I don’t like the Cinderella story, but I understand it’s basic, sturdy construction that’s lasted long enough for us to get a Cinderella-esque film about every other year. Director Kenneth Branagh, working with a detailed and wonderfully well-written script by Chris Weitz (About a Boy) have unlocked the power and the magic in this classic fairy tale, rethinking the flawed Disney animated production while following its basic construction. The biggest improvement is that this version begins much earlier than the Disney film, building a stronger foundation for all the characters.
To that Branagh adds some of his best-measured populist whimsey. This is where Branagh is most likely to stumble and there are moments here, but I can count them on one hand. (Mostly during the montage of villagers trying on the glass slipper.) Some of the best work is in the Production Design by Dante Feretti (Sweeny Todd), with swan glass chandeliers and two giant blacksmith statues that hammer the town’s bell at midnight while Cinderella’s coach literally transforms back into a seed-filled pumpkin. Just as memorable are the Oscar nominated Costumes designed by Sandy Powell (Mary Poppins Returns).
In general, the Disney live-action remakes are terrible, blatant cash grabs, but there are two really good ones – Jungle Book is the other – because they work off flawed originals, only taking what works. At half the budget of Maleficent and Alice in Wonderland, Branagh has delivered a better looking, better acted, less bloated film. The cast is well-selected and the technical qualities are even better.
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