Cinderella (Live-Action)

[Atlantica]

I would just like to share my absolute love and joy at the 'Who Is She' piece of score; its absolute perfection to hear, and the swell of the music to 'Lavenders Blue' when she walks down the stairs is just ..... Well I don't think there are any words !!

Superb work by Doyle; such a shame 'Lavender' wasn't included in the score of all things, when it features so prominently.

[Old Fish Tale]

I would just like to share my absolute love and joy at the 'Who Is She' piece of score; its absolute perfection to hear, and the swell of the music to 'Lavenders Blue' when she walks down the stairs is just ..... Well I don't think there are any words !!

Superb work by Doyle; such a shame 'Lavender' wasn't included in the score of all things, when it features so prominently.

So, did you like 'Cinderella', Atlantica? I remember you said you weren't very impressed with Lily's acting in 'Downton Abbey'.

I love 'Who Is She' too. 'A New Family', 'The First Branch' (especially the last seconds) 'Orphaned', 'The Stag', 'Pumpkins and Mice' (especially the last seconds), 'A Secret Garden', 'Shattered Dreams', 'Ella and Kit' and 'Courage and Kindness' are phenomenal too! I've been listening to Patrick's score a lot.

[tsom]

I would just like to share my absolute love and joy at the 'Who Is She' piece of score; its absolute perfection to hear, and the swell of the music to 'Lavenders Blue' when she walks down the stairs is just ..... Well I don't think there are any words !!

Superb work by Doyle; such a shame 'Lavender' wasn't included in the score of all things, when it features so prominently.

OMG, YES!!!! "Who Is She" is my favorite score from the film! I just love when she climbs up the stairs from the carriage and then when the music swells as she's coming down the stairs inside the ballroom. That is probably my favorite shot in the movie -- Ella comes in, bows to King Frederick, and then climbs down the stairs gracefully while the music to Lavender's Blue swells. Love it! I also love You Shall Go, especially the part where we go from Ella's carriage to the fireworks at the ball, and La Valse de L'Amour.

[Disney Duster]

Here's the "Craft" featurette.

Click here.

[Atlantica]

Well, I did enjoy the film and I also had my questions about it as well. I wasn't keen really after watching it the first time, just thought it was ok, but I've since watched it over the weekend and enjoyed it a lot more. I guess that could be as I knew more of what to expect ?

The film is glorious to look at; the clothing was just superb. It was wonderful to actually see a film in full blown technicolor instead of that awful blue tinge that most films take on these days. I wish more actual sets / towns / places were used instead of CGI as England has so much to offer for a film like this.

The Dress. The dress was stunning - again, initially I wasn't so sure but after seeing it twice I've grown to love it. I don't quite see how its a souped up version of her mothers dress, but willing to let that go

I wanted a connection between Ella and the Fairy Godmother - it was vaguely hinted at, but it would have been nice if a firm background between Ella / her mother and the Fairy Godmother was established. I'm sure it wouldn't have taken up much screen time, and it would have been lovely to have given the godmother more of a presence. Helena was FABULOUS though !

Cate was good; her costumes were marvellous. She wasn't half as sinister as the animated Lady Tremaine though, which was what I felt was a bit missing from her performance. I liked her little explanation of herself at the end though, that was an interesting twist.

Yes, I still think Lilly James was weak; the scene at the end when she's in her room was just ridiculous - thats down to the writing through and not her portrayal though I suppose. But Lilly herself said it perfectly, 'Cinderella herself is the fairytale, having courage and being kind is all very well but it is almost impossible to achieve, hence why Cinderella is a fairytale character'. I liked her way of putting it, which is why I saw the film in a different light the second time.

The score as I've said, is marvellous ! I'd have loved a bit of 'A Dream Is A Wish' threaded through, but 'Lavender' more than made up for it ! As I've said, seeing her come down the stairs to that music was just magical. Absolutely breathtaking.

That sounds like I'm coming down hard on the film, but I don't mean to. And I also hesitated in posting anything here as I don't want to offend anyone (especially Duster). So I've tried to be as succinct and as measured as possible.

I dont understand why the 'Where there is kindness there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic' was cut ? Is it because they wanted to solely focus on 'Have courage and be kind' ?

[Old Fish Tale]

It's okay, Atlantica.

I wanted a connection between Ella and the Fairy Godmother - it was vaguely hinted at, but it would have been nice if a firm background between Ella / her mother and the Fairy Godmother was established. I'm sure it wouldn't have taken up much screen time, and it would have been lovely to have given the godmother more of a presence.

I agree.

Yes, I still think Lilly James was weak; the scene at the end when she's in her room was just ridiculous - thats down to the writing through and not her portrayal though I suppose.

Which scene?

I dont understand why the 'Where there is kindness there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic' was cut ? Is it because they wanted to solely focus on 'Have courage and be kind' ?

I think so.

[Atlantica]

Where she decided to remain a prisoner for the rest of her days rather than have Tremaine take over the palace.

My mum had an interesting take on it; she felt Cinderella actually lost the plot slightly at that point. Not went mad (way too extreme) but suffered a bit of hysteria perhaps ? When she's just happy to have her memories and sings out the window. Thought that was an interesting way to look at it.

I'm all for having courage and being kind, but to just let what happen to her happen was just so passive. I'm not saying she should be an Elizabeth Swan action heroine, but come on ! Again, this is in my opinion though.

[Old Fish Tale]

Where she decided to remain a prisoner for the rest of her days rather than have Tremaine take over the palace.

But she didn't know the stepmother was going to lock her in the attic. And she didn't go mad during that time.

So, defying the stepmother was something passive, in your opinion?

[Atlantica]

Yes Old Fish Tale, I think her response was passive.

[Old Fish Tale]

I'm sorry, but defiance never is something passive, dear.

And what would you do to pass the time if you were locked in that room for days?

[Atlantica]

I don't really feel it came across as defiance if I'm honest. Not remotely.

This is why I didn't want to say anything on here. Everyone is so passionate which is wonderful, but woe betide anyone who has a differing opinion.

[MeerkatKombat]

So from what I have gathered - Frozen fever won't be on the bluray? That it's being held of (and I know its all speculation at this point) in the possibility of appearing on a newer Frozen release.

Seriously Disney??? I thought Frozen Fever sucked hard but I still want it on the bluray. It's the least they can do considering how crappy and non eventful Disney releases have become (at least in Europe). If they do leave it off, it is just an excuse to leave the shorts of all future releases.

Yes Old Fish Tale, I think her response was passive.

I do too. Animated Cinderella at least showed some distress at being locked in the attic and called for Bruno to help. I know this wouldn't have been possible to do it the same way in the live-action film but there are things she could have done to get herself out of there.
And maybe this is the wrong opinion because its a fairytale and there are different rules that apply but strong women role model are not something to be scared off.
I will say I did really enjoy it but I can't say I thought it was perfect.

This is why I didn't want to say anything on here. Everyone is so passionate which is wonderful, but woe betide anyone who has a differing opinion.

Sadly true.

[Old Fish Tale]

Animated Cinderella at least showed some distress at being locked in the attic and called for Bruno to help.

And Ella didn't? She ran to the door and repeatedly screamed "no".

I know this wouldn't have been possible to do it the same way in the live-action film but there are things she could have done to get herself out of there.

Like what?

[tsom]

This is may come off sarcastic or rhetorical, but I really do want to know though: what else could Ella have done to get out of the tower? At first, she didn't know she would be locked. When she realized LT was about to lock her in, Ella ran to the door screaming "No! No!" Therefore, she did show distress. Also, in the animated movie, she got locked and then tried on the slipper all on the same day. In the live action version, days had passed since she had been locked. After a while, you just sort of give up and accept your fate, which I'm sure animated Cinderella would've done if days had passed by. Crying won't help after day one. I know Duster doesn't agree, but I don't think she ate or drank anything while being locked in the tower. Therefore, I believe her memories kept her sane and alive. Also, lets say she tried to escape, how could she? She didn't have long hair like Rapunzel to help her climb down the tower. If she tried to climb or jump, she'd only be killing herself. Also, she couldn't really scream for help. The manor was the only house for miles. No one would hear her. Furthermore, when the guards came, she didn't see them (her window faced the back), but she did hear people were in the house. Of course she could've screamed for help, but maybe she was too weak? Maybe she thought it was no one that would help her, like Lady Tremaine's courtier friends? Moreover, I think the filmmakers wanted the animals to be involved in Ella's rescue in some way as a homage to the animated film, so it was only natural to have the birds and mice in this version open the window.

Maybe I may seem weak, but if I'm locked somewhere without any means of communication or escaping, then I'd just accept it. Nothing else I can do.

[Old Fish Tale]

In the live action version, days had passed since she had been locked. After a while, you just sort of give up and accept your fate, which I'm sure animated Cinderella would've done if days had passed by. Crying won't help after day one.

This detail has been very overlooked.

Also, lets say she tried to escape, how could she? She didn't have long hair like Rapunzel to help her climb down the tower. If she tried to climb or jump, she'd only be killing herself. Also, she couldn't really scream for help. The manor was the only house for miles. No one would hear her.

And I'm sorry, Disney Duster, but making Ella behave like pyromaniac isn't the way to go either. After all, she loved that house.

Furthermore, when the guards came, she didn't see them (her window faced the back), but she did hear people were in the house.

No, she didn't. In the narration, the fairy godmother said Ella didn't know they were downstairs. So, she didn't see or hear them. Remember: they only heard her singing because the mice opened the window. That attic was almost soundproof. Hehehe!

Maybe I may seem weak, but if I'm locked somewhere without any means of communication or escaping, then I'd just accept it. Nothing else I can do.

I agree.

[tsom]

Furthermore, when the guards came, she didn't see them (her window faced the back), but she did hear people were in the house.

No, she didn't. In the narration, the fairy godmother said Ella didn't know they were downstairs. So, she didn't see or hear them. Remember: they only heard her singing because the mice opened the window. That attic was almost soundproof. Hehehe!

I think Ella knew people were there. The narration said something like, "Ella didn't know who was there, nor did she care, for she thought no one had come to see her." This indicates that Ella at least knew people were in the house, but she didn't know it was the royal guards. In her defense, there was no way she would've known it was the guards anyway because she had no idea it was proclaimed that every girl should try on the glass slipper. All she knew was that the mystery princess who wore glass slippers to the ball should present herself to the king.

[Escapay]

Everyone is so passionate which is wonderful, but woe betide anyone who has a differing opinion.

WIST



And to add a bit more substance, but the score is my favorite thing about the entire film. Seriously, I could listen to "The Stag" all day long if I were so inclined. I haven't been so captivated by a film score since the first time I saw Somewhere in Time. Both film scores are just so relentlessly, unashamedly, unrepentantly romantic.

Albert

[Disney Duster]

I've read all you guys said. Atlantica, OldFishTale, and tsom, all I can say is I read everything you guys said and all your guys' opinions are ok with me.

All I think I can say is I'm glad you liked the film at least a good amount Atlantica, and, I don't think Cinderella was being passive by making the choice to stay in the tower, because she made a decision and stood up to the stepmother, but I don't think she knew she would be locked up in the tower. And of course, as all you guys know, I think she maybe should have lit the door on fire. I am caught between the way the film would be less elegant with her lighting it on fire and how it would be a more healthy thing for a person try to free themselves even if it was very drastic like with fire.

Oh, and the Fairy Godmother's connection to Cinderella being more fleshed out would be cool, but the junior novelization said she was a fairy godmother to many people, which I didn't like. I would rather she was only Cinderella's (and her mother's) fairy godmother, or just the fairy friend of Cinderella's mother who she asked to be her daughter's godmother, and actually, either of those may be what the film intended.

The Dress. The dress was stunning - again, initially I wasn't so sure but after seeing it twice I've grown to love it. I don't quite see how its a souped up version of her mothers dress, but willing to let that go

Actually I feel the exact same way. At first I wasn't impressed but then grew to love the dress over time, and seeing it in the film, it was truly stunning. And yes, it doesn't look like a slightly changed version of her mother's pink dress. How I wish it would have been is for Ella's mother's dress to have had short sleeves/just a neckline, like if she just had that collar and didn't have the poofy low-hanging sleeves. Then it would A) Look prettier, B) be sadder that such beauty got destroyed by her stepfamily, and C) made more sense that the blue short puffy sleeved/collared dress was a slightly changed version of that.

[Atlantica]

Oh my gosh Escapay, that has made my day ! Never thought I'd ever get a WIST !

Thank you

[Old Fish Tale]

Do you think Belle was being passive when she defied the beast and sacrificed herself for Maurice, Atlantica?