First Posted: 3/24/2015
The Story
“What do they call you?” says the Prince (Richard Madden) to Cinderella (Lily James), when, by chance, they meet in the forest. “Never mind what they call me,” she says. “What is your name?” “My father calls me Kit — when he’s in a good mood,” the Prince says. They have, of course, fallen in love. That’s the setup for this live-action reimagining of Disney’s animated “Cinderella” (1950).
Will Cinderella go to the ball despite her stepmother’s (Cate Blanchett) objections? Does Cinderella leave one of her magic glass shoes at the ball? Can the Prince find her again? Even if you know the answers, see this glorious spectacle.
The Actors
Lily James and Richard Madden are Cinderella and the Prince/aka Kit. She — blonde, winsome — and he — startling blue eyes — make a fairy-tale handsome couple. Each nicely underplays touching scenes with parents. Cate Blanchett is splendid as Lady Tremaine, Cinderella’s hard-hearted stepmother, ambitious for her “beautiful, stupid daughters” (as she says) and herself, widowed twice. Every hair on her head is coiffed within an inch of its life. Helena Bonham Carter provides comic relief as fairy godmother. She’s ditsy, forgetful and out of control with her magic. She sings “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.”
Others in the cast include, as stepsisters, Sophie McShera (Drisella) and Holliday Grainger (Anastasia). They play one-dimensional, cartoon characters who fancy exceedingly unattractive fluorescent red-yellow-green wardrobes. Ben Chaplin and Hayley Atwell are Cinderella’s loving parents. Derek Jacobi is Kit’s father, the King. “You must marry for love,” he says to his son. Stellan Skarsgard and Nonso Anozie are Grand Duke and Captain of the Guard.
Other Comments
“Cinderella” is story-book lovely, one visual pleasure after another. It’s both spectacular and true to the traditional tale. It’s tender and touching — a story of loving parents and their children, as well as romance, magic and cruelty. Kenneth Branagh directed from Chris Weitz’s fine screenplay. Patrick Doyle wrote beautiful music. Art direction by Dante Ferretti and costumes by Sandy Powell. Haris Zambarloukos was the excellent cinematographer. Special-effects highlights include the cutest mouse family you’ve ever seen and a rollicking ride home from the ball as the magic wears off and coach becomes pumpkin, horses become mice, footmen, lizards, and coachman, a goose.
Rated PG for mild thematic elements, “Cinderella” runs 105 minutes. Family-friendly and, if you remember your childhood, a little weepy at times — but in a good way. The take-home message: Have courage, and be kind. Cinderella herself covers both bases.
Final Words
“Cinderella,” all brand new:
Classic story, music, too;
Romance, magic, just for you —
“Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”!
