Comparing All The Cinderella Movies
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VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Willow McLaughlin
If the shoe fits... In this essay, we'll be looking at how the different films change the details of the iconic character's story while still maintaining the core of who she is and what she represents. Our countdown includes "Ever After", "A Cinderella Story", Disney's "Cinderella" and more!
Welcome to MsMojo and today we’re comparing all the Cinderella movies. In this essay, we’ll be looking at how the different films change the details of the iconic character’s story while still maintaining the core of who she is and what she represents. Who’s your favorite Cinderella? Let us know in the comments.
Cinderella has been gracing film screens for a very long time. Although the name and gender may change, the character is endlessly appealing and instantly recognizable. There are pieces to her story and personality that instantly identify her. She’s a hard-working orphan mistreated by her guardians. Despite her hardships, she’s endlessly kind. Thanks to her positive persistence, she’s gifted with help when she needs it most. But Cinderella doesn’t just get warm words of advice. Before she rushes out to achieve her dreams, the character often gets a quick and often magical makeover.
We have to confess that the transformation is one of our favorite parts of any Cinderella movie. Although each film is unique, it’s a turning point that highlights her character. In the Disney live-action film, Cinderella has a strong connection to her mother. This leads her to ask that the dress not be completely replaced. Camila Cabello’s Cinderella gets to wear a gown she designed herself. Other transformations, like in “A Cinderella Story” and “Ever After”, are the result of more practical help. But they’re still just as enchanting. Across every adaptation of the story, this is always a moment where the troubled heroine’s winning personality shines through. Astounded that anyone is willing to help her, she’s consistently delighted and very grateful for the attention. The transformation also gives Cinderella the confidence she needs to pursue her dreams and the support of one person who believes in her. Whether she’s dressed in a fabulous ball gown or a killer suit, it’s a key moment for any Cinderella character.
Each of these dress transformations reflects the time period where we find the good-natured dreamer. Cinderella stories fit nicely into any era or magical realm. These variations make for fun changes that give the classic fairy tale new life. In the Renaissance based "Ever After", Danielle gets a dress improved by Leonardo DaVinci. During "A Cinderella Story”, the plucky waitress Sam loses her cell phone instead of a glass slipper. In "Another Cinderella Story", Mary’s prince is actually a pop star. The modern settings also provide the chance for a male Cinderella. Both Disney’s "Sneakerella" and Jerry Lewis’ “Cinderfella” switch genders and provide for an alternate outlook. We appreciate everything from the magical storybook realms of the Rodgers and Hammerstein version to the Amazon Prime musical setting. They give us not only quirky fairy godmothers, but also colorful palettes and fantastic fashion. When it comes down to it, an orphan can be stuck with a horrible family situation in any time period. Whether she’s battling royal oppression or standing up to cheerleaders these different time periods affect the details, but not the essence of Cinderella's personality.
Another detail that can shift in these films is whether or not the characters break into song. Some stories are set in very realistic atmospheres. Within the more grounded worlds of “Ever After” and “A Cinderella Story,” it wouldn’t make sense for the heroines to be singing on the streets. But there are still tons of versions of the story that find a way to embrace music and let their characters belt out their emotions. Outside of just providing the chance for fabulous dance scenes, including music helps uncover Cinderella’s true personality and motivations. Numbers like "A Dream Is a Wish, Your Heart Makes" and "In My Own Little Corner" show her imagination and positivity. “Million to One” and “Work Up” clue us into her goals and dreams.
No matter its time period or musical status, most Cinderella stories don’t allow her to have a family’s support. In Disney and other films, she’s a true servant. In many of the modern tales, she’s an overworked employee. Either way, Cinderella is stuck with people who take advantage of her good nature and willingness to work. But she’s never completely alone. Her chosen family may consist of animals, fellow servants or outcasts. In all of these cases, she’s more likely to act as their protector than the other way around. This pushes her to be independent and in control of her own destiny. In some occasions, there’s a reconciliation between the title character and her family . Danielle in "Ever After" gets a loving sister and El in “Sneakerella” reconciles with his stepfather. However, these moments come after they achieve their dreams of securing a better life.
Is the ultimate goal true love? Unlike many fairy tales, Cinderella doesn’t need a kiss to bring her back to life. Lily James’s Cinderella is looking for an escape from her difficult life. She also wants to be recognized as a legitimate member of her family. Drew Barrymore’s Danielle wants to save her home and the servants that live there. Camila Cabello’s version wants to own her own dress shop. Chosen Jacobs’s El wants to design shoes. In "A Cinderella Story" and “Another Cinderella Story”, Sam and Mary respectively want to attend amazing schools. All of these goals can be summed up as an inner drive to pursue their dreams.
Is a rescue the only way Cinderella can achieve her goal? Whether they’re magical or practical, the godmothers give her help when she’s at her lowest. But it’s her unwavering belief and hope that brings that unexpected support. Since the transformation is only temporary, Cinderella has to take the next step herself. Resilience in the face of hardship is why you may see her save the 2nd shoe, jump out of her step-mother’s carriage, or fight her way out of forced servitude. Through her own kindness, courage and strength, Cinderella ultimately rescues herself every time. A little romance could easily be considered her well-earned reward.
What Makes a Cinderella?
Cinderella has been gracing film screens for a very long time. Although the name and gender may change, the character is endlessly appealing and instantly recognizable. There are pieces to her story and personality that instantly identify her. She’s a hard-working orphan mistreated by her guardians. Despite her hardships, she’s endlessly kind. Thanks to her positive persistence, she’s gifted with help when she needs it most. But Cinderella doesn’t just get warm words of advice. Before she rushes out to achieve her dreams, the character often gets a quick and often magical makeover.
What Does Her Transformation Show?
We have to confess that the transformation is one of our favorite parts of any Cinderella movie. Although each film is unique, it’s a turning point that highlights her character. In the Disney live-action film, Cinderella has a strong connection to her mother. This leads her to ask that the dress not be completely replaced. Camila Cabello’s Cinderella gets to wear a gown she designed herself. Other transformations, like in “A Cinderella Story” and “Ever After”, are the result of more practical help. But they’re still just as enchanting. Across every adaptation of the story, this is always a moment where the troubled heroine’s winning personality shines through. Astounded that anyone is willing to help her, she’s consistently delighted and very grateful for the attention. The transformation also gives Cinderella the confidence she needs to pursue her dreams and the support of one person who believes in her. Whether she’s dressed in a fabulous ball gown or a killer suit, it’s a key moment for any Cinderella character.
Can She Be from Any Time Period?
Each of these dress transformations reflects the time period where we find the good-natured dreamer. Cinderella stories fit nicely into any era or magical realm. These variations make for fun changes that give the classic fairy tale new life. In the Renaissance based "Ever After", Danielle gets a dress improved by Leonardo DaVinci. During "A Cinderella Story”, the plucky waitress Sam loses her cell phone instead of a glass slipper. In "Another Cinderella Story", Mary’s prince is actually a pop star. The modern settings also provide the chance for a male Cinderella. Both Disney’s "Sneakerella" and Jerry Lewis’ “Cinderfella” switch genders and provide for an alternate outlook. We appreciate everything from the magical storybook realms of the Rodgers and Hammerstein version to the Amazon Prime musical setting. They give us not only quirky fairy godmothers, but also colorful palettes and fantastic fashion. When it comes down to it, an orphan can be stuck with a horrible family situation in any time period. Whether she’s battling royal oppression or standing up to cheerleaders these different time periods affect the details, but not the essence of Cinderella's personality.
How Important is Music?
Another detail that can shift in these films is whether or not the characters break into song. Some stories are set in very realistic atmospheres. Within the more grounded worlds of “Ever After” and “A Cinderella Story,” it wouldn’t make sense for the heroines to be singing on the streets. But there are still tons of versions of the story that find a way to embrace music and let their characters belt out their emotions. Outside of just providing the chance for fabulous dance scenes, including music helps uncover Cinderella’s true personality and motivations. Numbers like "A Dream Is a Wish, Your Heart Makes" and "In My Own Little Corner" show her imagination and positivity. “Million to One” and “Work Up” clue us into her goals and dreams.
Can Cinderella Have a Loving Family?
No matter its time period or musical status, most Cinderella stories don’t allow her to have a family’s support. In Disney and other films, she’s a true servant. In many of the modern tales, she’s an overworked employee. Either way, Cinderella is stuck with people who take advantage of her good nature and willingness to work. But she’s never completely alone. Her chosen family may consist of animals, fellow servants or outcasts. In all of these cases, she’s more likely to act as their protector than the other way around. This pushes her to be independent and in control of her own destiny. In some occasions, there’s a reconciliation between the title character and her family . Danielle in "Ever After" gets a loving sister and El in “Sneakerella” reconciles with his stepfather. However, these moments come after they achieve their dreams of securing a better life.
Is Love Always the Goal?
Is the ultimate goal true love? Unlike many fairy tales, Cinderella doesn’t need a kiss to bring her back to life. Lily James’s Cinderella is looking for an escape from her difficult life. She also wants to be recognized as a legitimate member of her family. Drew Barrymore’s Danielle wants to save her home and the servants that live there. Camila Cabello’s version wants to own her own dress shop. Chosen Jacobs’s El wants to design shoes. In "A Cinderella Story" and “Another Cinderella Story”, Sam and Mary respectively want to attend amazing schools. All of these goals can be summed up as an inner drive to pursue their dreams.
Who Rescues Cinderella?
Is a rescue the only way Cinderella can achieve her goal? Whether they’re magical or practical, the godmothers give her help when she’s at her lowest. But it’s her unwavering belief and hope that brings that unexpected support. Since the transformation is only temporary, Cinderella has to take the next step herself. Resilience in the face of hardship is why you may see her save the 2nd shoe, jump out of her step-mother’s carriage, or fight her way out of forced servitude. Through her own kindness, courage and strength, Cinderella ultimately rescues herself every time. A little romance could easily be considered her well-earned reward.
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