Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Musical take on classic fairy tale is an inclusion landmark.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
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Where to Watch
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Cinderella (1997)
What's the Story?
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA is based on the classic French fairy tale. The story follows Cinderella (Brandy Norwood), who lives with her stepmother (Bernadette Peters) and stepsisters (Natalie Desselle Reid, Veanne Cox) after the death of her father. After Cinderella is initially prevented from going to the ball that the queen (Whoopi Goldberg) is holding for her son the prince (Paolo Montalban), Cinderella's fairy godmother (Whitney Houston) comes to help Cinderella live out her dreams.
Is It Any Good?
This take on the story of Cinderella retains the fairy tale magic of the classic while modernizing it by bringing in a multicultural cast. Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella aired in 60 million households in 1997, breaking a record for The Wonderful World of Disney and becoming an instant hit -- for good reason. The casting, which was practically unprecedented at that point in mainstream entertainment history, presented audiences with a Black Cinderella, an Asian Prince, and an entire cast of multicultural characters. Since then, the film has continued to inspire fans of all ages, as well as serve as the blueprint for the kind of multicultural casting that has gradually become more popular in Hollywood.
Beyond its groundbreaking legacy, the film also updates the timeless tale by giving Cinderella more agency and emotional depth. She's not simply waiting for someone to rescue her; instead, she uses her own courage -- and positive encouragement from her fairy godmother -- to stand up for herself. While she does get married to the prince in the end, the actual prize is Cinderella's ability to fight for herself and leave her toxic home, even as the prince is coming to find her. These subtle changes will help younger viewers know that they, too, have the power to use their voice and make the tough decisions they need to for their own well-being.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's significant that this version of Cinderella includes Black, White, and Asian performers, as well as an interracial marriage. Why is representation in the media important?
Does this version of the story feature a more empowered Cinderella? Or is it still the traditional tale where she must be rescued by her fairy godmother and the prince?
How does the Fairy Godmother help Cinderella face her fears?
How does Cinderella show integrity, humility, and perseverance amid her tough circumstances?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 2, 1997
- On DVD or streaming : February 4, 2003
- Cast : Brandy Norwood , Whitney Houston , Bernadette Peters , Whoopi Goldberg
- Director : Robert Iscove
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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