Sofia This tale is old as time and we all know it. Someone is sure that 'Cinderella' came to us from Egypt, where such legend took place in ancient times, but I think that every nation sooner or later created its own Cinderella's story. That's why there are so many interpretations. The plot of this fairy tale is very simple in comparison with the plot "Snow White" or "Sleeping Beauty", but the main thing is that, apart its "magic aspect", if it can be removed, the story could and can take place in real life. The interpretation which we analyze, the movie "EverAfter" (1998), directed by Andy Tennant, up to the handle, does not conclude this "magic aspect". Let's take the classic image of Cinderella. Scheherezade fight for her life telling fairy tales, Snow White becomes almost a mother to the seven dwarfs. And what does Cinderella do? (Sleeping Beauty doesn't count, she's sleeping all the time). She's been terrorized by her step- mother and sisters without any opposition, doing all nasty job. All the success in her life belongs to magic and her god-parent, she is passive. In Tennant's version there are no fairy and carriage-pumpkin, Cinderella doesn't need to be saved. She loves reading (her favorite one is "Utopia" by Thomas More). She's really worried about social injustice (she rescues one of the servants from the exile, and constantly shows the prince how far the royal family and common people are), so we can tell that she has a burning sense of just deserts. Also she's physically strong, she knows how to fight (she rescues the prince (!) from the gypsies, and rescues herself from the slavery without any help from prince). It's unbelievable for classical patriarchal fairy tale world, where every heroine patiently waits for rescuing by some gentleman. So without a doubt this is a feminist reinterpretation, in the first place. Any old fairy tale that we know begins with the words "once upon a time…". It means that setting is indefinite. This movie's setting is definite – France of XVI century, Francis I is a king. His son Henri (in the future - Henri II) has an opportunity to choose the bride by himself. The father gives him three days, and all the events happen just then. Also among the characters acts Leonardo Da Vinci. What concerns a historicity of the movie, there are enough clashes with real events. Costumes tell us that it's something like 1516. "Utopia" was written just in 1516. But our heroine read this book in her childhood with a dad, about 10 years ago. "Mona Lisa" dates from 1519, so how characters could read Thomas More and observe Da Vinci's working process at the same time? The next thing is Henri, who was born only in 1519. Henri II got engaged with Ekaterina Medichi in 1533 - so no servants, no Spanish princesses, as you can see. Also in one scene we can see fireworks. Really? In XVI century? This story is quite detailed, we know more about characters, we see more development in Henri and Danielle's (Cinderella's name) relationships (not just fallen in love overnight). There is a problem of class inequality reflected. So we have volume characters, which don't seem as cardboard ones. One of the daughters, Jacqueline, for example, helps her half-sister. Even prince in the beginning is not so perfect, because he's quite arrogant and takes his position for granted. It's really fascinating to look after development of characters, watching them under the other angle.

kiera11-881-28461 First of all I would like to say that I am already a massive fan of anything period so that made the movie more enjoyable for me and I have watched this movie a lot of times.I love this movie because I think that adds a twist to a well known and loved fairy-tale I would certainly recommend this movie to everyone and anyone. I especially like the relationship between the two main characters. I found it interesting that they chose to include "Leonardo De vinci" in the movie since he would never naturally be linked to this movie or the original.I also think that each member of the cast was chosen carefully and perfectly to fit each individual role in this outstanding movie.It's a must watch!!!!

carly73 Now, I'm a sci fi girl and there are very few 'chick flicks' that I have watched and loved, this however is surprisingly different. I have to say this is one of my favourite all time films. The characters are wonderful and perfectly played by the strong cast. I laugh every time I watch Danielle 'pick up' prince henry to save him from the gypsies and cry when Danielle arrives at the ball and says "just breathe" as her world is about to be crushed. It's the best version of the Cinderella story with a modern twist I have seen. I think I have watched this film a thousand times and will probably watch it a thousand more. Definitely worth a watch no matter what movie genre you're into!

Ack423 Being a history lover, normally historical inaccuracies would totally bother me. But the movie is so heartwarming and funny that I could care less. Drew Barrymore is absolutely the perfect person to play the lead character and she is definitely a good role model for a modern generation of fairytale lovers! Instead of waiting for Prince Charming (in this case Prince Henry), played by the talented Dougray Scott, she goes off the palace to find him herself! Along with charming friends, and help from a wise Da Vinci, she can overcome the treacherous obstacles set up by her evil stepmother (played by the talented Anjelica Houston), her vain stepsister, a noble who is out to have her for himself, and the difficulties that difference and class can bring. It is more than just a "chick-flick", it is classic story that everyone can enjoy and a movie that everyone must see :)