When I heard Disney was making a new live action version of the classic Cinderella, I couldn’t wait to see it, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The film follows the story from the original Disney animated version very closely, with a bigger emphasis on the relationship between Cinderella and her parents. As her mother dies, Ella (Lily James) is told to have courage and be kind. This is a theme through the movie and I think is an excellent message to the potential young female viewers. Even though Cinderella ends up being saved by the prince in the end, she certainly had a part in her own “rescue” by standing up to her evil stepmother (Cate Blanchett).

Cinderella’s relationship to the prince (Richard Madden) was more developed than in previous versions, which made the whole thing seem much more believable. They meet before the ball, forming a bond that is only strengthened through their conversations and adventure during the ball. Also, the stepmother’s motives were explained a little, which made her actions and relationship to Cinderella more clear than in the original story.

The whole movie is bright and colorful and a delight to watch. One-liners throughout keep it fresh and I was never bored with the movie, even though I have seen countless versions of Cinderella before and, like most viewers, already knew how it would end. The transformation of Cinderella’s ballgown and all the effects by fairy godmother Helena Bonham Carter looked beautiful. The movie has heart and more character development results in a wonderful retelling of the classic.