Cinderella in Review

Do you believe in Fairytales?

 

Two weekends ago I went to the cinema with my youngest niece, Samantha. I was dying to see the movie ‘Cinderella’ and I thought she might enjoy it too. Well, actually I was crossing my fingers and saying a little prayer that she might enjoy it. You see my niece Samantha is a 14 yr. old (going on 25), an intellectual and somewhat of a tomboy. So I crossed my fingers and toes, picked her up, and we went to see the movie.

This Disney classic is masterly retold in a film that is imaginative, delightful, and amazing. Kenneth Branagh, the director, deserves a standing ovation for making this story, that we all know by heart, feel fresh and new.

A round of applause to Lucy Bevan, casting director, for choosing an incredible cast. The cast and the individuals performances are pitch perfect. Cate Blanchett fully embraces her role as the conniving and wicked Stepmother. Richard Madden (of Game of Thrones fame) is a ridiculously charming Prince. Lily James, most known from her role on Downton Abbey, is wonderful as Cinderella. Other well-known actors round out the cast: Derek Jacobi, Stellen Skarsgard, Helena Bonham Carter (one of my favorites), Nonso Anozie, and Hayley Atwell.

Everything about the film is visually stunning––from the sets to the costumes to the actors––and being a courageous, kind person is a constant theme.

This is a great movie for parents (or aunties) to see with their kids––girls or boys. Both my niece and I enjoyed the movie very much and talked about it all the way home.

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To go with my ‘Cinderella Movie’ review I’m going to share a beautiful poem by the award winning poet Jan Allison. You’ve read some of her haiku here on Haiku Friday. She’s very talented.

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The Belle of the Ball

by Jan Allison

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My dress is made of fine peach coloured* lace
Hair is in ringlets, which frames my pretty face
The lights in the room cast a romantic glow
My first ever ball; I must go with the flow

The orchestra strikes up a wonderful tune
Ladies and gentlemen glide round the room
I stand on the sidelines I am oh so very shy
Then a dashing young man catches my eye

I smile at him, then I coyly avert my eyes
I find him so handsome; that I cannot disguise
He reaches tenderly for my awaiting hand
We move to the dance floor; oh it is so grand

His arm wrapped around my tiny waist
We dance to the music, there is no haste
So full of excitement at the hope of romance
I float round the room at my very first dance

At the end of the dance he bows down low
My heart is aflutter I hope this does not show
He leads me gently to the side of the room
Sweet roses enchant us, we smell their perfume

Time flies by so fast and we dance all night
He looks in my green eyes and to my delight
Whispers so gently those words I long to hear
You simply are the belle of the ball my dear

He reaches out gently and kisses my hand
My first ever ball has been oh so grand
Sadly now it is time for me to depart
I bid adieu to the man who has stolen my heart

 

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What’s your favorite Fairytale? What Fairytale character would you say most resembles you in character or appearance?