CINDERELLA: A Safe but Amazingly Done Reimagining
Rejoice, all, for love and magic have been made real again and no longer confined to shallow movies that preach the wrong topics filled with two dimensional protagonists that do nothing but fulfill ageless and traditional characterizations. Cinderella manages to be the most refreshing new Disney movie out, by paradoxically undergoing the least transformation. Directed by Kenneth Branagh with the utilization of his perfectly suitable Shakespearean mastery, and supported by a cast of actors and actresses that look like they came straight out of the storybook, Cinderella is a delightful reiteration of the classic story that we’ve all grown to know.
A Return to the Basics
Even with no real changes or twists embedded in its story, the film manages to surprise. It is storytelling in its purest form, using its stupendous directing and its lavish artistry to successfully convey an age-old story in an innovative way that manages to expel its timelessness. Yes there is nothing new or innovative about the new Cinderella – no silly twists or changes, but that doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with it. It is sterile in a way that completely conserves the magic that made the fairy-tale a household name.
A World Where Magic Feels Possible
We are transported to a nameless kingdom in Cinderella, yet we feel as if we’ve lived here our entire lives. The set design is something spectacular, and the special effects are surprisingly good, even if it does feel like obvious CGI at times. Each costume feels intricately sewn, the grandeur of which is breathtaking.
The lighting is reminiscent of its fairy-tale origins, injecting an almost magical sense of beauty and whimsy. There was absolutely no holding back in the production design, and there is no substitute for such quality. This immersion makes it difficult not to fall in love with this movie, for its brilliant ability to create and portray a land and a story that we are all familiar with and yet somehow make it seem new and different.
Characters Grounded in Reality
Live action also comes with the benefit of giving each character a human face. We are given characters that are brought to life in a way that makes us imagine that we’ve been with them our entire lives. The beautiful Lily James exudes innocence and the struggle to maintain a deathbed promise, staying kind and positive on the surface, while hiding an evident sorrow.
Richard Madden lives up to the Charming namesake, and gives us another person to root for, instead of the usual misogynistic spoiled brat with the crown that we are used to. They are their respective characters. Their emotion shapes our emotion: news of death affects us gravely, happiness brings a smile to our faces. Cinderella even manages to make us care for the cruel stepmother, brought to life by the brilliant Cate Blanchett, who is given motivation to her madness, almost managing to evoke some sympathy along the way despite all the atrocities that she commits.
Shattered Hatred
When I first became aware of this new adaptation of a timeless classic, I was stunned, outraged even. I detest these obvious studio money grabs as much as the next guy, but I couldn’t help but be amazed. My cynicism for movies like this one have been shattered. After witnessing only the first few minutes, it became impossible to continue to force all of the contempt that I harbored for this film during its production. I walked into the theater hiding my face from the throngs of parents and their children, trying to hide the shame of watching a film like Cinderella alone. And yet here I sit, publicly proclaiming to the world how much I enjoyed and loved the movie.
Conclusion
Cinderella is a magical film that is refreshing because, ironically, it really isn’t. It transports us to a different universe, one that invokes nostalgia while simultaneously refusing to let up its magical act. The film is a glimmering sign that reboots, even live-action ones, can do well, and should not be avoided for their subject matter.
What did you think of Cinderella? Did its lack of difference from the original have a positive or negative effect on the film itself? I’d love to hear what you have to say in the comments!
(top image source: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
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