'Cinderella' - a fairytale full of life's lessons (Movie Review)
Mar 20,2015
Film: "Cinderella"; Cast: Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, Nonso Anozie, Stellan Skarsgard, Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger, Derek Jacobi, Ben Chaplin, Hayley Atwell, Rob Brydon and Eloise Webb; Director: Kenneth Branagh; Rating: ***
Disney's live-action film "Cinderella", crafted with pomp and splendour as a typically traditional fairytale by director Kenneth Branagh, reiterates the oft heard story of how an orphan girl, harassed by her cruel step-mother and equally harsh step-sisters, marries a Prince. Laced with life-lessons for everybody, this film is more than just a sweet fantasy romance drama.
The tone of the narration is laid at the very beginning, when little Ella (Eloise Webb) tells her mother, "I believe in everything". And, as the story unravels, you are aware of what to expect and yet, wonder how the film got its name Cinderella, when the protagonist is called Ella.
The telling has all the elements like a caring father, a nasty step-mother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Drisella and Anastasia, Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother, the Pumpkin turning into a carriage, the mice into horses, lizards as footmen, the goose as the carriage rider and the glass shoes. They make you nostalgic.
As the story moves at a brisk pace with a few distinctively funny and emotional moments, you are glued to the screen. You simply become aware of the freshness of the approach and the simple, yet minute, logical stances that the director takes. And where it deviates and expands upon, it does so in ways that add nuance and depth. These help not only to make the tale credible, but likeable also.
The film belongs to television actress Lily James who plays the grown-up Cinderella. Her sweet demeanour is reflected by her "kindness and courage". And physically, her transformation from a housemaid to "the beautiful princess to be" is mesmerising. Aptly paired opposite her is Richard Madden, the charming Prince who she fondly refers to as "Mr. Kits". The onscreen chemistry between them is palpable and that makes their romance believable.
Ben Chaplin and Hayley Atwell as Cinderella's loving and caring biological parents are functional. Their scenes with Cinderella are synthetically sweet. Their equation seems tailored to heighten the contrast delivered by the antagonists.
Cate Blanchett as Mrs. Tremaine, Sophie McShera as Drisella, Holliday Grainger as Anastasia and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother make their presence felt with dramatic overtures. Their scenes are theatrical and engaging.
The dialogues are characteristically a Disney product -- very crisp, chirpy and intermittently spiked with tasteful and elegant humour.
Visually, the elaborate earthy and picturesque sets by production designer Dante Ferrett, period costumes by Sandy Powell and fine performances by the actors are brilliantly captured by cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos. With smooth camera movements, his wide angle shots, especially the colourful ballroom scene and the last mastershot, are compelling.
The computer generated images are of fine quality and captivating. The dancing butterflies, the digitally rendered animals and their magical transformation along with Cinderella's makeover, mesh smoothly into the live-action drama. Cinderella's race against time when she has to return home before the last stroke of midnight is thrilling, as well as fascinating.
In modern times and with a questioning audience, the only issue this timeless classic faces is its oversight to justify how could Cinderella have a laidback attitude and wait for destiny to play its part? And the uncalled for, deliberate low-neck gowns that the ladies wore at the ball gave the scene a vulgar tinge.
Nevertheless, this "Cinderella" with "her courage, kindness and a little bit of magic" is worth a watch.
Top Stories
Salman Khan Recalls Jail Days on Bigg Boss: '70 People Shared One Bathroom,' Emotional Story Goes Viral
Aug 03,2026
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan made a special appearance on the reality show 'Alliance', currently streaming on Prime Video, to support his brother Sohail Khan. During an interaction with contestants, Salman reflected on his past jail experiences, sharing details about the harsh
Bhumi Pednekar: Trolled over her reaction in support of PM Modi; users said, "You should stop thinking..."
Aug 03,2026
Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar has found herself at the center of a social media controversy after sharing a video criticizing the use of abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent protest. While some users supported her appeal for respectful public discourse,
Kangana Ranaut Shares Childhood Photo as Sita Amid CJP Row, Says 'Blessings to Liberals'
Jul 31,2026
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has once again grabbed headlines after sharing childhood photographs of herself dressed as Goddess Sita on social media. The post comes amid her ongoing verbal exchanges surrounding the CJP controversy, with Kangana writing a brief but pointed caption: "My
'Jan Nayagan' Movie Review: Vijay's Final Film Is Overshadowed by Politics, 3-Hour Runtime Tests Patience
Jul 23,2026
Vijay's much-awaited farewell film, Jan Nayagan, arrives with massive expectations, marking the superstar's final appearance on the big screen before his full-time political journey. While fans hoped for an unforgettable send-off, director H. Vinoth delivers a film where political messag
Jantar Mantar Protest: From R. Madhavan to Alia Bhatt, Celebrities Rally Behind Students; Here's What They Said
Jul 23,2026
The nationwide outrage over the alleged NEET paper leak has intensified, with thousands of students staging protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and demonstrations spreading across Mumbai and several other cities. Protesters are demanding a transparent investigation into the examination cont
Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Creates Box Office Storm: Two Major Tamil Films Postponed as Fans Celebrate Thalapathy's Final Movie
Jul 16,2026
The excitement surrounding Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' has reached unprecedented levels ahead of its July 23, 2026 release. Widely believed to be Vijay's final film before entering full-time politics, the movie has prompted two Tamil filmmakers to postpone
Salman Khan’s New House Approved: Is He Finally Leaving Galaxy Apartments After 52 Years?
Jun 30,2026
Rumours about Salman Khan leaving his iconic Galaxy Apartments residence have been making headlines after reports claimed the Bollywood superstar was preparing to move into a new luxury home in Bandra. However, the reality is quite different. While the Khan family's sea-facing Bandra prop
Security Breach Involving Arbaaz Khan: Intruder Jumps Into Actor’s Car, Removed by Bouncer
Jun 17,2026
Actor Arbaaz Khan recently found himself at the center of a security scare during a public event in Kolkata. A video from the incident has gone viral on social media, showing an unidentified man allegedly forcing his way into the actor's car as he was leaving the venue.The unexpected inci
Entertainment News
Salman Khan’s New House Appr
Jun 30,2026
Security Breach Involving Arba
Jun 17,2026
‘Happy Birthday to the Queen
Jun 17,2026
Kangana Ranaut Breaks Silence
Jun 12,2026
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawa
Jun 04,2026