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Parents' Guide to

Cinderella

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Sweet fairy-tale classic has bullying, tense chase scenes.

Movie G 1950 74 minutes
Cinderella Movie Poster: Cinderella holds a glass slipper; smaller images of the Fairy Godmother and other characters are below her

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 25 parent reviews

Camilla V.
Camilla V. Parent of 10-year-old
January 27, 2020
age 4+

She's not a damsel in distress!

Cinderella's not a "passive" damsel as people say. Don't let them brainwash you. Cinderella is a positive woman who stays optimistic even when she's depressed. She can't escape because she has no money, she's an orphan. How do you expect her to just up and leave? The prince did not "rescue" her from her not even dangerous situation, she went to the ball to be free and is actually independent.
Persi
Persi Adult
June 11, 2022
age 4+
Some distressing scenes of verbal and emotional abuse. Even though people see her as too passive, Cinderella is not a meek victim. She's a good role model as a positive, hard-working young woman who doesn't lose hope when faced with adversity and is not a doormat for her abusers (she disobeys her stepmother to go to the ball, and manages to escape from the attic when locked in).
See all 25 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Charles Perrault's classic fairy tale CINDERELLA is lovingly and imaginatively brought to life in this animated Disney version, also a classic. Cinderella (voiced by Ilene Woods), a sweet, docile, and beautiful girl who's forced to act as a servant for her mean stepmother and stepsisters, goes to the ball with the help of her fairy godmother. But her godmother warns her that the beautiful coach and gown will last only until midnight. Cinderella meets Prince Charming (Mike Douglas) at the ball, and they share a romantic dance. But when the clock strikes midnight, she runs away, leaving behind one of her glass slippers. The prince declares that he'll marry the girl whose foot fits the slipper.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (25 ):
Kids say (65 ):

Disney expanded this simple story with vivid and endearing characters, memorable songs, and gorgeously detailed and inventive animation. In one musical number, as the stepsisters squawk their way through their singing lesson in another room, Cinderella sings sweetly as she scrubs the floor, reflected in dozens of soap bubbles. In another delightful number, the fairy godmother sings "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo" as she transforms a pumpkin into a coach, the mice into horses, the horse into a coachman, and, finally, Cinderella's rags into a magnificent ballgown. The scene when the Duke (Luis van Rooten) comes looking for the girl whose foot will fit the glass slipper is suspenseful and highly satisfying. But overall, the film's passive heroine, who waits for Prince Charming to save her from an abusive family, may feel less than charming to viewers who want their Disney princess to lead by example.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why many people are troubled by Cinderella meekly accepting her abusive situation and waiting to be rescued. It's worth discussing what some of her alternatives could have been ("If you were Cinderella, would you do what that mean lady told you?") and making sure that kids have some exposure to stories with women and girls who save themselves.

  • Talk about how women are depicted in the movie. What kinds of stereotypes about appearance and behavior did you notice? For younger kids: Why are the stepsisters ugly and Cinderella pretty? What would the story be like if Cinderella was ugly?

  • If you had a fairy godmother, what would you like her to do for you? Or would you like to be a fairy godmother? Whose wish would you grant?

  • How does Cinderella demonstrate compassion, empathy, and gratitude? How do Cinderella's mice and animal friends show teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

  • How do you feel about the way that stepfamilies are portrayed here? Why do you think that kind of depiction is common in older fairy tales?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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