Curtains Up on Cinderella

by Joseph Rossi

I think Kenneth Branagh`s version of Cinderella is a glorious entertainment. In a time where cynical movies are piling in, here comes a breath of fresh air.

This isn`t a re-imagining like last summer’s megahit Maleficent; this is a rather straight re-telling of the 1950 Disney cartoon, with a few extra scenes to pad out the length and flesh out the characters. I`m not sure why the Mouse House is making the classics into live action films but if they are anything like this, bring them on. We know the story. It`s etched in our minds. The Disney version has been, in my time, the quintessential telling of the tale so it was wise for the filmmakers not to meddle much. If there is some form of movie industry influence, it`s in the casting. Of course the name sells itself but it doesn’t hurt to have some star power in this story.

And that power comes in the form of a wicked Cate Blanchett sneering and plotting and having a grand time as the wicked step mother. Also wonderful is Lily James as Cinderella. She brings the right mixture of fairy tale gumption and modern reality to this fantasy heroin. Helen Bonham Carter is a joy to watch as the blue fairy godmother. And Games of Thrones alum Richard Madden makes for a noble and dashing prince.

But as good as the cast is, it is the craft that really stands out.  Costume ace Sandy Powell`s work is outstanding. Her work in the past has prepared her for this because every costume, every dress, suit and glass slipper is so intricate, so refined, it will be remembered next awards season. Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo`s production design is aces as well. You want to step foot in a fairy-tale — here`s your chance. They create this world from the ground up and it is spellbinding. And then there Haris Zambolokous`s camera work. Stunning. Especially on the big screen. No VOD here.

I walked in to be partially amused or really disappointed with Cinderella.  I was neither. I was enthralled. This is the real deal.