Movie Review: Cinderella



My Review (5 stars):

I could just swoon. *Big grin* This movie brought on all the fluttery feelings and happy sighs that a really good fairytale romance does!

It was just a good, old-fashioned Cinderella tale through and through. I was delighted with how true the movie producers stayed to the classic fairytale! From the cool, horrid stepmother, to the tittering, outlandish stepsisters, to Ella’s own sweet self; this movie was like watching the animated version come to life in a much more beautiful, bright, emotional version! I enjoy varied adaptions of fairytales ... but following the original is just the best! So happy! Cinderella (2015) is classic yet its own. Stunning.

Lily James (whom I first met as Lady Rose in Downton Abbey (2010—) *smiles*), played Cinderella. She did a lovely job! I have to mention again how sweet, gentle, and good this character was! Also spirited, passionate, and full of life! I so appreciate when the leading lady characters have such a lovely, tender demeanor paired with a striking inner strength! Loved this version of Ella! Beautiful inside and out!

[Lily James as Cinderella]

The wicked stepmother was played by Cate Blanchett. I’m used of seeing Cate as an ethereal wizardess in white from Lord of the Rings (2001, 2002, 2003) and The Hobbit (2012, 2013, 2014)! But she did an amazing job as the cold stepmother in this fairytale. …Appearing quite different with insensitive laughter, extravagant gowns and hats, and a sorrowful past. She's by far the best of Cinderella's stepmother that I've seen/read about. There was a depth to her character beyond just heedless cruelty.

Sophie McShera (also from Downton Abbey (2010—), as a maid) and Holliday Grainger portrayed Drisella and Anastasia quite perfectly. I had to laugh time and again, even though they were so spoiled and snobbish! The horrible singing. The flamboyant outfits. The overeager attitudes. *Shakes heads* Very true to the original animated version of Cinderella! And yet it wasn't overdone at all.

[Sophie McShera as Drisella; Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine; Holliday Grainger as Anastasia] 

Oh, and just a quick mention of the Prince (Richard Madden) and the Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter). Both characters were lovely! The fairy godmother … eccentric, funny, and sweet. The Prince … what a wonderful young man, *smiles*!! He’s such a thoughtful, charming, gentle person. A perfect match for Cinderella!

 [Richard Madden as the Prince]

[Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother]

The colors, the gowns, the detail— I could go on and on! It was all so exquisite and beautiful!! Cinderella’s blue ball-gown has to be one of the loveliest dresses I have ever seen! The way it rippled and sparkled when she ran. The way it flounced and flew as she danced. And those shoes!! Even the stepmother and her daughters’ outfits are enough to be gushed over. The costumes of Cinderella (2015) were just perfectly glamorous. You have to watch it for yourself to feel the affect!

[Cinderella's ball-gown]

[Glass slippers]

[Amazing dancing!]

So much emotion too! Absolutely enthralling to watch familiar scenes from the animated movie come about with so much feeling and detail. Ah! *Sighs and smiles*! It was so lovely. And poignant. There were little moments and things added that gave moving profoundness. You simply must watch this grand new version of our beloved fairytale, Cinderella. You can never get enough of that rags to riches story for the mistreated serving girl. Of a considerate young prince who falls in love with a lowly, sweet-hearted maiden. Believe me, its swoon-worthy … ! *smiles* Every woman loves a good fairytale deep down inside, right?

Cinderella (2015) is true to its PG rating. The only downer would be the low-cut gowns worn by Ella and her stepmother and stepsisters. Otherwise, there’s dancing where a man puts his hand on the woman’s waist; several scenes of slipping a shoe on a woman’s foot; and a sweet kiss. Two girls also dance around in their corsets and hoopskirts, snickering.

Otherwise, I can’t say enough good things. A classic fairytale. A poignant story. An ardent romance. Gorgeous film. I loved it.

I could go on about so many other things that I liked and scenes I adored ... But you really just need to experience it for yourself! I won’t give anymore away …