Exploring the Cinderella Story’s Timeless Appeal
- Max
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
The Cinderella story, with its rags-to-riches theme, has captivated audiences for centuries. From a peasant girl with a heart of gold to being saved by true love, this fairy tale's tropes are timeless. But what makes us return to this story and crave its predictable yet addictive narrative? In episode 97, delve into various adaptations of Cinderella and explore how each version brings something unique to the table.
Image from: tmdb.org
Cinderella (2015 Disney Live Action film)
The 2015 movie starring Lily James expanded on the relationship between Cinderella and the prince. This adaptation also provided a deeper backstory for Lady Tremaine and her daughters, showing how they became who they are. Other standout points of the film are the costumes, soundtrack, and the iconic transformation scene where Helena Bonham Carter's fairy godmother character inspired memes about a crossover with her Harry Potter character, Bellatrix Lestrange.
Disney's animated Cinderella film series
The animated sequels of the original Cinderella (1950), Cinderella II: Dreams Come True (2002) and Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007), offer a glimpse into Cinderella's life after "happily ever after." These underrated films tackle issues that goes beyond the fairy-tale ending, like adjusting to palace life and maintaining one's identity despite newfound status. Both films also explore the redemption arc of Anastasia and the humanization of Jaq, adding depth to the characters.
Cinderella (2021 film)
The 2021 adaptation with Camila Cabello took a modern twist, portraying Cinderella as an aspiring dressmaker with #girlboss vibes. Billy Porter's fairy godmother and Idina Menzel's nuanced stepmother added layers to the story, though the execution received mixed reviews. The “in your face” style of storytelling for this adaptation seemed to be overdone and bordered on cringe for some viewers.
Other adaptations
Other adaptations showcase Cinderella's agency and highlight issues like family gaslighting, domestic abuse, and societal discrimination. Ever After (1998) with Drew Barrymore and Ella Enchanted (2004) with Anne Hathaway are prime examples of this evolution. In Ella Enchanted, probably the earliest film to do so, the female character breaks her own curse. In this film, Ella was made more socially aware and fought for all creature’s rights. Even Prince Char and the fairy godmother took a backseat in this adaptation as Ella did not need them to save herself.
The Cinderella trope remains popular where it has evolved to emphasize women's empowerment. Films like A Cinderella Story (2004) with Hilary Duff showcase a protagonist who doesn't rely on the prince for her happy ending. This shift is evident in other films like Pretty Woman (1990) and Maid in Manhattan (2002) where the female leads save themselves.
The enduring appeal of the “rags to riches” story lies in its hopeful message. People love success stories and the idea of overcoming adversity. As long as there are dreams to be chased and challenges to be overcome, the Cinderella trope will continue to be alive. But hopefully, we will learn not to rely on a fairy godmother or a miracle but believe that we hold the magic within us.
Listen in full to Creatinuum Episode 97: All the "Happily Ever Afters": The Significance of the Cinderella Story available on Simplecast, Spotify, Apple, and other platforms.
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