Five Elements of "Cinderella!"

03.15.2015 – Walt Disney Studios’ “Cinderella” is already being shown in Philippine cinemas and the rest of Asia. It reintroduced this classic Disney animated feature from 1950 for the new generation represented in live-action directed by Kenneth Branagh. The film features Lily James as “Cinderella”, James Madison as “Prince ‘KIT’ Charming”, Cate Blanchett as “Lady Tremaine” and Helena Bonham Carter as “The Fairy Godmother.” An impressive cast list but more ever its deep story about the film.

For those nostalgic about the story of “Cinderella” it touches a lot of subject in its story a folk tale about “the persecuted heroine” that embodies a myth-element of unjust oppression. In some media written versions dates back to the story of Pentamerone by Giambattista Basile (1634), Histoires ou contes du temps passé by Charles Perrault in (1697), and by the more popular Brothers Grimm in their folk tale collection Grimms' Fairy Tales (1812).

In some countries “Cinderella” in different languages has many titles, but still the archetypal character has more meaning and analogy to her name. This comes to a lot of meaning whose attributes were unrecognized, or one who unexpectedly achieves recognition or success after a period of obscurity and neglect. This continues to influence as a popular culture internationally, lending plot elements, allusions, and tropes to a wide variety of media.

But “Cinderella” has been without a great story if it doesn’t have the signature plot elements that become known for many generations for those who will find this Walt Disney film something for everyone to see.



Meet Cinderella’s Mum

In other media her mother was not seen or even being introduced in the classic Disney animated feature from 1950. But for the 2015 live action version she was introduced and portrayed by Hayley Atwell (as Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger, Agent Carter TV series) which was credit only as unnamed character in the film.



The Wicked Villains (Stepmother & Sisters)

In other media and earlier written folktale prior to Disney showing the classic animated featured the antagonist in the story wasn’t always the stepmother, but either it’s the father or the opposite, which “Cinderella” having a stepfather. But generally the most popular villain the story that became staple for most narrative defining “Cinderella” was the wicked stepmother introduced as Lady Tremaine portrayed by Cate Blanchett.



Balls, Curfews, and that BLUE Gown

“Cinderella” has been generally known for her famous BLUE gown, which was also the color motif in the classic animated feature. It has become a staple element that made this more a recognizable part of the narrative. Of course the grand ball where the girl meets the boy and she leaves him in a hurry due to that the magic aided by her Fairy Godmother having limitations.

In other stories she wasn’t aided by a Fairy Godmother but this has become part of an unwritten bible. Let’s hope that this Fairy Godmother portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter is the last one to have distracting pearly whites.



That Glass Slipper

Its one important element that reveals who is “Cinderella” in the final act of the narrative. In other versions of the stories prior to the Disney classic animated feature it was a pair of bracelets, an anklet or a ring. But in the 17th century when it was introduced as the one thing that would make the story known it was a pair of glass slippers.

This element was has become known to make this story unique and Disney took advantage of this in the animated feature. It’s the one signature accessory that made “Cinderella” widely known in modern popular culture.



Revelations and Conclusions

In some narrative “Cinderella” would never have a good ending leading into another story like some modern take a soap operas taking advantage in foregoing stories. But being produced by Walt Disney Studios introducing a classic fairytale it has to have a definite ending.

But sometimes the revelations are not what you’d expect if you compare the classic animation from the live action retelling of “Cinderella.” In the original animation she kept the other half of the glass slippers, but to be different going back to its roots the other half was destroyed upon its discovery.

Not all stories can be perfect and the heroine would endured the challenges that brought her to this path, which is why “Cinderella” is one of the most popular stories that was written in various versions in the media.

Bonus: Cinder + Ella

Though there was no origin to her name, but having a meaning and analogy Disney puts a spin on how she became “Cinderella” and explains why she works near the cinders by the kitchen and being the only help in her own family home. Her name’s origin add element to the modern take of the live action version, which certainly highly suggested for everyone to see in the big screen.

“Cinderella” is now showing in the Philippines beginning on March 12, 2015 and other Asian cinemas to follow. Check your nearest movie theater for screen times from Walt Disney Studios distributed by Columbia Pictures in the Philippines.