I've just had my first baby. Dylan - born on 15th July. He is gorgeous!
I've just had my first baby. Dylan - born on 15th July. He is gorgeous!
Member since:22.01.2003
Reviews:31
Members who trust:21
Unfortunately I do not own this yet as Disney take films off sale for a while so they can re-release this on DVD special edition in a few years. My mum has the video though from when we were younger though when I'd watch this all the time. It may be one of the most predictable films around but it is so cute.
Cinderella was one of Disneys earlier classics. I do prefer the earlier ones. There are still some excellent films made by Disney today such as the Toy Story films and Monsters Inc. I didn't think Mulan was very good though.
*T*H*E* *I*N*T*R*O*
As with many old Disney films, this story opens to a book. Once upon a time . . . etc.
We see a small kingdom in which Cinderella lives with her widow father. We enter into the pages of the book and the story begins.
Cinderella's father was very loving and tried to give Cinderella everything. You get the impression from the pictures of the lovely estate, that he is a wealthy man, so she could never want for anything. Her father felt that his daughter needed more care and attention from a mother and soon settles with Lady Tremaine. She also had children of her own, Anastasia and Drusella.
Unexpectedly Ciderella's father
died though, and it was then the true nature of Lady Tremaine was revealed. Having too quite plainly ugly daughters, she was bitterly jealous of Cinderella's charm and beauty. She probably wishes that her daughers were a bit more like Cinderella, though she'd never let that be known. She is a evil and cold woman.
The Tremaine family wasted away the family fortune and the castle soon deteriorated. Ciderella was then forced to become a maid in her own house and sent up to a tower in the castle on her own to live.
*T*H*E* *B*A*S*I*C* *P*L*OT*
This film follows Ciderella through her days living in her own house as a maid. This is a girl with hope though. She believes things can't get worse so if she keeps dreaming then one day her luck might change. Watch and see what happens to poor Ciderella.
*C*H*A*R*A*C*T*E*R*S*
CINDERELLA - Well, as you have read, she hasn't had the best start in life what with losing a mother and father and then living as slave in her own home. Despite this though, she lives everyday in hope that her dreams will come true one day and that everything will turn out right. She is very good natured and also very pretty. She may be lonely but still has friends in Bruno the dog and the mice that inhabit the castle.
LADY TREMAINE - I can only think that she married into the family for money because of her reaction on the death of Cinderella's father. She is a nasty woman who cares for no-one other than herself, her ugly daughters and the cat, Lucifer. She loves having power over Cinderella but gives no appreciation for all her hard work. The only good thing I can find to say about her is that she is sensible and reserved, keeping her wicked thoughts concealed from the public.
ANASTASIA AND DRUSELLA - The two very ugly daughters of Lady Tremaine. They can't sing to save their lives and squabble among each like infants. They are also spoilt and rude.
LUCIFER - Lady Tremaine's cat, Lucifer is just like his owner. He is devious and nasty. He spends his days antagonising Bruno the dog, chasing the mice and trying to make more work for Cinderella.
BRUNO - The dog of the house. He is a very friendly pet but often has dreams about chasing Lucifer and gets into trouble. Poor thing only dreams like that because Lucifer is so mean to him.
THE MICE AND BIRDS- These little characters make the story for me. They are so adorable. We only find out two of their names. They are Jack and Gus but there are many more. These lovely little creatures help Cinderella with her chores and in return they food and clothing. Yes that's right, clothes. They wear shoes, head scarves, dresses and tops. The girl mice even wear bows on their tails, awwww!
THE KING AND THE DUKE - The king has a son and can't wait to see him settle. He wants grandchildren before he dies. He puts pressure on the duke to arrange suitable conditions for his son to meet a girl.
THE PRINCE - We don't see much of the prince, but from what web do see he is handsome.
THE FAIRY GODMOTHER - She created from Cinderella's hope. A rather ditzy yet still friendly woman there to help.
*M*U*S*I*C*
Another thing apart from the mice that makes this film great for me is that it contains my favourite Disney song, "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes". This is sung at the beginning of the film when though sad that she is a slave and has no family, she has hope. I really indentify with this song being a dreamer like her with hope for a brighter future. Maybe I like it more because of that. It is quite inspirational.
Another great song in this film is "Cinderelly" which is sung by my favourites, the mice. The sing in really high pitched voices and sound really pretty. One thing I noticed about this song though rather dated it a bit. There is a line that says "Leave the sewing to the women, you go get the trimming".
Other songs include Bibitty-bobbity-boo, a fun tune sung by “The Fairy Godmother” and “So This Is Love”.
*M*E*M*O*R*I*E*S*
I used to have a tiny little Disney flick book. One side was for The Jungle Book, the other was for Cinderella. It showed her changing from rags to her beautiful ball gown.
*C*O*N*C*L*U*S*I*O*N*
I do love this film but I can only give it four stars because it is so predictable, some of you may not bother to watch it. Give it a go though. It is definitely worth at least one viewing. If only for the music and the mice. Personally I like happy endings so the predictability factor doesn't bother me too much.
*C*E*R*T*I*F*I*C*A*T*E*
A U (Universal rating) so suitable for all.
*R*U*N*N*I*N*G* *T*I*M*E*
Only 72 minutes unfortunately. Too short for my liking.
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It looks lovely I'll have to get it maybe tommorrow night when my husband is off work.
jenni_a 06.06.2004 23:20
I agree the mice make the story, I liked this film but I really dont like the sequel, its lacking any of the disney magic, I think disneys running out of originals :O) Jenni xx :O)
eve6kicksass 30.05.2004 14:32
Superb op once again Lucy....I really do like the Disney version, though I actually drawn more to Ever After with Drew Barrymore (dont hate me for that). The mice in this once were hilarious. Come back, we all miss u!!! Chris xxx
Advantages: Great story, songs and characters; all of the elements from the best Disney classics. Disadvantages: The DVD edition is very disappointing, with poor picture quality and lack of interesting material.
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