Disney Brings New Life to a Classic Tale

Annie Connolly, Staff Writer

The newest edition of a classic fairytale was released Friday, March 13, when Disney released “Cinderella”.  This “Belle of the Box Office” was an immediate success, reaching 67.8 million dollars in the box office within the first three days of its release.

The movie is directed towards families, however it welcomes a wider range of audience due to its classic appeal.  Cate Blanchett, Lily James, and Richard Madden star in this new vision of the Cinderella tale from director Kenneth Branagh. The story follows a young Ella through the devastating events that led up to her becoming an orphan. Just like the classic fairytale, Ella has to deal with her horrible step sisters and an evil step mother, who treat her as less than a slave. However, by remembering her late mother’s most important words to her, she is able to “Have courage and be kind”.  This becomes the theme of the movie. Through the whirlwind adventure of meeting a prince, falling in love, riding in pumpkins and losing her slipper, she is able to continue because of her courage and kindness.

“It teaches that through tough times, if you keep your head up you’ll come out on top,” senior Brett Price said.

Price and his friends all attended the movie the day it came out. And despite the fact that it is a princess story, and a family movie, he claims that his group of teenage boys were able to enjoy it. Along with many other people, Price thinks that movies like Cinderella, which have positive messages, are important and fundamental for kids.

“I think any movie that has a happy ending can encourage young kids to be happier in general as they grow up. It given them the idea that through hard work, courage, and kindness, they will one day too have a happy ending of some sort,” Price said.

Screenwriter Chris Weitz was able capture the magic and the value of the classic fairy tale. Through Ella’s adventures as a brave heroine, the audience learns of the kindness and bravery required to succeed and follow your dreams. Overall the movie was a success in both quality and  revenue.