Imogen Farris, Staff Writer
Have courage and be kind. That is the main theme and idea in the new remake of the famous Disney tale “Cinderella,” directed by Kenneth Branagh. This live-action version certainly gives off the fairy tale feel and a sense of magic. Actress Lily James plays the role of orphaned Ella, who is treated as a servant by her stepmother and two stepsisters. The stepmother, played by Cate Blanchett, and two stepsisters, Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger, are wickedly evil and cruel. They are responsible for giving Ella the nickname Cinderella after she awoke one morning covered in ash from the fireplace.
All the familiar details from the original film are embraced: the pumpkin that transforms into a carriage, Gus and the rest of Cinderella’s animal friends, and the sparkling glass slippers. I have to hand it to the costume department in this film. The outfits worn by the stepsisters clearly display their tacky and ugly interiors, while Ella’s ball gown is breathtaking. The chemistry between Cinderella and Prince “Kit” is certainly believable and the romance builds throughout the movie, instead of just one dance. As always, Helena Bonham Carter is a delightful character as she plays the fairy godmother and helps Cinderella get to the ball.
Overall, I think this movie was a success. The movie is sweet and really encourages movie goers to have courage in life, just as the prince does when he tells his father he wants to marry a simple country girl, and to be kind, just like Ella. Viewers of all ages will enjoy this live-action remake of the 1950 animation classic.
