A review: Cinderella

Cinderella follows the story of Ella (Lily James). She's grown up with both her parents in the countryside, being as loved and cared for as it is possible to be. When her mother all of a sudden dies, she leaves Ella to take care of a father that's never really gotten over the death of her mother. When he finally decides to remarry, Ella ends up with two stepsisters and a stepmother to tend to as well. While he goes away on business, Ella is gradually and unknowingly indoctrinated into her future role as Cinderella and as the news of her fathers death arrives, the staff is dismissed and her transformation into servant is complete.

Lots of movies have strong female protagonists that fight for what they want but strong doesn't always have to equal warrior. In Cinderella, it's fantastic to watch the powerful leading lady use anything but her fists. Instead, her power comes from knowing herself and the kind of life she wants to lead. In following her dreams she meets her Fairy Godmother and the magic she is bestowed is the reward for being true to herself. Refreshingly enough, this self-esteem also affects the prince (Richard Madden) and has him reevaluating his life after they've met for the first time. 

There are bits I could have done without; mainly the ending (and honestly - if someone chased me because I left a dance, I'd kick him in the balls), but aesthetically the movie really hits the nail on the head. I feel the bright colors, the glitter and the crystal shoes really help to drive home the point that life CAN be a fairy tale, despite tribulations, if you're just true to who you are.

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Used with permission.