I watched this movie last night and realized how much I love it! I have seen a bunch of Cinderella movies and this one is by far my favorite for a few simple reasons.
1. Danielle is not your typical Cinderella.
She is tomboyish, extremely well-read, as intelligent as she is beautiful, feisty, and very witty. She battles Gypsies, quotes Sir Thomas Moore's "Utopia," saves a man's life, knows how to fight with swords, stands up to her stepfamily, and wards off a horse thief (who turns out to be the prince) by throwing apples at him. Drew Barrymore did a great job portraying her.
2. It's treated more as historical fiction.
It takes place in 16th-century France and is as if the royal family and Danielle actually existed- like the story actually happened. It also shows characters such as the Brothers Grimm and Leonardo DaVinci.
3. There's a nice stepsister.
I wish more versions of Cinderella had this - a Jacqueline. A stepsister that actually helps Cinderella at the end. One Jacqueline, and one Marguerite (the mean stepsister, whose flirtations and schemes she and her mother come up with will make you afraid she will win the crown).
4. The cast did such an amazing job.
The film was full of wonderful characters- most of which you never see in any other versions of Cinderella. Characters that will bring you lots of laughter and smiles.
5. The costumes are amazing.
If you love them as much as I do, you will try finding clothes that will remind you of them- especially Danielle's "glass slippers" and ball gown.
6. The soundtrack is beautiful.
All I can say is that the music is so powerful, so beautiful! When I first heard it, I knew I would love the movie forever.
7. Bottom line: it's not your average Cinderella story.
It's not your typical love-at-first-sight story - it's the story of a young woman servant and a crown prince who learn to love each other for who they are.
8. The stepmother and mean stepsister get exactly what they deserve.
The version where Cinderella forgives her stepmother who continues to live in the kingdom with her two daughters? Not this one - Danielle makes sure of that!
This movie is strongly for a girls night and any Cinderella fans. Hope you like it as much as I do!