Cinderella Is Updated For The Modern Age, But Stays True To The Classic

DETROIT (WWJ) – There's good reason Cinderella is one of the world's most beloved fairytales. It's a beautifully told story about a mistreated young woman who rises above her circumstances and, despite the odds stacked against her, stays true to herself and her family values while doing so. And, this new take on the well-known story stays true to the classic while updating it for the modern age, something that screenwriter Chris Weitz says was paramount.

"The thing for us was not to try too hard to re-imagine things, but to go by the lights of the story as we saw it – a world of hidden wonder and beauty, with the animating force of kindness and faith at the heart of it," Weitz said.

The heart of the story shows how badly Cinderella is treated by her evil stepmother and her daughters, Anastasia and Drisella, but Cinderella keeps a promise she made years earlier to her mother who told her that courage and kindness would see her through "all the trials that life can offer." And, those traits definitely serve her especially well in a home filled with so much cruelty.

This live-action Cinderella is directed by five-time Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh. He says before this dream project came along, he had never even thought about directing a fairytale. But, after reading Weitz's script, it was an opportunity he just couldn't pass up.

As for Cinderella, she is eloquently portrayed by actress Lily James, known for her role as Lady Rose in the hit television series Downton Abbey. Cate Blanchett stars as Cinderella's evil stepmother. Richard Madden of HBO's "Game of Thrones" portrays the prince. Helena Bonham Carter took on the role of the Fairy Godmother. Carter's portrayal of that iconic role just might take you by surprise because she adds an unexpected twist to the character, which makes the movie that much more fun.

I absolutely loved Cinderella from beginning to end and if you're a fan of fairytales, you will too!  Go see it and relive the fantasy all over again!

A Walt Disney Studios production.  Rated PG.

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