2015's live action adaptation of the musical animation Cinderella is a cent-per-cent faithful transliteration of the source material!
What makes this motion picture equally excellent and a tad better than the original is the fair distribution and emphasis on the necessities to tell this particular story. Rather than spending time on the interactions between the mice and Lucifer the cat, focus is given to the characters and character moments. The gradual process of antagonism and control by Stepmother, played wonderfully by Cate Blanchett, and the step-by-step conversion of Ella (Lily James) into a servant are told with precision. Towards the end, we feel pitiful of the main character, just as how we did for the original. These do come with proper justifications and reasonings, even for the Fairy Godmother.
On the other side of town, our Prince (Richard Madden) has a character this time. We see his family and outlooks on life as well. As both the would-be couple bump, the meeting has depth and development. We see how they like each other and how it blossoms further through the ball event. Silence during their encounter then is truly breathtaking. Their relationship and connection is fair too. Emotions and realisms are truer and lesser in artificiality as one would expect to see, such as the eavesdropping segment and sweat-wiping after longsword fencing. As an end result, we have a well-rounded story tackling from every corner it has.
Shoe being found and destroyed is shocking! Verbal narration prior although unneeded, is impactful. While the mice opening the window in replacement for stealing the key from pocket is smart, the sequence where Cinderella's dress is being torn could have followed the original, with her being delayed by overabundant of chores included. Conflict of must-be-a-princess introduces more hurdles to the journey, good.
Additional drama in the Third Act is okay, although Stepmother's request to Ella are uncalled for and her backstory doesn't convince why is she how she is now. Also, there isn't any need to have the obvious naming for the protagonist, for she could have just have had the name Cinderella right from the beginning. Someone else apart from Helena Bonham Carter could have been casted as Fairy Godmother, as the actress didn't suit the role. Certain green screens are apparent.
The technical prowess achieved by Disney in this picture deserves heavens credits! What costume designs! What settings! Castles, chandeliers, fireworks - what magnificent production design! The makers have really striven to enlarge the canvas of this once small universe! Just take a look at the mountains and rivers! Expensiveness everywhere!
Color grading is on point! While the exteriors adopt a warm color scheme, the interiors give a richer palette that lushes out for your eyeballs! Computer based animal designs like the stag, mice and birds are of astounding quality. The entire portion involving Fairy Godmother's magic tricks is as enticing as the original! The same can be said about the withering effects later on. Pumpkin turned to coach and horses with mice's ears are classic, as is the way Cinderella's signature house staircases to the attic are created too! Footmen's facial features looking like the lizard he is transformed from is awesome handwork! And of course, how could we forget the iconic blue gown and glass shoes? Last but not least, Patrick Doyle's music is good.