The Small Fries

Once upon a time…

Everyone loves a fairy tale. They make us feel warm and happy inside. They help us escape from our bad days and give us hope that our happy ending is out there, somewhere. The newest adaptation of the classic Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tale, Cinderella, will do just that. From the beautiful story, the great cast, amazing costumes, and gorgeous scenery this movie is nothing short of perfect. This movie is one that will stick with you for a little bit, and after just seeing this movie, I can happily admit that I am still thinking of this movie. I honestly do not know where to begin singing my praises. Let me warn you, though, this is not the Cinderella we grew up with.

Cinderella opens on a beautiful setting of the countryside where we first meet our heroine, Ella, as a baby. Through brief snippets we watch her grow up and learn of her close relationship with her mother and father. Of course, her mother is ripped away from her very tragically by a severe illness when she was a young girl. Ella’s mother’s last words to her are “have courage and be kind.” This is the main theme and is repeated several times throughout the movie. Soon after her death, we see Ella as a grown woman with her father, when he is introducing the dreaded step-mother and her two daughters, Drisella and Anastasia . Ella’s father soon passes while he is away on a trip, and thus begins the traditional story we all know of the little cinder girl. The story continues on and pays tribute to the classic cartoon version in small details. The fairy godmother uses the phrase “Bippity Boppity Boo” several times when she is helping Ella prepare for the ball.

Helena Bonham Carter as The Fairy Godmother

Oh, and of course, Gus-gus, Lucifer, and all of the mice make appearances throughout the movie. As familiar as this story is, it was also very different from other versions of the fairy tale. It showed more of the hardships Ella had to face and how difficult it was for her to bear the death of her parents alongside her mistreatment from her step-family. The entire time I was cheering for her to get out of there and find her prince. This adaptation did an amazing job drawing the audience in and making it fall in love with its heroine. I felt as if I was going through everything with her instead of being a witness. Every aspect of the movie helped a great deal with that. Especially its cast.

The chemistry between the characters radiated off the screen. Especially between Cinderella and her prince. Lately I had been let down time and again with this type of chemistry and character development, so it was refreshing to find a movie that was able to fill that gap. Lily James portrayed our heroine and exceeded every expectation I had. Despite everything thrown at her, she stayed upbeat. She had courage and was kind. Ella even forgives her step-mother for everything in the end. She never gives up and eventually is rewarded for it; she gets her happily ever after. Richard Madden was our dashing and charming, young prince. I can honestly say, he portrayed every girls’ dream Prince Charming; right down to the smile.

(See? Perfect.)

Richard Madden as The Prince/Kit and his perfect smile.

Alongside our poor Ella, he is also going through his own hardships and pressures. Kit, the name he used to introduce himself to Ella, is facing the pressures of marrying for prospects instead of love on top of his father quickly dying. However, like Ella, he cares the words “have courage and be kind” with him which helps he carry on and continue searching for “the forgetful girl who loses her shoes,” or so the kingdom refers to our mysterious princess as. Our evil step-mother, Cate Blanchett, did a great job making me hate her. The moment she plopped Lucifer out of her carriage and paraded into Ella’s home, I felt an immediate sense of disdain and hatred toward her. Blanchett made her character truly evil. At one point she tells Cinderella that she treats her this way because she “is innocent and good.” Only a truly villainous person could be that cruel to a good natured person. Her character adds the serious and dark nature to the movie. However, our beautiful fairy godmother gives it some much needed comedic relief. Helena Bonham Carter is our bubbly fairy. She is a very picky builder when choosing the vegetable she will turn into a carriage. However, she “knows a thing or two about shoes,” or so she tells Ella. They could not have picked a better actor to portray such a classic role.

Lily James as Ella and Cate Blanchett as the Step-mother

If this movie is nominated for anything come award season, it better be for costumes. Each and every costume worn by all the characters were so detailed and beautiful. The dresses were so vibrant and full, especially Ella’s ball gown. The deep blue gown had so many layers and dimension to the dress, that it was a scene in itself to watch it move and flow as she and the prince danced. The glass slippers looked like they were made of diamond instead of glass that looked even more beautiful when the light reflected off them. I guess Carter does know a thing or two about shoes. During the entire ball, it was hard to decide what I wanted to focus on: the dancing or the gowns.

Lily James and Richard Madden in their ball costumes

There are so many different aspects of this movie that was near perfection. I applaud Kenneth Branagh for his amazing job directing this movie. It was a beautiful story and a stunning visual presentation for my eyes. The chemistry between the Ella and Kit could be felt off the screen. Call me a hopeless romantic, but their final scene made me feel warm and bubbly inside. I highly recommend for everyone to go see this movie this weekend. You may even run into me there for my second viewing.

…and they all lived happily ever after.

--Kasey