Cinderella (9/15/2015)

Rated PG for mild thematic elements.

Starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter

Directed by Kenneth Branagh (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Thor and Hamlet)

Just when you thought the Cinderella story has been done to death, Kenneth Branagh brings the classic story to life…real life.

The story of <>Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and — armed with a pumpkin and a few mice — changes Cinderella’s life forever.

So as a dad of a 17-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old daughter, I loved this beautiful version of Cinderella. The story, performances, and film’s imagery are all masterfully crafted.

One of the things I loved most about the film was the depth of Ella’s character. We get to meet Ella’s parents, and understand that their love—even after their passing—gives Ella the strength to not just be kind but fight for what’s important. This isn’t just a story about a girl waiting to be saved by a prince, but a girl who is kind, courageous and ultimately makes her own destiny – I know some people did not like that new twist on the story.

Lily James shines as Cinderella. The actress plays Ella with the right balance of sweetness and sincerity – she is likeable and my 2-year old absolutely fell in love with her. It’s a great performance, and she carries the film very well. Richard Madden is just as good as the Prince, and Cate Blanchett is excellent as the stepmother; she’s never over-the-top, which was very refreshing. Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother also pleasantly surprised me.

Simply put, Cinderella is magical. Go check out this “Theater Worthy” film and fall in love with this classic story all over again.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this one is great for the whole family.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. How do Cinderella’s stepsisters treat her?


2. How does she treat them?


3. How do you respond/react when you are mistreated?

Read Luke 6:28

Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you.


4. How can you put this verse into practice this week?