I recently watched the new "Cinderella" produced by Disney. From the trailer, I had expected something quite similar to the original movie but was pleasantly surprised to find out there was a depth that I didn't recall seeing in the original movie.The plot was the same; the characters were familiar. There were a prince and a girl who slept by the ashes. There were a wicked stepmother and wicked stepsisters. And there were mice.

So, where did the change happen?

The sub-plot changed in this version. Cinderella became a character with heart and courage, traits that weren't as noticeable in the other movie. It was definitely implied before, but, in all honesty never noticed. The live action Cinderella veers quite sharply from the old one, providing insight into her life as a young girl and teenager. We also learn of Cinderella's motto, given to her by her deceased mother, "Have Courage and Be Kind." These words of wisdom shaped her life as it went from idyllic to a life of near-slavery.

Standing in the face of great trial and tribulation, Cinderella reminds us that in all of life's trials we ultimately have the final say. We choose how we respond. Cinderella faced the ultimate test, choosing to have courage in a dark place. She fought against those human weaknesses and made choices that allowed happiness to fill her life. For some of us to find that same happiness, we may need to forgive freely. For others, the goal may be to love unconditionally. However it applies to us, we need to choose to have the courage to do what we need to.

Cinderella's stepmother, Lady Tremaine, or Madam, as she prefers to be called, faces similar trials and tribulations to Cinderella. In contrast, she responds in a way that lets jealousy and anger take over, controlling her actions. For the first time ever, I saw why the wicked stepmother was so wicked. She really was jealous of Cinderella and her happiness. The wicked stepmother made her choice and refused to take advantage of the many opportunities to change. She wallowed in the dark, refusing to see the gifts that were placed before her.

In this version of "Cinderella," we see both sides of the story. We see the effects of kindness and bravery, and we see what hate and jealousy do as well. It provides a strong example of what happens as a result of the small choices we make. Cinderella and Lady Tremaine provide stark examples of how our choices shape our character.

Before I saw this movie, I had not really ever appreciated the story of Cinderella. It was one of my least favorite fairy tales, due to my long-held belief that it was fairly shallow. It is a far cry from that now. I dare say it has become one of my favorites, and not just because of the examples of Cinderella and Lady Tremaine (for her strong example of what not to do). We see multiple characters emerging from the shadows as strong, passionate and deep humans. The prince is someone of great courage as he fights against tradition and as he fights for love. The King is loving and kind, desiring strongly to be a good father. We are introduced to multiple characters who exude courage and goodness, influenced by someone who made a decision to be positive in the face of overwhelming darkness. It is a film that shows the power of integrity and kindness in so many different ways.

So, in conclusion, "Cinderella" is one of the best moral pieces produced by Disney. It reminds audiences of two important life principles that are overlooked in today's harsh world: courage and kindness. Disney took a beloved fairy tale and taught a powerful lesson. I, for one, walked away with a determination to have courage and be kind. Thank you, Disney, for showing a new side to a classic tale.