Okay, this one I watched because of my daughter. The exams were over, and we were out in the mall. There was a 10 O'clock show in the multiplex; we made an impulsive decision to see the film.
And we were not disappointed. Going with low expectations - the same old story; been there done that kind of a feeling - might have helped, because we came out thoroughly entertained. My daughter, of course, sat riveted.
Image sources:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c2/Cinderella_2015_official_poster.jpg
http://www.hellomagazine.com/imagenes/film/2014120322267/cinderella-posters-lily-james-richard-madden/0-117-196/cinderella-2--z.jpg
Actor/director, Kenneth Branagh does a sterling job of making this story an interesting one, with a few clever deviations from the original. In this story, Cinderella - or Ella as she is first called - sees her mother die after giving her a message: have courage and show kindness. Her father remarries and subsequently dies during one of his travels, leaving Ella with the evil stepmother and her two daughters.
The gradual deterioration of Ella's status in her own house is well depicted, and we learn that it is actually her stepsisters who come up with the name Cinderella, after they see Ella's face blackened with cinder from all the cooking that she does. Her attic friends are all mice, and the birds only come towards the end.
Unlike the original, Cinderella meets the prince during a horse riding session, although she does not know his identity. The king dies before the prince marries Cinderella, and the prince himself unravels the plot hatched by the stepmother and the grand duke to prevent him from seeing Cinderella again. The stepmother smashes the glass shoe on the wall, instead of tripping the footman carrying the shoe. However these deviations - apart from the fast pace of the narrative - add charm to the story and keep one glued to it.
Although she lacks the comic book Cinderella look, Lily James displays the affected yet restrained look of the character very well. Richard Madden is charming as the prince, as is his father the king, played by Derek Jacobi. Cate Blanchett, a seasoned actress that she is, brings a level of sophistication and controlled cruelty to her role as the stepmother. The bungling sisters, Drizella and Anastasia are hilarious, while Stellan Skarsgard is suitably villainous as the grand duke. Ben Chaplin plays Cinderella's father, and Nonso Anozie is the good captain.
Helena Bonham Carter continues her streak of playing oddball characters with her role of an atypical fairy godmother - or 'hairy godfather' as she puts it. The setting up of the carriage and its subsequent disintegration into a pumpkin, mice, lizards and a goose, is a treat to watch.
Overall, a highly enjoyable fare. Watch it with the whole family.
Image sources:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c2/Cinderella_2015_official_poster.jpg
http://www.hellomagazine.com/imagenes/film/2014120322267/cinderella-posters-lily-james-richard-madden/0-117-196/cinderella-2--z.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment
I believe in discussions and dialogues, not in arguments and mud-slinging; therefore kindly refrain from the latter. As far as possible kindly provide insightful and constructive feedback and opinion, with sources as applicable.