Some remakes are actually as good as or better than the original. Because stories benefit from being dusted off, as you can see for yourself on Disney+.
Every now and then, a fresh coat of varnish can actually do a traditional story good. When a director understands exactly what he’s dealing with and everything comes together just right. Then there’s a real chance of pure movie magic that can capture the familiar fairy tale magic of childhood.
On Disney+, you have access to all the live-action remakes of the great fairy tale classics. But there’s one in particular that stands out: 2015’s Cinderella. Thanks in no small part to director Kenneth Branagh, it has a very special charm that you should see for yourself.
In Cinderella on Disney+, a lovable young heroine fights for her dream of true love
Ella (Lily James) is a kind-hearted young woman, although fate has dealt her a cruel blow. She lost her mother when she was just a little girl. Her father later married the beautiful Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett), who brought her two daughters into the family. But he also died much too soon. Now Ella is alone with her stepfamily – who promptly turn their claws on her.
The stepmother and sisters are seizing the family fortune and treating Ella like a glorified servant. Only rarely can she escape the oppression of everyday life and fight for a few minutes of freedom. But all hell breaks loose in her home when a very special invitation arrives.
The prince of the kingdom (Richard Madden) is finally supposed to find a bride. A ball is being held for this purpose, to which all unmarried young women in the country are invited. Ella wants nothing more than to be allowed to go too. But since her stepmother naturally forbids it, she has to find a way to make it there after all.
Cinderella is a feast for fairy tale fans and those who are nostalgic, thanks to Kenneth Branagh and his stars.
Branagh is one of the few – perhaps the only – directors of live-action remakes to date who has brought his own unique flair to the project with absolute confidence. He loves opulent productions, a little well-meaning kitsch and a dash of classic theatricality. There can be glitter and glimmer, the light can shimmer golden, it can simply be dreamy.
All of this fits perfectly with Disney’s well-known Cinderella romance. Branagh has clearly understood that pure magic is possible even without the charm of animation. The result is a mixture of European fairy tale film tradition, theatrical tricks and even a lot more personality for the key characters, who are rather pale in the original. Cinderella is not only new, Cinderella offers more than ever before.
In addition, an unearthly cast fills the film to the brim with childlike enthusiasm for magic, colorful dresses, fairies and princes, and love at first sight. Blanchett knows exactly how evil a stepmother can be in a fairy tale. Madden plays the dream prince to die for and Lily James is simply enchanting. As enchanting as a fairy tale deserves.
