Cinderella (2015 American film)

In 2015, Kenneth Branagh directed a live-action romantic fantasy film based on both the classic fairy tale and Disney’s 1950 animated version, with a script by Chris Weitz. Lily James played the title role, joined by Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Derek Jacobi, and Helena Bonham Carter. The project first took shape in May 2010 when producer Simon Kinberg and writer Aline Brosh McKenna came on board. Mark Romanek was originally set to direct in August 2011 but left in January 2013 due to creative differences with Disney, leading to Branagh’s hiring and Weitz’s revision of McKenna’s script. Casting started in November 2012, with Blanchett the first actor signed. James was cast as Cinderella in April 2013, and the rest of the cast joined between May and September. Principal photography ran from September to December 2013 at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. The film premiered at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival on February 13, 2015, and opened in U.S. theaters on March 13, timed with the 65th anniversary of the animated film. It earned $543 million worldwide and drew positive reviews. The costume design earned nominations at the 88th Academy Awards, 21st Critics’ Choice Awards, and 69th British Academy Film Awards.

The story follows Ella, a kind girl living happily with her wealthy merchant father and mother. When her mother falls ill, she tells Ella on her deathbed to always have courage and be kind. Years later, Ella’s father marries the widowed Lady Tremaine, who has two daughters, Drisella and Anastasia. After overhearing that Ella’s father still loves his first wife, Lady Tremaine grows bitterly jealous. When he leaves on a business trip, she convinces Ella to give up her large bedroom and move to the attic. He dies of illness during the trip, and Lady Tremaine dismisses the servants, forcing Ella to do their work. Sleeping by the fireplace leaves Ella’s face covered in cinders, prompting her stepfamily to mockingly call her “Cinderella.” Upset, Ella rides into the woods and meets Kit, the crown prince, who says he is a palace apprentice. They bond but part without her giving her name. Back at the palace, Kit learns his dying father plans a ball so Kit can choose a bride. He persuades the king to invite all eligible maidens, secretly hoping Ella will come.