Is Ever After the best Cinderella adaptation? (Movie Commentary & Reaction)

[@elizabethgates7024]

The point of "they lived happily ever after -- but more importantly, they lived" is her saying that they were "real" people, not a story like the Grimm brothers depicted them as.

[@pirategirl9989]

Exactly, that’s the only thing I ever assumed they meant.

[@readaholicgirl_5]

I'm just going with the fact their royalty in France (and we all know what happened to them in France during the revolution) I thought that's why they said, and lived. No beheading for them

[@MishaHusnainAli]

I always assumed it meant that they did not live "Happily" ever after (even the title of the movie omits that word) but that they had imperfect and realistic lives with ups and downs but fulfilled ones, unlike some perfect and sanitized fairy tale.

[@itsjustmesam26]

THANK YOU. A little annoyed they didn't like that line haha. It always makes me cry (this reaction included).

[@elizabethgates7024]

@@readaholicgirl_5 Leonardo Da Vinci died in the 1500s. The French Revolution was the late 1700s. And in the movie, the queen says "my great great grandmother's portrait hung in the University until the Revolution" so we both know that Danielle's time was far removed from the Revolution and that her bloodline survived.

[@crystalrose_pa]

I like that they didn't make Jacqueline completely angelic or anything as the "good" step-sister. She still had some spoiled aspects to her and her view of the world, but she was ultimately kind. It was more believable since she was still raised in that lifestyle.

[@Jemini4228]

Then there was the fact that Marguerite was clearly the favourite adding in an extra dynamic. Perhaps it was a bit of self loathing on Rodmilla's part because her favourite daughter was the one who least resembled her.

[@TothanCrawk]

Agree. You can tell she has genuine struggle and at war with wanting to do the right thing, and wanting be the person her mother conditioned her to be out of hopes of getting some semblance of affection from her.

[@BoxOKittens]

Yeah, I liked that she wasn't purely good or bad, just kind of caught in the middle and a bit of a coward about it until the end. Also the step-mother isn't one-dimensional either, you can see the hard life she was forced into by her terrible mom, and now she's continuing that toward her daughters and step-daughter. It's the cycle of abuse, like in many real life cases, sadly.

[@ItsAsparageese]

@@Jemini4228 Ooh interesting point. I suspect that was unintentional & just a happenstance result of the casting, but it's a totally solid textual interpretation & I really like it. I choose to add that to my subjective read of the film for sure

[@ohifonlyx33]

I wonder if Marguerite and Jacqueline are even full sisters... It's never stated, but that one reason why Marguerite and Jacqueline look so different. Maybe they don't even know... like maybe the baroness was engaged to Jacqueline's father and had a "love" affair close to the marriage. LOL. But that could be another reason for her bitterness and her desire to match-make.

[@Quantari]

My favorite movie of all time. I love how they make even the stepmother three-dimensional. There are several scenes in which you can see she DID love her husband, but she's insecure (subtly revealed in the scene where Danielle is brushing her hair) and thus her husband picking Danielle over her to say bye to created a seed of bitterness. This crap happens IRL. Also I love how the stepmother is subtly manipulative and shitty, instead of cartoonishly evil and "I hate you because you're good and pure!"

[@monicaa.castillo3657]

I love my stepmother and I know she loves me (I really do), but there's a little truth that we both know very well: she can't forget that my daddy Loved me more, she can't forgive me for being the person that my dad wanted to see in the final moment. she can't help it, it's the way she feels and i can't blame her for that because I know how much she loved him and she's never been mean to me, but in the darkest moment's of grief the truth came to light and we can't ignore it.

[@Hayzelle]

Quantari, agreed. I was confused why they kept thinking the stepmother just married the dad for his money. I'm sure securing a good future for her young family would be important for a widow in those times but I always thought they made it quite clear she had been in love with/loved him and was devastated she only had him for such a short period of time and resented that her stepdaughter both had him for longer and was loved to a greater degree by him. Fantastic acting by Anjelica Huston.

[@WayneZalinksy]

I had a different interpretation of that scene, I got the impression that she didn’t love him, she said she barely knew him, which I presume was true. But with the way she spoke about her relationship with her own mother, it wasn’t the kind of close bond that danielle had with her father, and I get the impression that that’s where the jealousy comes from. Because she’s never had someone really love her that way, or had such a close bond with anyone that wasn’t based on status or a facade.

[@tanyakopel]

I took the line "the point is that they lived" to mean that the point is that they were real people and not just characters in a fairy tale, which is the framing of this movie

[@michellesimms4824]

Yes; perfect summation!

[@ReadingAllDayLong]

You seemed to be confused as to why Prince Henry didn't recognize her as the servant who threw the apple, but remember that his head was covered first so he wouldn't be able to see Danielle's face clearly (on top of moving fast on a horse) and the moment he takes it off she drops to the ground and lowers her face, only looking up very briefly. I always appreciated this adaptation because of this. It was believable to me that he wouldn't take notice of her enough in their first meeting to connect her with Comtesse Nicole de Lancret, especially because of how dismissive of servants he is. Anyway, amazing reaction as always. This is the best Cinderella adaptation out there and watching you guys was incredibly entertaining!

[@sarahmarshall6008]

Not to mention the minor head injury from the projectile apple . Prince Himbo can’t really afford to be losing brain cells like that

[@mish375]

Also, generally the nobility didn't look the lower class peasants in the eyes. So he wouldn't have remembered her face because he never really saw it.

[@TheScarlettrouge]

I love that scene where Danielle confronts Rodmilla, she’s wearing the necklace that Marguerite “returned” to the Queen. (The one that got her the audience for tea)

[@beyourownmuse8297]

Omg I've seen this 10,000 times how did I not realize that, now I have to watch it

[@RE-bg9ds]

I'm so happy that somebody else besides me noticed that I thought it was ironic and when I mentioned it to everybody there they were just like what are you talking about I was the only one that noticed it in the group that I went with to watch this in the theater

[@embracethebright1587]

@@beyourownmuse8297 same!

[@llorona7847]

I never noticed the necklace 😮 what a great film

[@mena94x3]

No. It’s similar, but not the same one. 35:30 vs. 1:07:04

[@nerd_by_nature5046]

This is what I consider a great model for adapting a story that has been told multiple times. They keep the familiar beats, but what they add also compliments what already exists within the story. It’s not overly forced or added for the sake of padding run-time. You believe the conversations and the intent of the other characters, even the ones who were specifically written in for the adaptation. They know what to remove and they know how to tweak ideas that already build the story. Brilliant. I literally could watch this multiple times and love it each time.

[@LovedayJourno]

I appreciate that in this adaptation that not only is one stepsister evil, but the stepmother also favours one of her daughters. I appreciate the nuance of the stepmother in this adaptation, which is also shown with the hair brushing scene.

[@joeypotter6051]

Anjelica Huston is incredible in that scene. She brings so much depth and nuance to the character.

[@natjustcakes]

BEYOND happy you guys are doing this one! Best Cinderella adaptation ever.

[@alinac5512]

Very much agreed. So hyped. This movie feels so real, it's amazing.

[@riah4320]

This is my favorite adaptation ever . I'll always watch this

[@observantwonderer7401]

Agreed

[@lindawilson8154]

Rupert Everett voice: Love Drew, love Melanie, love the story, love everything.

[@afry6400]

Agreed!

[@jessmPS]

I love that she saves herself in this one.

[@rivermistfae]

🥰🥰🥰

[@emmad.176]

And her servant/friend :)

[@BoxOKittens]

I LOVE the step-mother in this version. She's more sympathetic and also scarier at the same time than most other versions. The Disney classic version is the only other step-mother that genuinely scared me like this one, and she was very one-dimensional, whereas with this version I can feel sympathy for her obviously bad childhood and difficult financial situation, while still knowing that she's a horrible person. That's not an easy thing to pull off, but both the writing and acting made it work so well.

[@DegrassiInstantStar]

This, to me, is one of the most original _Cinderella_ adaptations!

[@creatingpulsars9979]

one thing to add. She was a servant, 100%. The baroness would have inherited everything from Danielle's father as his wife. She was not obligated to keep Danielle in her custody and because Danielle was common born and in the baroness's custody, she was considered pretty much "owned" by her step mother. She could have been tossed out to an orphanage but the baroness kept her around for labor. Yes she was her step daughter but she was a servant who could be bought or sold to others and who did not own anything. Personally, due to the direction of the step mother in this, I think it was played that she had real feelings for her husband but also saw the simple life he lead as beneath them due to them being nobility and he was decently wealthy even as a commoner. I think she had her nose turned up to Danielle and the farm right away but her true hatred and resentment for Danielle seemed to stem mostly from the closeness between the father and daughter pair. Even in the hair brushing scene, there was a slight moment of possible affection, not for Danielle but for the part of Danielle that reminded her of him, which she promptly shoved away to poke at her cruelly again. There's no excuses for her behavior at all but this version definitely gives her more dimension.

[@trinaq]

I really adore this movie, it subverted the Cinderella story very well, and Melanie Lynskey and Anjelica Huston were memorable as the nicer Stepsister and Wicked Stepmother, respectively.

[@fibanocci314]

I thought the other stepsister portrayed her role very well also. Perfect brat.

[@martymcflown3707]

Jacqueline: I'm only here for the food. Laurent: *waggles eyebrows* I'm the food.

[@marahbaker8615]

ha!

[@michelle6337]

My favorite bit of trivia about this movie is that the scene where Danielle bargains with the gypsies to leave with whatever she can carry was based on a real legend. Apparently this king centuries ago invaded a kingdom and took over the castle. The women of the kingdom negotiated that they could leave with whatever they were able to carry and, knowing that their husbands were destined to be either killed or forced into the invading king's army, they each hoisted their husbands onto their shoulders and started to walk out of the kingdom. The king's soldiers were furious and insisted that they knew that wasn't what the king meant, but the king thought it was so clever he let them leave.

[@ceruleantear1]

I'd never heard about this story before this video, but after some research I learned it's called the Loyal Wives of Weinsberg. You can learn more here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Weinsberg

[@marahbaker8615]

When my husband and I were planning our wedding, Everafter was the esthetic I was going for. Just a simple fairytale wedding in the woods. It turned out beautifully. I adore this movie!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

This movie has 2 of the most fabulous Nepo Babies: Anjelica Houston and Drew Barrymore. Also, the costumes in this movie are (chef’s kiss)

[@benarts2271]

And that’s that Italian Renaissance 🤌🏼 Bellissimo!

[@7_ty_]

They’re Nepo babies but I still love them lol. No one else could be a better Morticia! And I am so glad that Drew survived her abusive childhood, just like Cinderella

[@SayaCeline]

Although I wouldn't really call them nepo babies as they are actually very talented

[@PokhrajRoy.]

@@SayaCeline They are Nepo Babies AND they’re talented. Both can exist at the same time.

[@Aloysius_OHare]

Tf are nepo babies

[@MorriganAtwood]

(The Burning Hot Shoes was Snow White, but some old versions of Cinderella had the stepsisters cutting off parts of their feet to make the shoe fit, so...) Categorizing Henry as a "himbo" honestly changed my entire outlook on this movie.

[@brus1368]

In case you didn't notice, Le Pieu was played by Richard O'Brien (Riff Raff, Rocky Horror Picture Show).

[@itzakpoelzig330]

Oh, no shit?! I was asking myself why he sounded so familiar (and so slimy).

[@Villagelark]

Ahhhhhh how did I never know this??

[@allisonfisher9304]

THANK YOU, that was driving me nuts!! I knew I knew him from somewhere, but I couldn’t place it👏👏

[@taylorj2574]

"The point is that they lived" refers to the beginning, since at the beginning the Grimm brothers thought of Cinderella as just a fairytale and not a real story

[@martinalalova9901]

This might sound weird, but your guys' videos are so comfy to watch, and just make me, as a woman, feel safer in the knowledge that there really is men out there in society who actually see women as individual human beings and not just characters in their own lives for their own benefit. Also you both seemjust really down to earth and emotionally intelligent and I appreciate this kind of content on youtube being spread :)

[@1sloo]

As a guy, your comment makes me feel happy, knowing that there really are women out there who knows not all men are the same, that we also are just human beings capable of caring for our female counterparts.

[@VerchielxKanda]

If I can remember correctly, Anjelica Huston, a seasoned actress, made Drew Barrymore, a fresh face, laugh after particularly horrible/rude lines, ensuring her mental state was sound during work. It's beautiful! The one that you mentioned with the burning hot shoes is actually towards the end of Snow White-

[@rebajoe]

She also played Mortica in the Addams Family movies, quite a contrast in mother figures.

[@SarahMaeBea]

Lol Sam cannot help himself but to spoil a gag one second before it happens. It's so funny. "He's about to walk on water" "She's about to freak out". Doesn't seem to bother Stef so it doesn't bother me. It's kinda endearing. Happy holidays guys! Thank you for the video! I was obsessed with this movie as a tween.

[@BoxOKittens]

This is my favorite version of Cinderella! From the great sets and costumes, to 'Cinderella' getting a real name and not that cruel nickname, to her looking sweaty and grimy after a hard day's work instead of magically pristine, to the gorgeous ball gown costume, to her saving herself in the end. I love it all!

[@floppsymoppsy5969]

"Don't let them see your inkling!" hahahahaha... apple juice just went through my nose!

[@linkinlady06]

I legit hollered at that LOL 🤣🤣🤣

[@ten-ze1pq]

I think the last line that “they lived” is meant to signify that the Cinderella tale was true the whole time. But I understand how it could sound clumsy lol

[@taylorgayhart9497]

“The part where you said my name.” Gets me every time!!! 😭😭😭

[@bethanythatsme]

The prince was abso-freaking-lutely a himbo, a lovable one 💜

[@BeeKee404]

So glad you did this movie! By far, the BEST Cinderella adaption! I know it's usually debated between this and Brandy's Cinderella but I'm sorry, I really do think this movie wins. I love Brandy's Cinderella don't get me wrong. I just love the realness this movie brings. It also has two of my favorite movie genres, fairy tale and period drama. Also the costumes are some of the best I have ever seen! Also I look forward to you guys doing more Cinderella adaptions. The only thing I ask is to please stay away from the 2021 Cinderella movie with Camila Cabello. That movie was just awful. More than anything else, it claims to be the first "girl boss" Cinderella when that is FAR from being true so that alone is what makes me angry about the film and why I hate it apart from the bad acting.

[@jasminewilliams1673]

I don’t like the comparison of a musical adaptation to like a literary interpretation they are like two different genres. Both can be great for different reasons!

[@MonAhgasInsomniAroELF]

Brandy & Whitney Houston's is the better TRUE cinderella adaption, this one is the best fanfic-style adaption.

[@BoxOKittens]

Yeah the Brandy version is a close second. Honestly that version is the best modern take on Cinderella, while this one's the best classical take on the story.

[@BeeKee404]

@@jasminewilliams1673 True enough. I just meant on a scale of different Cinderella adaptions in general. I wasn't really focusing on the genre or theme. They are pretty equal in that perspective to be honest.

[@avalon5957]

In my opinion Ever After is *the best* movie adaptation of the Cinderella story, but the Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella with Brandy and Whitney is the best *musical* adaption. I don't think you can really compare the two, as they are totally different; drama vs a musical. However I do love the more raw and "realistic" approach in Ever After, which is probably why it's my favourite. Not that I don't like the whimsical fairytale/fantasy versions, but I just feel like in Ever After, they actually spent time fleshing out the characters, making them much more 3 dimensional, as opposed to the extremely 2 dimensional characters many other versions tends to do. Here you get to know them a lot more. -Heck, you get to know them more than you do in a lot of modern movies these days.

[@WildMoonLacquer]

This is hands-down my favorite Cinderella ever! I love that we get a more flushed out story, that the Prince and Danielle meet before the ball, and that she is one of the most "real" versions of Cinderella. I also love the time period they chose to set this one in. The costumes were so well done! Her mother's dress and the green one she wears to court for the 1st time are my favorite. ♥ I also really appreciate that they had amazing filming locations! It really brought the scenes to life. So glad you guys reacted to this! ~Caroline

[@a.g.demada5263]

Did you notice she wears the necklace, Marguerite and the Baroness pretend the Queen lost ?

[@ObserverAmanda]

The Burger King comment nearly killed me. Seriously, I had just taken a drink and I almost choked. I love that da Vinci ends up being the "fairy godmother" to both Danielle and Henry. I am amused that you had an even more physical reaction to the repulsive characters/scenes than I do. I want to say more, but most of it will just be repeating what others have already commented.

[@kimberlynguyen1818]

17:00 to be fair she was kneeling in the ground not looking at him and he was literally looking down on her… soooo maybe yeah he does not recognize her

[@brabbit736]

Of all the times I've watched this, I had never noticed Henry had a red knot on his forehead from the apple later when he came back to return the horse. Gotta love the attention to detail!

[@prophet_of_troy]

So glad you did this movie! I have the headcanon that the stepmother really did love Danielle's father. She was hurt when he turned to his daughter instead of her, and there's so much emotion when they're talking about him.

[@antobutera]

This is not only one of the best Cinderella adaptations ever made, it's also one of my favorite movies. The story, the score, the characters, the serious and emotional blended with the lighthearted and funny. It's seriously so good!

[@lockmonster05]

This was a great Christmas present! I absolutely love this movie! This works as an adaptation and stand alone. Fantastic cast, production, and writing. I wish more companies put as much passion into their projects. Have a wonderful holiday and see you both in the New Year!

[@jow2716]

I still feel salty Morticia didn't have her own special lighting in this movie, they did her dirty.

[@Skye_Writer]

Regarding why Henry did not recognize Danielle right away: in his defense, he was busy trying not to get thrown from a horse while also getting his hood off his face, and as soon as he accomplished that and got a chance to look at her, she was kowtowed on the ground with her face turned down (you were not allowed to loo royalty in the eye back then if you were a peasant). From his vantage point several feet above her, he never got a look at her face. It's just one of the many details they took into account for this film where magic spells played no part in "Cinderella" going unrecognized at the ball.

[@samiragyxwule9577]

This hast to be my second favourite Cinderella adaptation right after the 1973s version “Three wishes for Cinderella”. I just love Drew Barymores portrayal as Danielle and Anjelica Huston as the stepmother. I wish I had seen this film earlier!

[@MorusRubra]

Three wishes for Cinderella is amazing.

[@kailyns8159]

Everything about this movie is great. Excellent script, stellar acting, gorgeous costumes and sets, and a solid romantic pairing that it’s easy to believe. My love for this film is epic. It’s known in my house as the only movie I’ve ever gone to the cinema to see and turned around and bought a ticket for the very next showing, then came back the next day to see it again. I would have gone to see it every day it was in theaters if I’d been allowed to. I was that obsessed with this film! I especially appreciate Danielle’s love for reading and knowledge. Her “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens” quote about books is my favorite description of the love for reading I’ve ever heard. Regarding the whole “servant” thing- It’s been a while since I’ve studied up on inheritance laws in history, so correct me if I’m wrong. Only men could inherit titles of nobility. If Danielle had been a Daniel instead, then there is no way the Baroness would have any power. However, since it has been claimed that Danielle’s parents were not noble, but rather rich due to Auguste’s status as a thriving merchant, then inheritance laws wouldn’t apply anyway. Essentially, Rodmilla outranks Auguste. She was a Baroness when she married him. Thus, when he died everything he “owned” became her property. Including Danielle. The moment her father died, Danielle became part of Rodmilla’s estate because there were no other family members to contest the child’s status. A good woman would have simply cared for the child and seen her married to a wealthy man. But Rodmilla despises Danielle, so she turns her into a servant. Great commentary as usual, guys. Sam, what did you mean the “whatever you can carry” scene was real?

[@puddlesplasher-inc]

"The point is that they lived" always struck me as a reference to the idea that they were "real" people. THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS ONE! And Merry Christmas to you both!

[@zakthepenguin5106]

I like the fact that the stepmother is more realistic in this movie. And the fact that both of the ugly stepsister supposed to represent a certain type of ugly one on the outside and one on the inside. I also really like that in this version descent, mother gets punished. And the reason why she said “you cannot leave me here” it’s not because she wanted something fancier or she was expecting that, but in fact, it’s just simply her potential husband passed away and left her there with three daughters 💁🏻‍♂️💁🏻‍♂️ If I’m being honest, I can understand why she is always grumpy

[@daniellequain2192]

I am named Danielle because of this movie so naturally it is my favourite Cinderella adaptation. I loved your reaction, thanks 💖

[@Chrysop1812]

Thank ya'll for watching this one! I'm so glad you liked it. I do think story wise it's the best version. I love the layers in the characters. I love how Jaqualine was a decent person who could see Danielle for who she really was. Her sister more so than Margerette ever was. I love Rodmilla, the stepmother being so interesting and relatable. She's widowed twice and has a shitty childhood, grows up thinking very small mindedly about the world, becomes responsible for 3 kids and never really knows love her whole life. That hair brushing scene showed how broken a person she is. How her hopes of love and happiness were hinged on Danelle's dad... so losing him and being alone again made her this way... not an excuse just a reason... that makes sense. I absolutely love Henry. I think Dougray's performance was amazing. Also, he's gorgeous let's be honest lol. He wasn't perfect, but he was charming and open minded. He was carrying a huge weight and felt lost and frustrated. At the ball he felt lied to... cause he was. but thinking you've found the love of your life only to be told in front of everyone, that they lied to you, and feel like once again someone's trying to use you... that sucks but he does come around obviously. I love too that it was a darker telling and had an edge to it. Such a great film! Ya'll take care!!

[@jaimicottrill2831]

Henry doesn't recognize her for 3 reasons: 1. He didn't get a good look at her face due to her kowtowing on the ground. 2. He was in a hurry, so didn't really pay attention. 3. It would never occur to him (or any of the nobles) that a commoner would dare dress up as a noble and do this.

[@snoopygonewilder]

This is probably my favorite Cinderella Adaptation. If you're doing fairy tales, do Snow White a Tale of Terror. It's a realistic Snow White and my favorite adaptation of that story.

[@Nicamon]

I agree on both!👍👍

[@RebeDrawsStuff]

This is one of my favorite Cinderella adaptations ever and the best part is that I think it aged well. Most of the time Cinderella is considered a victim however on this movie they give her and other characters more depth as humans, hence why many people still love this version. But yeah, the prince is a himbo.

[@sarahbottino1321]

I live for stef’s little smirk after he delivers his joke

[@freyjanj]

If you're looking at Cinderella adaptations, you have to watch Three Wishes for Cinderella from 1973 with Libuše Šafránková. It is the Cinderella movie in Eastern Europe and Germany and a Christmas classic.

[@AuraJoel]

It's my favorite Cinderella since childhood, and although it's no longer shown here in Finland, I found it on youtube last Christmas! Then I found out Libuse had passed, so sad to hear about it... But what a beautiful legacy to leave behind

[@limitlesssoul2882]

What a Christmas gift this is!!!❤️ I don't think the prince recognize her cause he spent most of that conversation with his cape over his head while being hit with apples. By the time he stood up straight, she dropped to her knees and kept her head down for the rest of the interaction. In the chaos and distraction of that could you recognize a person if you saw them again?

[@AliSakurai]

When the stepmom amd stepsister were thrown in the dye, their clothes were dyed purple. That color was only available to royalty at the time so in a way that was the closest to royalty they will ever get! Another note is that the main ingredient to that dye at the time is urine!

[@claudiacuilbheir1182]

What a Christmas gift this is! I love this movie so much, it is actually the only Cinderella adaptation that I love (along with the Hilary Duff one)! Let's say I'm not a fan of the fairytale in the first place 'cause I do not enjoy the love at first sight trope, but in this movie they get to know each other so it feels more realistic

[@angelikasummer]

me too

[@DJ.Michelle]

This is the only movie I've gone to see at the theater twice... n I've owned at least a couple dozen copies of, on vhs AND DVD, over the years... it is my all time favorite movie ever!

[@TeamSukiyo]

THE BEST CINDERELLA! Thank you budz ✌🏻 Happy holidays if you celebrate, or have a holly jolly Sunday.

[@loveGG3]

"I shall simply deny you the crown and live...forever..." I mean you know Queen Elizabeth tried and I feel like she came pretty darn close. 👑

[@linkinlady06]

As soon as I saw the thumbnail I got super excited! This is my absolute favorite Cinderella rendition for so many reasons and it was beautifully done I'm so glad you guys reacted to it, Sam you cracked me up LOL

[@danis4187]

my ABSOLUTE favorite movie!!! I have a tattoo inspired by the movie on my right arm; I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it!!!

[@leire5932]

Yesssssss. I love you guys so much. This is my favourite Cinderella. I'm so happy you guys are reacting to it😭😭

[@SamuelDJCox]

This movie is so well done. They do a great job in truly breaking your heart for Danielle’s situation… she’s doing everything for people who are simply so cruel and abusive. The moment her stepmother finally admits that she’s never loved Danielle but just seen her as an inconvenience… you can see the faint hope she’s been holding onto for most of her life that maybe just maybe there is some good in her stepmother, you can just see it dying with those words. It’s so well acted and directed. The part that always most gets me is Danielle taken away from her home like a slave, finally the Stepmother is just revealing her true colours… and that sad, haunting choral music comes in as we pan down onto Da Vinci immortalising this suffering woman into artwork. It so perfectly encapsulates the tragedy of the Cinderella myth and exactly why it resonates with so many people on such a human level. In real time we see the suffering one woman faced and it represents a suffering that so many faced back in that time… the haunting chords of that choir music harking back to a time which is long gone yet the artwork, relics and stories which survive from that time are the only proof and testament to what they went through… the artwork of which we see Da Vinci creating. To me, its speaks to a larger tragedy, not that it just happened to Danielle but to so many like her, and so many of them did not get a painting to immortalise them. So many of their stories were lost to time and they were abused and forgotten. What makes the Cinderella myth so powerful is that it speaks to an emotional truth that represents countless people throughout history whose stories were never told. That to me is the most powerful thing about this film. It shows the darkest and most tragic chapters of our human history are what inspired our myths and fairytales. And that we don’t just create these tales with happy endings just because it makes for a more interesting tale… we tell these stories with happy endings because it’s our shared human desire that we wish we could make so many of these tragedies right, we know we can’t but we can only ever hope that through imagination we can present and immortalise these sad tales as ones which in the ideal world would have been better, and to give back to all those people that which was taken from them, that their tales for the rest of time gave inspiration and something positive to the rest of the world long after they were gone. Great reactions!

[@notaccessible3741]

Thank you so much for doing this movie, I’m so excited. It is my favorite version of Cinderella and I’ve seen over thirty different Cinderella movies and shows.

[@Bri_Games]

This is by far my #1 favorite Cinderella remake my 2nd is of course Disney’s 2015 live action. Some of my favorite thing about this movie is that it’s more realistic and one of the step sisters are actually nice to her and they actually have a decent friendship and that Danielle fights back aka punch’s the mean sister in the face etc. I love romantic movie specially if they’re set to be in the past like this and is a fairytale type of movie. Love the videos! You two do such an amazing job!

[@NotPrincessButLeia]

you guys misunderstood the ending. when she said the point is that they lived was because the brothers Grimm didn't know cinderella existed. and she is saying she did.

[@echowall5967]

The stepmother dancing while wearing hot shoes you were talking about is the Grimms brothers version of Snow White. In the Grimms version of Cinderella the step sisters cut off their heels and toes to fit in the shoe. Cinderella also calls upon her bird friends to peck out the stepmom and sisters eyes

[@sarah_noyes_]

1:06:43 I started cackling. Thank you, the movie budz, for another great reaction and commentary. My mom and I used to watch this movie together.

[@nicoleb1581]

The villain Le Pieu is the great actor Richard O’Brien aka Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.. who wrote the book, music & lyrics and eventually co-wrote the screenplay

[@victoriacastillo9484]

literally screamed so hard when i saw the thumbnail! My parents actually came into my room loool! I've been wanting you guys to react to this movie since i discovered your channel!

[@ReleaseTheQuackers]

My fave character in this adaption is Pierre Le Pieu performed by the amazing Riff Raff... er ... Richard O'Brien!!! I also love Melanie Lynskey as Jacqueline, the kinder of the two step sisters.

[@everausten]

Thank you, it must be difficult reacting to a film that is many people's favourite. This has been a big comfort movie for me since it came out, and something that I hold up as rounded storytelling with compelling characters and dynamics. I also love the golden hour lighting and beautiful composition in each frame. Thanks for reviewing, I'm pleased you enjoyed what it has to offer 💛🌙🌟✨

[@madii7]

I have very fond memories of this one, I used to watch it a lot when I was a kid. Saludos!

[@sophieturner5789]

My favourite Cinderella adaptation can’t wait to watch it ❤

[@benarts2271]

Ah a treat for the holidays 😆 Merry Christmas Budz! ❤️💚🎄

[@Ineeee]

Omg this is my favorite retelling of Cinderella and I was planning on watching it this weekend. Can’t believe I get to watch with you guys!

[@neydaa_]

Thank you for doing a commentary on this movie! One of my favorites !

[@lotusbeexx]

This is my absolute favorite movie in general and I'm so glad you guys did it!

[@blackmumba111]

Snow White had the burning hot shoes on the Evil Queen. Cinderella had the step-sisters cut off parts of their foot to fake that they fit the shoe (and crippled them). Also, I love that the step-mother and Margeurite try to connive and scheme their way into a higher title/crown while Danielle and Jacqueline (who likely got one with Laurent at some point if they didn't already have one) got theirs for being good people.

[@mish375]

Also Rodmilla makes fun of Jacqueline in the first scene saying she'll never be a courtier. But in the end, Jacqueline becomes one due to her marriage to Captain Laurent.

[@DuchessofSassytown]

Thanks, and happy holidays to all! 🎄 I've loved this movie since I was a kid... ❤

[@echo.echo08]

My favorite adaptation and probably my favorite among Drew Barrymore's roles. I heard some people saying her accent was too forced but I'm not British so I couldn't tell. I love that she was never a damsel but very much a heroine of her own. She even saved herself from that vile mustachioed Le Pieu without having to kill him. She made a very wonderful Cinderella. The prince too, though a little older than I imagined from the story book, is also the dreamiest I've seen and his character was also explored quite well. It's not a perfect film but still very special. I love that you reacted to this.

[@gloriebluestein9721]

it's not redundant line at the end it's her reminding them about how they were real people not just fictional characters not how they lived their lives. but this is my favorite movie adaptation. Glad it was enjoyed

[@randombrokeperson]

This is THE BEST Cindy adaptation for me. I just started watching your video but just in case you guys didn’t catch it (because it’s also not listed on IMDB trivia): during the forest chase scene, the Prince calls the thief an “ugly peasant bastard” and drops the f-bomb. But you have to turn the audio up super high or wear earphones to hear it. Idk what kinda audio magic the editors pulled to keep the family friendly rating lmao

[@Drewski217]

C'mon Christmas Present!!! Happy To you both and love the nail polish Stef. This is definitely my favorite in equal measure to the Brandy version, even if the Brandy version is more personal to my own childhood.

[@TheGabygael]

Cinderella has been criticised for a while about the passivity of the protagonist (I've personally always read her as a model of lenience and hope against hard times) on the other hand though, she's been raised in an abusive household and goes straight from that toxic environment where she's learned little self value into a legally (and religiously) bound life-long relationship with a man who has infinitely more power than her and to whom she's entirely financially dependent of and in a community where she might have a very hard times making friends (not only aristocracy is known to be full of fake people but to add insult to injury she has not been taught to navigate these circles early on enough)

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I was really hoping you two would react to ‘Never Been Kissed’ (another underrated Drew Barrymore Rom-Com Classic) but this movie is no less classic.

[@chelsie2767]

Thank you for this video. This Christmas has been terrible, I just lost my brother, he was the only family I really had, so this Christmas has been awful. Thank you two for the brief distraction from my daily nightmare. Truly Thank you.

[@the_nikster1]

haha, I think what she meant at the end was that they lived a real life as opposed to them being fictional characters. that's how I've always taken it anyway. thanks for doing this one guys! this is my favorite adaptation of the Cinderella story, hands down. Anjelica Huston just completely slays her role as the stepmother with such depth; such a class act! Happy Holidays guys! ❤

[@themusicalmortician6659]

Growing up I had always took the "That they lived" as a way of her telling the brothers the Cinderella was real and not just a fairytale. Because in the beginning one of the brothers said "So it's true. The story.." when she offered to set the record straight. Bit that was just my personal take, because happily ever after is the fairytale ending but the movie was basically her telling them it was real.

[@NotPrincessButLeia]

STEF i love your nails. Silver looks really good as did the navy blue in Love, Simon reaction

[@cotevallejos7230]

One of my favorite movies ever!! And indeed, is the best adaptation of the Cinderella story 💎 Also the score 👌🏻

[@linkinlady06]

Yessss!!! So many people overlook the score and it was so beautifully done!, you hear it throughout the movie here and there but for me it's even more special when Henry proposes to Danielle something about that whole moment lives rent free in my head ❤🥰

[@cotevallejos7230]

@@linkinlady06 Yes!! It’s a beautiful soundtrack indeed! My favorite is called “Cinderella” which is played when she’s waking up at the stable and walks to the garden/forest to pick up apples 🤗 And then… the apple fight lol

[@linkinlady06]

@@cotevallejos7230 The Proposal and The First Kiss are my favorite! George Fenton is so underrated he needs more love for this soundtrack

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Happy Holidays to the Southern Hemisphere! It’s always a treat when you post a video. Sending all my love and warmest regards to you and loved ones. Have a great year ahead!

[@kaylie9384]

"Calm down Oxford" has got to be my new favorite quote that I definitely want to use. 😂

[@sarahmoller7308]

Uuuuuuh this is my favourite adaption! Thank you guys for reacting to it and merry christmas ❤️🥺🌲🎁✨️

[@eeek7505]

'The point is gentlemen, that they lived'. I always thought it meant she was a real person (her ancestor) not a fable, like the Brothers Grimm may have thought and wrote in their books of fairytales.

[@silvercookies]

Just wanted to say thank you sam and stef for creating the movie budz! I started watching you guys this year and thoroughly love your reactions and commentary and your videos are a great source of stress relief!

[@beckiejbrown]

I adored this, thank you

[@carlabeaton3637]

I love this movie so much and have since I was like 7, AND I only just realised that she says 'the point is that, they lived' to mean while they lived happily ever after like in fairytales, the point was that they actually existed in the first place, not that they lived to mean that they did not die, or that they were able to have fulfilling lives- like I did before.

[@laticiadavis8627]

I love this adaptation of Cinderella, great reaction guys and merry Christmas, happy new year. Miracles and blessings to you and yours ✌️.

[@BloodylocksBathory]

It's funny that you mentioned the Mona Lisa's lack of eyebrows, since at one point she did have eyebrows, but Leonardo for whatever reason painted over them.

[@TotallySquirrel]

Eeeeeeeee I'm so happy you're reacting to this! Used to watch this on repeat as a kid!

[@mariakal605]

Was SO unbelievably happy to see this one pop up on my feed!! I'd been really looking forward to it since you guys have been doing the different Cinderella adaptations and you guys absolutely did not disappoint! Love your reactions and how much nuance you allow the movie characters, rewatching my favorite movies with y'all is so fun and such a chill experience, and you guys have a great vibe that makes me feel like I'm with my friends and watching them react 😄. This has personally always been my favorite, there are so many deep-hitting movie quotes from this. I love the more historically accurate take on the story and how much the main pairing get to know one another before the iconic midnight ball scene, and the evil-stepmother vibes that Angelica Huston pulls off with just a single eyebrow arch are unmatched haha. And besides, nothing beats the fact that Cinderella gets to punch her stepsister in this one 😂

[@MishaHusnainAli]

Drew Barrymore is absolutely perfect casting for this one. Her accent is terrible but her natural charm and likeability carry her in this role and I can't imagine anyone else in it. Also Anjelica Houston is a legend. With this role, she basically is both ends of the spectrum of wholesome and supportive Morticia Addams mum to absolutely bitchy and cruel wicked Stepmother.