Common Sense Media Review
By Yvonne Condes
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Visually impressive fairy tale promotes kindness.
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Cinderella (2015)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 65 parent reviews
Based on 73 kid reviews
Kids say that this live-action adaptation is a beautifully crafted retelling of a classic fairytale, featuring strong performances and stunning visuals that resonate with both children and adults. While many appreciate the heartwarming messages of kindness and courage, some critiques focus on its darker elements and express a preference for the original animated version.
- family friendly
- magical visuals
- strong performances
- kindness theme
- dark elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In CINDERELLA, Ella (Eloise Webb) is a happy child with loving parents, but then her mother gets sick and dies. Before she passes, Ella's mother urges her to be kind and courageous—and she does indeed grow up to be a compassionate young woman (Lily James). After Ella's father (Ben Chaplin) marries Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett), he dies, the staff is let go, and Ella becomes maid to her stepmother and stepsisters, who dub her Cinderella. One day she meets a handsome prince (Richard Madden) in the woods; he decides to give a ball for all the ladies in the kingdom in the hopes of meeting her again. Ella plans to go, but right before the ball, her stepmother and stepsisters rip her dress and go without her. Her spirit is almost broken, when her fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) appears and turns Ella's mice friends into horses, some lizards into footmen, and a pumpkin into a carriage. Ella's a hit at the ball, but she has to flee before the stroke of midnight (when the magic ends), leaving an intrigued prince—and one of her glass slippers—behind.
Is It Any Good?
While the music of the animated original is missed, the live elements of this remake are visually beautiful. The cinematography, sets, and costumes in Cinderella are simply gorgeous. As the evil stepmother, Blanchett is fabulous in every scene she's in, even when she says nothing at all. And James is lovely as Ella, but her character hasn't really made any progress from the one in Disney's 1950 animated classic: She's all goodness and light, oozing kindness. She does as she's told, works hard, and is rewarded in the end when she's rescued by a rich, handsome prince.
It's quite the contrast between her and another version of Cinderella: Anna Kendrick's far more complex character in Into the Woods. You almost hope that Ella will realize that it's not a good idea to marry someone after meeting him just twice. But Ella does marry the prince, and (no surprise) we're told they'll live happily ever after. But shouldn't Ella have some hand in her own fate?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this version of Cinderella compares to the original animated movie. Has the portrayal of Ella's character changed from the 1950s?
Many traditional European fairy tales have female characters who have to be rescued by a prince/man. What would have made Ella a more proactive character?
Ella fits a narrow beauty standard, and characters consistently comment on her looks throughout the movie. What message does this send to viewers?
What does it mean to be a courageous and kind person? Can you think of anyone in your life who's one—or both?
How do the characters in Cinderella demonstrate empathy, gratitude, and compassion? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 13, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : September 15, 2015
- Cast : Lily James , Helena Bonham Carter , Cate Blanchett
- Director : Kenneth Branagh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales , Magic ) , Royalty ( Princesses )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Gratitude
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : February 25, 2026
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