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Film Review: Cinderella (2015)

Kenneth Branagh’s retelling of this classic fairytale combines humour and a little darkness to ensure the story stays fresh and interesting for all ages.

 

film-cinderella2015These days it is considered brave of film-makers to re-invent classic stories but spinning an edgy, modern twist on tales has often proved fruitful.

Whilst this approach has raked in cash, it is even rarer and braver of others to stick to traditional versions. Although having critics, director Kenneth Branagh knows how to handle rich mythologies which he does so confidentially with Cinderella. Based on the Charles Perrault fairy tale and the 1950 Walt Disney movie, it is refreshingly free of the cynicism that drags down similar films.

Ella (Eloise Webb) lives with her stepmother Lady Temaine (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters. Revelling in dire wickedness, Temaine treats Ella as a slave. Ella longs for escape that she receives when her fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) appears. Turned into a divine belle dubbed Cinderella, Ella soon captures the attention of Prince Charming (Richard Madden). Events travel a tortuous path as the divine happy ending forever seems to escape Cinderella’s grasp.

Cinderella has an abundance of genuine charm. This doesn’t mean it’s a saccharine movie talking down to the audience. It is an all-ages production rich in visual splendour and solid acting. Branagh delivers a serviceable rendition of the well-known tale. With his astute directorial skills he successfully teases out the magical wonder embedded within, adding to the colourful scope Cinderella needs. It is complimented by sparkling CGI which never overwhelms the sense of enchantment permeating events.

Cinderella also succeeds due to some astute performances. Webb makes for a fetching damsel, with Blanchett revelling in the haughty evil of her wicked character. Whilst some occasional overacting is evident, most generally stick to Cinderella’s spirit of earnest romanticism. The mix of humour and a little darkness ensure the story zips along at a briskly watchable rhythm.

It would have been easy for the makers of Cinderella to brashly update its classic formula. The fact they didn’t speaks volumes for their quest in crafting a suitably grand tribute to a durable fable.

Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14

Rating out of 10: 7

 

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