retelling but appears to be a direct adaptation of the beloved fairytale. The film flows like a fairytale story being read by a mother to her child. The pacing is just right with enough humor and a perfect balance of romance and magic.

We all know the story of Cinderella. But this film brings more to the story with the help of the cast. Lily James who plays Cinderella made the role her own. She gradually changes her performances with each chapter of the story. And it is great to look at on screen. She brings truth to the character while setting herself differently from the animated version of Cinderella. Her screen presence is just as enchanting as the character she portrays. She has great on-screen chemistry with Prince Charming played by Game of Thrones’ Richard Madden as well as Oscar winner Cate Blanchett who plays the wicked step mother.

Talking about Blanchett, she does the role justice. She is creepy and we can clearly see the wickedness her character brings out. When she walks on screen, she owns it. Her presence is strong and sometimes she overshadows James’ performance whenever they share the screen together.

The film also has a lot of supporting cast like Helena Bonham Carter who plays Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Despite only appearing for a short time on screen, her appearance is memorable and fun. She brought her own take on the famed character and it was a perfect fit to the magical world.

Director Kenneth Branagh (Thor) made this film as close and as far from the original animated film. He once said that it was hard not to think of the memorable Disney scenes from the animated film while making this one. So Branagh was able to make an original adaptation while giving homage to the 1950s classic. There are several scenes which will tickle childhood memories, one being the magical change of Cinderella’s ball gown.

What makes this film slightly different from the animated one is the increase in emotions. This film is emotionally moved. The actors greatly and easily convey the light and dark emotions their characters feel. The audiences will feel the pain Cinderella feels when her mother and father died or when she is being mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. You will feel her happiness and excitement when she goes to the ball and dances with the prince.

The CGI and practical effects are also top notched. They brought together the magic of the classic animated film and enhanced it with today’s technology. The pumpkin changing into a carriage, the gorgeous transformation of Cinderella’s ball gown and even the kingdom itself was well made and detailed in its execution.

Cinematography was a highlight for this film as we got to see several great shots of the kingdom, the ball, the countryside and even the attic where Cinderella lived. Artistic design was detailed and on the spot making us reminisce the art in the animated film.

Cinderella is one magical film which will bring smiles and tears to people young and old. This was made for the new generation but will be appreciated by the older ones. It’s emotional, funny, enchanting and just engaging which will get you hooked from the first time we see Ella as a child to the time she becomes Cinderella and becomes the queen.

I give it 7 out of 10.