The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother and her daughters Anastasia and Drisella into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.
On her death bed, Ella's mother begged her tearful daughter to
"Always have courage. And be kind."
Ella (played beautifully by Lily James) strives to live her life according to this advice, even as she is made into a servant, forced to sleep in the attic, and treated miserably by her stepmother (the incomparable Cate Blanchett).
In the end.... well, you know the tale. A life well lived leads to great rewards.
The film is truly gorgeous and alive with color. It opens in theaters across the nation today!
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