Disney’s latest piece of cinematic genius, Cinderella, hit theatres nationwide on March 13th and MapleMouseMama contributor, Jackie Psarianos was there. Have a look at what captivated Jackie. Methinks Disney has another hit on their hands.
The opulent and luxe designs jump right off the classic Cinderella storybook pages leading us right into the 18th century, yet the story remains true to form. Perhaps it is director Kenneth Branagh’s British reserve and devotion to Shakespearean storytelling structure that keeps the plot comfortingly familiar that tells the classic tale well. The plot remains predictable with a few gentle alterations and the frequent repetitive mantra by Cinderella’s mother, “Have courage and be kind,” throughout the movie. Writer and director of Twilight: New Moon, Chris Weitz, intertwined the mantra perfectly in the airy, sparkling script laced with lively undertones.
Lily James captivates in her portrayal of Cinderella with her brightness and youthfulness enlivening the movie at every turn. James is well matched with Richard Madden who portrays the dashing prince perfectly displaying empathy, humility, devotion and kindness. Together they dazzle onlookers as they twirl and spin in the castle ballroom highlighting a scene of magical special effects.
Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother portrays a deeper sense of understanding of her plight and does quite well with her regal stares and pouts. Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera portray the flibbertigibbet step-sisters in a more flighty character than evil. Helena Bonham Carter as Cinderella’s fairy godmother held with the film’s restraint displaying no specific grandstanding.
Costuming by Sandy Powell is lavish and accurately represents the time period with the highlight being Cinderella’s makeover dress in an elegant blue with layers upon layers of fluffy tulle that flows throughout the ballroom further highlighted by the incredible cinematography by cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos. At times Blanchett’s costuming from the waist up seems out of place, by the style of blouse and hair in nets reminiscent of Ingrid Bergman in the 1940’s.
Special effects are few, but well presented. The transformation of the pumpkin swelling into carriage size, lizards becoming footmen and mice becoming horses enchant all. Perhaps the most magical special effect, captivating movie goers was the ballroom scene where the handsome couple twirled throughout. Their grace, beauty-inside and out was authentically represented, while the message of being admired and finding grace in the presence of another shines through.
The movie was enchanting and it was clearly apparent from audience reaction that fairy tales are still alive and well.
Will you be seeing Disney’s Cinderella? I can’t wait to put on my dress and head to the ball! ♥
FT&PD
Suz
I haven’t seen it yet, but I hope to soon. My boys don’t have any interest in it, so I am on my own
LOL Ashley, my son has no interest either, but my daughter and I can’t wait to see it 🙂
We went to see Cinderella on Friday and we absolutely loved it. The acting, the story and the costumes were just amazing!!
That is wonderful to hear Kelly!
We went to Cinderella already and it was such an amazing movie! Loved it!
I am so looking forward to seeing it soon Angela, it is taking me far too long, LOL!
I am SO excited to see this with my daughter! We have been waiting for this movie to come out.
It is gonna be so worth the wait!
I’m also looking forward to watching this with my girl. She has a new fascination with princesses too, she’ll adore Cinderella!
This is one movie that will not disappoint, I am sure..
Jackie, beautifully written article, you took me right into the Fairy Tale with you.
I can’t wait for my carriage to take me to see Cinderella this weekend!
Jackie has a great way of sharing a story, doesn’t she Ellen? I feel like I was right there beside her in the theatre!
That is so awesome! Looking forward to watching this with Little One! We were at Disney last month and in the gift shops, Little One was all over the items they had on display for the upcoming movie!
It is a little girl’s dream come true and that dress? I think I want one now, LOL!
I can’t wait to see this film with my husband and grandchildren! It sounds amazing! Thank you!
I hope you enjoyed it Anne!
I have not seen this movie yet but I plan on it!!
Me too Alison. I want to see it, but we just have not had the time. Soon, I hope!
Thankfulness to my father who shared with me about
this blog, this webpage is in fact amazing.
Why, thank you 😉
Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this website regularly, this
site is genuinely nice and the people are genuinely sharing
pleasant thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by..
Hi there, the whole thing is going sound here and ofcourse every one is
sharing facts, that’s truly excellent, keep up writing.
I also love Cinderella and all the Disney princesses,the movies are great and enjoyed many times.