A Feminist's Take On: "Disney's Cinderella"

     I must admit, I was rather surprised by the outcome of this latest Disney reboot. Although the trailers did look promising, this classic fable can often be a mixed bag. This particular "cinder wench" has been making the rounds over the years, appearing in her fair of share or renditions and reboots.
Spoiler Alert. You have been warned.  

     So, what is all the fuss about? Cinderella is, arguably, one of the first true rags-to-riches stories that seems to resonate so easily with the bubbly imaginations of young girls everywhere. As of late, however, Ms. Cinder Soot has received some stiff competition in the form of Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior among many others. Even Frozen's Elsa insists that girls let go of typical, female stereotypes in favor of embracing who they really are within. In this business, timing is everything, and so it was time to dust off Cinderella's infamous blue gown... it is the 21st century after all.

So onto the question of the hour: Is this a feminist adaptation?

     Yes and no. The film goes through great pains to show that Cinderella's kind manner was just

"One must have courage, and be kind."

another form of courageous inner strength. She is not weak simply because she plasters on a smile and tries her best to run her family estate, all while her stepmother and stepsisters cackle in the background. Even the transformation of her name from Ella into Cinderella was tackled nicely; highlighting the bullying nature of the step sister's mean words and their power to cause some true pain. However, instead of standing up for herself in the face of such verbal abuse, the young woman grabs possibly one of the most beautiful horses I have ever seen on screen and races off towards.... who else but the prince's hunting party. How terribly convenient to the plot, wouldn't you say? I do give Disney brownie points for highlighting a princess story in which the young heroine isn't simply waiting in a lonely bell tower for some man to rescue her. Still, would it have killed them to give her just a touch of a back bone? Just once throughout this film, I found myself hoping she would talk back to the mean girls in her life.

     Otherwise, the prince is charming enough, and the evil stepmother cruel enough. Lady Tremaine is lent just enough of a back story to make her seem almost guilt-worthy. At least they didn't make her blindly evil; but more bitter and cold to life's challenges. Tremaine offers another view on how a woman might tackle the hardships that befall a woman whose greatest expectation in life is to marry well (during the time period in which this movie takes place, at least). Cate Blanchett gave this villainess just enough emotion behind her eyes to make her appear human, while also having a heck of a good time laughing manically in the background. This isn't a performance of Elizabeth-sized proportions, but at least she brought in a few laughs.

Fashionably late. 

      The movie is also beautifully filmed; with some amazing attention to detail and sweeping views of a country that almost seems too good to be true. The costume design has this reviewer turning green with envy (I would wear any number of Lady Tremaine's gowns). Kenneth Branagh has showed, once again, that he is probably an even better director than he is an actor... if such a thing is truly possible. In the process, Disney has also showed that they truly understand how a sweeping film should be tackled. No expense was spared; from Ella's sumptuous gown to the CGI that turned 4 (also CGI) mice into white chargers. A note to viewers: pay attention to the horses' ears as they shrink down to size. It was truly an amazing detail! Cinderella  is as graceful a movie as Ella is herself. And although there is some debate as to it's feminist prowess, or even if it is suitable for young girls at all. I think it is just the right mix of whimsy and fun, especially for those viewers entering their pre-teen/teenage years. Considering it's more adult themes, and the fact that literally every single parent in this movie is killed off... I wouldn't assume to propose taking anyone younger than the age of 10 unless you expect to do some heavy explaining.

     Bottom line: could it have been better? Of course. Although, the same can be said for any movie. Is it good enough? Yes, it is. At the very least, it allows you're somewhat older children to feel ten years old again, as they immerse themselves in this fairytale-style adaptation of a very classic movie. For a unique Cinderella experience, why not introduce your daughters to different versions of this classic fairytale; allowing them to compare and contrast the different heroines and how they manage the trials and tribulations set in their path. It might be a nice bonding experience/learning curve.