CINDERELLA Review CINDERELLA Review by Ander Egiluz Beramendi. It is known to all that Kenneth Branagh knows his way around the realm of mythological tales (Thor, 2011) and universal classics (Hamlet, 1996; Macbeth, 2013). It is also perhaps an oversweet truth that Disney adds too much sugar to fairy tales; even though it must be admitted that they do it well. Be that as it may, good things come when the best traits of each one team up, and that’s what happens with Cinderella, the worldwide classic popularized by the Brothers Grimm and readapted by “the dream factory.” Cinderella is another beautiful film adaptation by Disney, with the magical touch of Kenneth Branagh. The Belfast native director speeds up and slows down the pace of the story when needed, grabbing the audience’s attention at all times. Something which is undoubtedly helped by the beautiful images and the stunning photography, enriched with rightly used special effects. Two good examples are when the fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) embellishes Ella’s dress to go to the Prince’s ball, or when she creates the golden chariot and the servants with a pumpkin, various animals, and a couple of magic touches. In this scene, the script also includes a good amount of humor, making this awaited moment one of the best in the film. Just to raise an objection −surprisingly related to the Make Up/Special Effects−, it must be said that in the first appearance of the fairy godmother as an old woman, it is more than obvious that Bonham Carter, in real life, has an exquisite skin. The London-born actress does a very good job, but the one who takes the bow for her brilliant performance is Cate Blanchett. The Academy Award-winner turns this family style movie into a really enjoyable film. Unbearably unjust and greedy, her character (Lady Tremaine), reinforces the affection of the public towards Cinderella. However, from her first mysterious appearance, to her (decadent) farewell, Blanchett sucks in the audience’s attention, like a black hole that leaves no lux of light in Space. Not that Cate Blanchett tries to steal nobody’s limelight, simply put: she is the best thing about Hollywood. Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera also do an excellent job as Ella’s stepsisters. Furthermore, Chris Weitz wrote a very good screenplay, especially for those obnoxious quarrels between the aforementioned stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella; the funny dialogues of the protagonist’s best friends, the mice; and the elegant paternalism of Cinderella’s ever-perfect father (Ben Chaplin). And such a film is not an easy task for a writer, as no one in the audience will be surprised by what comes next. Cinderella is expected to do well in the box office and, let’s be honest, it well deserves it. The Disney film is now playing in theaters nationwide.
