Cinderella is
one of those classic stories that has been recreated at least a dozen times
since coming to the big screen as a Disney film. With the live action version
coming out next month, the list of remakes to this fairytale continues to grow.
The story itself wasn’t my childhood favorite as far as princess movies go, but
one remake in particular has kept a special place in my heart and movie
collection.
Ever After: A Cinderella Story
Believe me, I
didn’t think that the pick for one of my favorite movies ever would be a film
based on a princess. Ever After tells the “real”
story of Cinderella and takes a new spin on the seemingly unrealistic tale.
In
this story there are no damsels in distress, no pumpkins or fairy godmothers,
no stroke of midnight to end a dream come true moment. Instead you meet an
intelligent and rebellious girl who, with the help of none other than Leonardo
da Vinci, wins the heart of a stubborn prince born to privilege and specific
obligations. The unlikely pair meets under circumstances far from the “love at
first sight” notion this tale is famous for.
Amidst
the company of a heartless stepmother and at least one scheming stepsister,
Danielle (Cinderella) endures a life of servitude after her father suddenly
passes away. Her life isn’t filled with birds coming to help with chores or
mice to make her dresses; her life is messy and the trials she faces in her own
home make her resilient against all odds. In an attempt to save a fellow
servant from misfortune, Danielle crosses paths with Prince Henry and berates
him on the way in which his ignorance and arrogance clouds his judgment as a
royal leader. He’s taken aback by her dynamic ideals, yet falls for her even as
she begins to dispute everything he knows to be true.
In
the events that follow this encounter Danielle takes on the persona of an
aristocrat, rather than a lowly servant in order to spend time with the prince
she comes to admire. This simple Cinderella saves the prince from a band of
gypsies, befriends the genius known as Leonardo da Vinci, stands up to her
villainous stepmother, and finds her way to a masked ball to reveal her true
identity to a prince she has fallen in love with. Yet, fate has other plans in
store for Danielle before her “happily ever after” moment comes into fruition.
The
aspect of this movie that I enjoy most is the “realness” that comes into play
as the common fairytale plot unfolds. Her life isn’t a dream come true, but she
lives in such a way that she brings her dreams to life. Her environment isn’t
filled with magic and happen stance, but of real life occurrences and mishaps. Her
predicaments in life do not diminish her spirit, but instead strengthen her
character. She isn’t your typical Cinderella, and that’s why I love it.
I
know what you’re probably thinking at this point. It still sounds like a bit of
a chick-flick, romance, drama filled movie – but every girl is entitled to at
least one as a favorite, right? If you haven’t seen it yet my then my request
would be this…
Give
this timeless tale with a twist a shot.
There’s
more to this story than a simple glass slipper.
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