By Julia Sheth
Arts Editor
It is as clear as Cinderella’s glass slipper that, despite one minor drawback, the film “Cinderella” is a quality production.
Although the characters in the film “Cinderella,” directed by Kenneth Branagh, seem one-dimensional at times, it is an entertaining film due to the new twist it puts on a classic tale, with a convincing cast, detailed imagery and a well-developed plot.
Based on the classic “Cinderella” fairytale, the movie depicts a young girl named Ella who is forced to live with her oppressive stepmother and stepsisters after her father passes away. Her stepmother and stepsisters treat Ella as though she is a servant, renaming her Cinderella because of the cinders that end up sticking to her face while working.
The one area in which this film is lacking is the depth of its characters, as they are all defined by only one main characteristic. This fault is due to the fact that some of the major characters do not have much action and dialogue during major scenes, so there is no insight into their thoughts and emotions during a majority of the film.
For example, in this film, unlike in the original fairytale, Cinderella does not stand up for herself against her stepmother and does not show any dynamic characteristics other than being kind.
However, despite this fallback, the film as a whole is still thoroughly enjoyable because of the new format that it adds to the story. The film puts this twist on the Cinderella story by making it much more realistic, with live action instead of cartoons and the elimination of talking animals.
Although there are still whimsical elements of magic in the film, it is not as fantastical as the original tale because of the aforementioned reasons, therefore, making it more believable.
Additionally, although the characters themselves lack depth, the actors are as believable as possible with the given task. They exude authentic emotion without being over-the-top.
For example, Lily James, who stars as Cinderella, is convincing in her character’s notion of being kind and submissive, although the character itself does not have much depth built into it.
Furthermore, the scenery in this film is detailed and authentic, allowing for a full image of the story to be painted. All of the major locations that the story is set in, such as Cinderella’s house and the palace, remain genuine to the time period while also conforming with the setting described in the original “Cinderella” story.
Another highlight of the film is that its plot is engaging, allowing for the film as a whole to succeed in being satisfactory. The film adds background information at the beginning and throughout the film, making the plot of the film more intricate and well-developed than that of the classic and childish story of Cinderella.
Despite a lack of depth in its characters, “Cinderella” thoroughly impresses with believable actors, detailed scenery and a well-developed plot in order to tell the tale of Cinderella in a live-action film.
“Cinderella” is rated PG and is playing in theaters nationwide.
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