The story that brought love and hope into our childhood now lights up the big screen again.
“Cinderella” hit theaters March 13., leaving audience members wondering where this new story has been.
The fairy tale of “Cinderella” has mainly focused on the evil in a person. The wicked stepmother and evil stepsisters spear the story with negative attitudes and uncomfortable abuse. This new take on this old story reveals a positive element to the classic fairy tale.
Lily James brings a sweet sensitive side of Cinderella to the big screen. Cinderella can be interpreted as the bratty rich girl whose father just happened to die, but James puts much more into the role.
After facing the death of her mother and her father, the expected reactions from Cinderella is an overwhelming grief. James plays Cinderella in a way that understands fate. She expresses the character in a hopeful manner that all adults can admire.
This production of the classic shares the importance of imagination in a child’s life. Cinderella’s mother teaches her to believe in the power of magic. This allows Cinderella to befriend all of the animals that she encounters.
One of the biggest differences in this production of “Cinderella” is the role of Lady Tremaine, Cinderella’s wicked stepmother. Cate Blanchett plays Lady Tremaine, and does an excellent job of encouraging audiences to like her. She has a sweet, almost genuine, tone to her presence that tricks you into thinking she has good intentions for the lonely orphan.
Although there have been many adaptations of “Cinderella,” this is one that has the deepest meaning embedded into it.
Cinderella has genuine good intentions throughout the whole movie. Although her stepmother gives her trials along the way, she never allows her spirit to fall. She does not allow her stepmother to attack her heart or spirit. She stays strong throughout the movie, and truly believes that everything will work out.
Although our lives are not fairy tales, “Cinderella” gives us a little faith and teaches us “to be kind and courageous to all.”
