Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming take on Cinderella tale has strong heroine.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
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Where to Watch
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Ever After
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Parents say that this film offers a unique and empowering retelling of the classic Cinderella story, showcasing a strong female lead who stands up for herself and others, while also incorporating historical elements and discussions about societal issues. However, some parents express concern over the inclusion of violence and mature language, and suggest that some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers, warranting parental discretion.
- strong female lead
- empowerment themes
- violence concerns
- mature language
- educational discussions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 30 kid reviews
What's the Story?
EVER AFTER asks the question: is the Cinderella tale made famous in storybooks told exactly as it happened? Or is there more to it? It turns out there is: Cinderella, as we know her, is actually Danielle (Drew Barrymore), a young woman who loses her father shortly after he remarries, leaving her alone with a stepmother (Anjelica Huston) who cares not a whit about her and stepsisters who follow their mom's lead. For years. Danielle toils as their servant, at their beck and call in the mansion that once was her happy home. When she runs into His Royal Highness Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), whom the king and queen are anxious to marry off, Danielle's life is changed. But can a royal fall in love with a commoner? There's no fairy godmother, but a certain Leonardo da Vinci may be able to help. ...
Is It Any Good?
It's hard to imagine how to improve upon the classic that is Cinderella, but this delightful romantic drama does just that. With sincerity and girl-power can do, Ever After transforms the traditional story into a textured revision that isn't neatly tied up with a bow. It is, in fact, a heartbreaking story that's gently and beautifully told. After all, what isn't heartbreaking about a young woman who works so hard to obtain her cold-hearted stepmother's love, only to realize that she'll never get it?
Huston makes for a wickedly potent stepmother, but one who isn't caricatured to excess. In one scene, a flicker of appreciation passes through her face as she looks at Danielle, only to disappear quickly, and you understand that she's not so much monstrous as she is broken -- meant to be pitied rather than scorned. But she still gets her come-uppance in the end. Barrymore's accent jars, but her signature fiery sweetness works here. We don't quite forget she's an actress playing a role, but we enjoy her nevertheless. Director Andy Tennant moves the story along at a pleasant pace, goosing it with refreshing surprises such as Leonardo da Vinci playing matchmaker. We've never seen Cinderella like this, and, oh, what a happily ever after!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Ever After differs from more traditional versions of the Cinderella story. is its central message different as well?
Does the stepmother truly not love Danielle? Is the feeling mutual? Why does Danielle still seek her love?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 21, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : January 14, 2003
- Cast : Anjelica Huston , Dougray Scott , Drew Barrymore
- Director : Andy Tennant
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Fantasy ( Fairy Tales )
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : momentary strong language (the "edited version" that was released on VHS was rated PG for brief language and mild thematic elements)
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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