why Cinderella (2015) is a visual masterpiece

[@artatmidnight]

EDIT: at 27:34 i meant Lily JAMES not Lily Collins 🫠 (though i love her too!). NOTE: I’m seeing some “are Jasmine's outfits supposed to be South Asian?”. In the remake, yes! Agrabah is a fictional city that lies between the Middle East and South Asia. Jasmine references South Asia because she’s paying homage to her late mother (who was South Asian). The last link in my description is the interview with the Aladdin costume designer if you’re interested :) -- obviously, visuals styles can be super subjective, so I’d love to know if you like the look of the other live actions! If so, which remake (aside from Cinderella) do you think looks the best? PS I know I didn’t cover Maleficent (because that’s more of a new story than a remake) but I did appreciate the woodland fairy vibe they gave Aurora 🧚‍♂

[@mayln163]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one that doesn’t consider Maleficent a remake

[@driftrabbit5456]

Idk I really liked the castle in beauty and the beast aswell as the kitchen ornament ppl idk what to call them. I also liked bells dress growing up but maybe that’s just cuz I liked her the best. but now I know their budget I’m really disappointed in the dress 😢 oh yeah I also liked the wedding scene in beauty and the beast and how the ornament things turned back into ppl. But I can’t get over how they had a huge budget and didn’t do much with it 😭😭

[@rubydoo3307]

If you see actual Arabic/South Asian jewellery, you will know that goldsmiths are celebrated in our culture, because damn, they missed out. Also her renaissance clothes in sari fabric was weird to me. It looks so cheap, they didn't even choose good sari fabric.

[@arnold20139]

Don't worry, when I first saw the trailer for Cinderella (2015) I thought Demi Lovato. 😂

[@Beth-ux6jn]

I smiled so much when I heard the 'Lily Collins' part. I ALWAYS say the wrong name, too, I have no idea why! They're very distinct actors in my mind but I just forget Lily James' last name so often it's embarrassing. It always sounds right to say Collins and then you think about it. The amount of times I've had to google James' name for no good reason 😭😂

[@annaisnotabanana246]

Cinderella 2015 is not just a good Disney live-action remake - it's a good MOVIE, period.

[@CottageGurl]

It's just that GOOD.. They make the movie more magical, stunning music, gorgeous dress and it makes you want to go inside that movie u know

[@ladypool1404]

Even if Cinderella is dancing in the room when she is locked instead of doing everything to get out? Even if keeping her promise to her parents won't give her a happy life? She stayed in the house but let her stepmother and sisters abuse her. She is not imprison and can leave at anytime. Heck, even her friend find it weird that she doesn't do it. Cindy is kind yes but not very smart 🤨In the original, she tried to talked back when her stepmother insulted her; she was forced to stay because her father was dead. If he was stil alive, both would leave the house.

[@katm8128]

@@ladypool1404yes, even with that, because we know it’s an overall lighthearted and fantastical movie that we know will turn out ok in the end. Some things you can just let be, especially when they are as magical and well made as this movie. The important thing is that this movie works.

[@excessivelyfangirlingbookw3339]

I think this is the actual reason why Cinderella worked and the others didn’t (as much): Cinderella is a movie that is also a remake of an existing story. The others are remakes that count on you knowing the originals and trying to be close to the source material but with a little more to it. They try to hard to remind you of the movies you know and love.

[@aishaalamoudi599]

........ and of all these, Cinderella made the least money, and that's way before streaming and COVID.

[@gabsolute]

That awkward moment when the extras in this movie have better costumes than the main characters in other Disney remakes…

[@gabsolute]

*cough* *cough* Belle! *cough*

[@joyibear]

no seriously, it's kind of embarrassing

[@dawnofwar-qt8yc]

@@gabsoluteI 100% agree! There’s even a Belle-esque extra that eventually dances slightly in front of Cinderella and the Kit as they transition into the second dance and I just thought “That’s literally Belle but better.” XD

[@sayonarameaninggoodbye]

lady tremaine’s outfits carry the movie tbh

[@DLxxx]

​@@sayonarameaninggoodbye Every single one was absolutely perfect. It's _insane_ how good the costume design was in this film.

[@estherhinds6314]

I love that Lady Tremaine always wears a little black. Not only is it sinister and dark, it symbolizes the grief that is ever present in her life and every decision she makes. This is shown when we first see her and the narrator says "She too had known grief, but she wore it wonderfully well."

[@averageday]

That’s such a. Great point!

[@ten-ze1pq]

This is such a great point. While her bright garish colors (especially green) symbolize her vices, the black elements highlight how she has herself suffered.

[@einundzwanzigster5618]

Agree. Disney made Tremaine a little sympathetic but evil. It was good. The new Disney villains are so bad.

[@kaitlinowens2714]

She also wears blue at times very likely to represent that before losing her first husband she was like Cinderella but losing her presumably true love made her bitter.

[@ariannapershing2439]

Love this 😊

[@justclassicglam]

Did you notice: Cinderella wears no jewelry to the ball and wears minimal makeup. She walked into the ball not pretending to be someone she wasn't, she showed up as herself.

[@xiopaovid1215]

I also loved the detail that she's gloveless. Her and the Prince's hands touch skin to skin. Making their dance even more intimate.

[@Zombina638]

No

[@vexxi1470]

no the whole point is that she got to pretend she was a princess for a night. They reference this later when she asks the prince if who she really is enough

[@louisacoote2337]

@@xiopaovid1215 I also like that Cinderella’s dress matches the blue cuffs and lapels of the prince’s suit. I love the fashions in this film, even though they are all from different time periods, as the stepsisters wear dresses from the 17th-ish century, and Cate Blanchett’s outfits are very 40’s inspired. I thought the Little Mermaid remake was pretty good, the singing was great, the prince’s backstory and the parall3ls between Eric and Ariel were nicely done.

[@kayradilaycagan]

​@@louisacoote2337 I was totally with you until you said that the little mermaid remake was great lol

[@roguetaco5487]

the fact that I've watched the 2015 Cinderella a few times and never noticed it didn't have singing in it, is a testiment to just how good of a move it is on its own.

[@Arf700]

Actually, there's singing though it's just normal singing, not musical

[@Erasureeraser]

Cinderella remake is literally the only good Disney remake

[@ninarances9074]

Same and I still find it a great movie! There was singing, though (the "Lavender's Blue" lullaby) but not in a stage musical way. Lily James and Helena Bonham Carter actually did sing "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Bibidi-Bobidi-Boo" respectively, but it only appeared in the OST instead of having a scene of them singing in the film. And I think that's one of the other reasons why some people love this film.

[@anikam5087]

I know right? Except for Lavender's Blue, there is no singing. I watched it several times before I realised. It's one of the only good Disney remakes, and an excellent movie in its own right.

[@CrystalLovesChrist]

@@Erasureeraser I would literally die on this hill. No other Disney remake touches it. I think it’s the best Cinderella movie as well besides the original animation

[@sansastark4040]

Honestly for introducing Gaston they could’ve had a peaceful meadow sun shining just looking something out of a fairytale with a deer grazing in the meadow. Then all of a gunshot is heard and you flash towards a smirking Gaston who has his sidekick praising him as he gloats in self satisfaction for a successful hunt. This would be such a good way to introduce him w/out showing animal death.

[@GreySeashell-j3m]

This is off topic, but whoever is in your profile has _gorgeous_ hair!

[@hru6701]

The casting for Gaston was amazing

[@Jessica_Jones]

Gosh that would have been the perfect introduction!

[@crazystupidbean]

also, worried about showing animal death? really?? when they had the literal plague shown? just ridiculous, honestly

[@CustardCream22]

@@crazystupidbean Yeah kids get upset at animal death. Was you never a kid?

[@Anri.]

Some of the scenes in the 2015 Cinderella looks like a painting, like that scene where she is on the swing, looks like 'The swing'. The opening scene looks like an impressionistic painting. Oe so good. ❤

[@0deadx21]

The entire movie looks like a painting. You could pause it at any time and get a frame that's painting worthy.

[@roxannedyerart]

Yes! How wonderful. That scene had the same spirit and look of the painting. 🥰 I have to watch it again. I enjoyed that movie so much.

[@clairethomas3119]

I will NEVER shut up about my love for this live action adaptation!! You excellently articulate why it worked so well. They honored the source material but added to the story in a way that brought more depth to what was already there.

[@artatmidnight]

thank you!! I so desperately want the same for the other live actions. this movie has the perfect balance of old and new 🧚‍♂️💜

[@surajnira7045]

​@artatmidnight @clairethomas3119 Did you see the deleted scenes of the movie as well?

[@trinaq]

Cinderella 2015 is the best live action Disney adaptation since The Jungle Book. It is visually stunning, and the colours seem to vividly leap straight off the screen. The chemistry between Lily James and Richard Madden is purely palpable.

[@artatmidnight]

truly! everything is just so magical. you can really see the passion in almost every aspect 💛💛

[@bea2323]

Didnt the jungle book come out 1 year after it

[@sheleavitt06]

I think their talking about the 1994 live action Jungle Book that was made for the Wonderful World of Disney…yeah but ya didn’t know that Disney live action remakes technically started in the 90s did ya😉

[@bea2323]

@@sheleavitt06 Actually I did know that ;) Ive watched em all! I remember liking the Cruella ones the most. Anyway I assumed they meant the jungle book from 2016 since that movie is very well liked from what I've seen!

[@ChoiceQueenxoxo]

The only part I didn't like from jungle book is that Mowgli stays in the jungle, they kind of missed the point bc the original was more of a coming of age story with him realizing there is another world full of people and the jungle being no longer safe for him

[@nocountryforoldworms]

totally agree about the dress, the blue is pretty but the subtle color shifts bring so much more magic to the look 🥲

[@artatmidnight]

yes agree! the costume designer originally wanted it to look like a water colour painting and i think the original is much more true to that vision 🤍

[@ayaa.1351]

It's supposed to be silver though.

[@charismaticRogue]

@@ayaa.1351thanks for stating the obvious!

[@average.6079]

@@ayaa.1351 They're also supposed to be speaking French, what's your point? Dress color is completely irrelevant.

[@Mokiefraggle]

@@average.6079 Besides, Disney has _long since_ made Cinderella's "signature color" a light blue, since far too many people have assumed the dress from the original animation to be light blue instead of silver. The character actors playing her at the parks are in blue, the dolls are in blue, so why wouldn't they make the dress for a live-action film blue as well? Though I agree, the shimmery layers of different shades of blue and lavender with the iridescent layer just above all the crinoline and petticoats would have been even _more_ fabulous than the color-retouched gown of the film as it finally stands.

[@crab2195]

another thing i think Cinderella really nailed was the casting. when you think of an actress to play Cinderella, Lily James might not be your first choice. but she captured the essence and personality of Cinderella FLAWLESSLY. i honestly couldn’t care less about the actress looking like the character they’re portraying, as long as they capture the essence of the character. Belle was easily the worst casting choice in my opinion. I love Emma Watson but the girl can’t sing and her portrayal was rather cold and aloof when compared to her animated counterpart. that’s honestly the most infuriating part of these remakes: they don’t even bother to cast a protagonist that fits the role.

[@artatmidnight]

the casting is so good! literally for everyone! i still can’t get over Jafar’s casting, who was not very intimidating 😓 and Emma Watson too. i love her so much, but don’t think she was the right choice for Belle either

[@melovetolaugh6417]

I’m not sure emma is now the worst casting? Have you seen the interview of snow white actress? She hated the original movie 💀

[@abbsbrady7264]

the problem is Emma wanted to go for a feminist belle that was less girly and personality, which is great, but not for belle. It just made Belle look uninterested.

[@midnight6994]

Like for The Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey was really amazing and she can really sing, I think she is just the reason why I watched it all through to the end, and also her chemistry with the prince.

[@galacticagamer2000]

I thought Aladdin and Jasmine casting also the Genie as Will Smith was good, but there so much CGI so it made some scenes really cringy and visually unappealing

[@N0T_MY_N4M3]

i agree 100%! the casting was amazing, i thought Lady Tremain was gorgeous and her outfits were on point, as well as every one of Cinderella’s ensembles!

[@artatmidnight]

yes the cast was so good too!! literally so many elements of this movie worked so well and i love it sm💜

[@rachelgrinbergs]

​@@artatmidnight Yes! And I'll bet if they remade Cinderella today, they'd have her in a cosplay wig and costume dress that looks like the cartoon (just look at Ursula). Thank goodness that's not the version we got for Cinderella. That's the difference between how amazingly creative this movie was compared to the uninspired literal translation every other live action remake is.

[@janaris97]

As a South Asian you have no idea how Jasmine’s dresses broke my heart. There is so much to take inspiration from and they chose that? You could find a random auntie in a temple in better outfits than what Jasmine was wearing. It was blasphemous.

[@anjisarv]

“Random auntie in a temple” cracked me up lol. You’re so right, I wouldn’t wear those dresses even to my distant relative’s wedding

[@janaris97]

@@anjisarv like one phone call to Sabyasachi is all it would have taken

[@Awaken12578]

Wait. I thought the story took place in the Middle East.

[@ieatteeth5605]

@@Awaken12578 It does, its literally is set in Iraq but Disney in the 90s couldn't tell the difference between brown (asian) people

[@flannelsocks2188]

@@Awaken12578 The Middle East is in Asia! Asia is actually the largest continent🙂

[@mayln163]

My favorite part is when Cinderella meets the prince. It was so cute.

[@artatmidnight]

it was so nice that they added that so we got to see more of their relationship 💛

[@emmad.176]

The setting was really lovely and the dialogue between them was very clever. They said a lot without saying a lot and there was clearly a connection between them :)

[@piacolada206]

I saw on one of the BTS reels that that was actually the first scene Lily and Richard shot together so the wonder, curiosity, and interest between them were authentic. You can actually tell these actors are attracted to one another ❤❤

[@kaleaaa09]

Their chemistry made it sooo much more believable and fairytale. Being kind and good 🥹❤

[@atlantis6743]

It was so angelic

[@lalalitalavista]

I didn't really care much about Cinderella before, but this movie made me fall head over heels in love with her. It was so beautiful and healing to watch. I was on a whirlwind of emotions and the experience was magical.

[@ameliaroseillustrations]

✨Sandy should be hired to design the costumes for EVERY Disney remake and Kenneth Branagh should direct them all✨

[@johnpaulirvine5845]

Agreed. And Patrick Doyle for the soundtracks.

[@zarabee2880]

👆👆👆 THIS ❤👆👆👆❤️🙏👏👏👏

[@nickyoude2694]

I think Colleen Atwood, who won an Oscar for her costumes in Tim Burton's Alice, which is the very reason this Cinderella exists, might disagree. Ironically the very woman who Sandy lost to at that year's oscars, Jenny Beavan, ended up winning another oscar for a Disney Reimagining in the form of Cruella.

[@shush9687]

finally!! someone who mentioned the hand-on-the-waist-before-she-gasped scene!!!! i am utterly obsessed how that 2 second scene managed to deliver her emotions so effectively. i remember watching that scene for the first time in the cinema and felt butterflies in my stomach as if i was her

[@flea10x6]

In a presser, Branagh ,think it was, mentioned how in each take, the cast (including extras) and Lily James had that little gasp as the Prince places his hand on her waist. (Answers question of how conductor knew when to have the downbeat to start the dance.)

[@OpticalSorcerer]

This movie is so overlooked. It never looks down on the source material; it embraces and builds upon it. This is everything I want Snow White (2024) to be.

[@thatpitter]

Oh how this has aged

[@pierreodendaal6519]

​@@thatpitter Like unrefrigerated milk.

[@Waves-ty2kf]

Oh boy

[@brandyloutherback9288]

I wish they'd kept Lady Tremaine's original color palette of rich burgundy and royal purples with hints of greens and blacks to emphasize the status she thinks she deserves and also to tie her visually to her animated counterpart. Also, I think making Drizella and Anastasia's dresses ridiculous with hints of gold to show the influence Lady Tremaine has over them would've been cool! I think Julie Andrews should've played the Fairy Godmother!

[@noc4urne]

While I absolutely loved Helena Bonham Carter’s ditzy fairy godmother, I think Julie Andrews would have been perfect as well. 💖

[@Zubstep1315]

You’re right, you can tell a whole story with wardrobe alone

[@vincnz08]

but the greens and blues match her ginger hair and the reds/purples would make a to warm colorpalette for her charakter

[@ninarances9074]

Fun fact: Julie Andrews played Cinderella in a 1957 film. So having her play the Fairy Godmother, who helped Cinderella look good and get her to the ball, is like saying "I want you to have fun like I did. Let me help you!" I'm also interested to hear her rendition of "Bibidi-Bobidi-Boo".

[@CrystalLovesChrist]

@@ninarances9074 I was about to mention that. It would’ve been a great callback to one of the first live remakes of Cinderella

[@grrrl.pusher]

I think one of my absolute favorite details about the step sister's costuming is you can Anastasia is actually wearing the broken crown at the ball and it's still broken as it sits on her head. The attention to detail for everything in this movie was insane.

[@nikkielliott08]

This movie does NOT get the love it deserves. It still feels like the warmest, most beautiful hug whenever I watch it almost a decade later. Thanks for featuring it! And I totally agree, the recoloring of the dress is a tragedy.

[@nevaehaho61]

I think the thing that makes this movie much better than other remakes is that it can stand on its own. It’s not constantly going “Remember this from the old movie?? We’re doing the thing from the old movie!!” and instead uses the bare bones, adds a few references without being shot-for-shot, and keeps the integral themes of the original. You can tell love and care was put into it. It’s not just a cash grab with little effort or soul.

[@justclassicglam]

I saw the costumes at the Disney Heroes and Villains event at MoPop in Seattle, and when I tell you NOBODY cared about any of the other costumes aside from Cinderella. There was a 20 minute line to take a picture of the Cinderella Dress and Crystal Slipper. I couldn't even get a good picture of the Lady Tremaine dresses because too many people were standing in front of it! That is the impact this movies costume design had on people. Sandy Powell is a creative genius, her costumes for Mary Poppins Returns was incredible too and it never ceases to baffle me why they did not hire her to do any other live action remakes until recently Snow White.

[@ShyyGaladriel]

That Branagh did that much with a smaller budget is a testament to his skills as a director. He set the bar and Disney never surpassed it. Branagh is also one of my favorite directors, I grew up watching his Shakespeare adaptations (I was homeschooled). And his Thor was one of my favorite marvel movies.

[@joaninha1051]

This movie always reminded me of 1950s technicolor movies. From the deep saturation and the cinematography, I just love it so much.

[@KatBaumgarten]

Kenneth Brannagh directs so beautifully i think he should be in charge of every disney remake. I recently watched Much Ado About Nothing and my god it looks impeccable! I think it's so much easier to lean into the whimsy, absurdity and artifice of fantasy rather than trying to impose the realism, logic and tragedy from the real world. Live-action doesn't mean real life! I'm a costumer and i'm still gonna make Cinderella's ballgown one day (even though it doesn't fit in any of the rooms in my house 😂) because it is the PERFECT princess dress. Love her day dress as well, it's so iconic now ❤

[@YenShively]

I ALWAYS come back to this movie when I need some comfort and fairytale. It is PERFECT. And her wedding dress… don’t even get me started. The dress I’ve “designed” for my wedding is a mix between her ball gown and her wedding dress. The costumes in this movie are just astounding. I cannot ever shut up about this movie when talking live remakes. I’m in the same boat as you with tangled, it’s probably my favorite Disney Princess movie ever, I really hope they can get back to where they were with this remake, for Tangled. One can hope 🫠🤞

[@elyppalulu]

so true! cinderella is 100% the best remake

[@undergroundsoul94]

I'm so glad Cinderella 2015 is getting its due! I was wondering why, as the live action remakes dragged on, why this movie seemed to be forgotten. I saw it in theaters and was blown away, and have been disappointed by all the following movies. This one is just so nostalgic, sweet, beautiful, and simple.

[@Gan596]

Every time I see the ballroom scene, I genuinely cry. It's so wildly beautiful, and makes me feel like fairytale could be real.

[@sistasistaourchannel9829]

I love how Cinderella 2015 really respected the source material while also infusing some light, color, and truly just magic in the way the movie comes together. This is sadly missing now from Disney remakes, I mean just look at their most recent Peter Pan and Wendy movie; there was no life, color, or strategic editing. Honestly Universal's Peter Pan from 2003 was way better. I would love to see your take on it in a future video 😉

[@orangeninja8022]

Honestly so true. The lack of color is why I refused to watch the live-action Little Mermaid. Even from in the trailer, that movie was so dark and washed-out, where the animated movie was so vibrant and colorful and lively. How'd they manage to suck all the color out of King Triton's kingdom?!? It looked so lifeless.

[@nemashan3701]

the remake of cinderella managed to pay homage to the animated movie AND 1950's fashion, similar to the animated movie! it was all so fun and visually appealing to watch since there was something so interesting to see that added story to the movie

[@tiamystic]

Omg that Peter Pan film was the worst 😩

[@VenetiaTrentalance]

One of the many things I love about this film is the background/small supporting roll characters. Not only are their costumes exquisite but every second they're on screen is so genuinely enjoyable and worth it. There are so many unforgettable scenes that don't even have the main cast in them. Everyone who was hired for this film put their heart and soul into it. Just think about all the iconic lines from the supporting cast. The painter and the announcer dude and the baker lady just to name a few add so much to this movie!!! It's literally my favourite film ever and it deserves every bit of praise people give it. :)

[@petalsssss]

You are literally so underrated, the quality of your videos is incredible 😫 It’s weird to think that the quality of something made on a relatively low budget and 7 years ago is of better quality than what was released this year, take notes Disney!

[@Aisha_Luv]

right?? so cool

[@artatmidnight]

omg thank you 🥹 i don't understand their thought process at all lol I really need them to figure it out, cause my heart can't take it anymore 😭

[@petalsssss]

@@artatmidnight seriously like the potential is there you’ve done it before you just gotta let the talented people do their thing TwT

[@flea10x6]

Cost of real costumes and set design and construction v cost of technology, viz., CGI

[@ten-ze1pq]

I still get so emotional thinking about the live action dress. The analogous blue and lavender color palette referencing her mother’s lullaby “lavender’s blue”, the base of the dress literally being her mother’s, the butterflies on the sleeves referencing her father’s gift, the simple braid with a fall of curls referencing her free-spiritedness and the first hairstyle we see her in as a child. The ball is such a healing moment for her and she brings her parents along to experience it 😭💓

[@phaesiareese4393]

25:30 The way she knocks and walks in gets me every time. The way she admires the Palace before catching herself and popping inside so she didn't keep the doormen waiting is such a small detail that makes an enormous difference. She isn't used to this scenery, she doesn't know what its like to have such privilege so she's kind, tries not to waste time but can't help but gaze in wonder at the beauty before her. She isn't obnoxious and doesn't think a thing will be handed to her, she just wants to have a good night. Just one, at least.

[@canyoncastletwig]

The 2015 Cinderella is one of the few adaptations that is ACTUALLY real and romantic, so much so that I literally felt butterflies when I watched it. It is a masterpiece for so many reasons. Its characters are admirable, beautiful, loving people. Every person is vibrant and has so much back story, such as Lady Tremaine and her mysterious past, Kit's humble spirit and the way he honors Ella, and Ella's whole childhood including that with her mother. Ella embodies all that is kind, humble, and essentially good, yet at the same time she shows strength and courage in the face of persecution and the loss of both her parents. And on a visual note, every other disney dress pales in comparison with this one and ends up looking gaudy and fake. Also, I've noticed how few Disney movies actually include a wedding at the end, but this one does and in doing so creates a beautiful wholesomeness that adds to the overall quality and maturity of the whole movie.

[@Bakedcakeyyy]

This movie's dress transformation scene absolutely blew me away! What a magical shot that was!

[@bryangrego9175]

This movie was a love letter to the original 💙 I'm glad people are seeing How great and amazing the live action is now! The best one that Disney could ever do

[@niemsalleh7224]

Sorry..Not to love letter for original.

[@mikaaspinall7816]

I just noticed, look at the bubbles shes blowing at 5:40 seconds. Inside of it matches the future "romantic" ball dance background. The purple and pink, could be symbolic of the love she dreams of finding, her dreams literally coming true though the color connection

[@frc_sc9114]

The only thing i dislike about this movie is the cut out scene when Ella writes a letter to the price after the ball confessing her love & reality but it is destroyed my the duke & stepmother. It was such an important scene & showed that Ella was doing all that she could to get out of her situation instead of being called helpless by so many (not that I ever believed she was) this was such a good scene & would have made the movie even better! Still, love this movie.

[@avrie6668]

YEAH

[@ieatteeth5605]

100th like

[@LadyBravefalcon]

The only live action remake that justified its existence and actively enhanced the elements that made the original a classic. And from Kenneth Branaugh nonetheless!!

[@ValeriaAndCine]

i literally love this movie. i've probably watched it like 7 times. I didn't understand what made this live action better than the others but you've explained it so well!! Thank you!!

[@artatmidnight]

Cinderella is one of the only remakes i've rewatched! i love it sm. so glad you enjoyed!!

[@dejajade6726]

As much as I enjoyed the Little Mermaid (2023), it definitely wasn't fantastical enough, both on land and under the sea. The Caribbean setting was great (very much appreciated as someone from there) but they could've done a lot more to create a unique vibrant world that's a mix of historical and fantastical elements. Just as how the visual language for Wakanda is afrofuturism, I had the idea of afro-caribbean fantasy for the Little Mermaid.

[@liv97497]

I liked it more than I thought I would, and my favorite parts were the things that they added/changed. I, too, thought the Caribbean setting was a great choice! I enjoyed the movie as a whole but I do think it was hindered by the bits they *had* to replicate from the original animation. Still, it's the only other live action remake I'd put anywhere close to Cinderella.

[@CrystalLovesChrist]

To watch this movie in theaters was honestly an experience I’m so glad I didn’t miss. It was absolutely breathtaking and gorgeous. It shares a beautiful message for kids and adults alike and if you want to be reminded what what a “Disney Princess” is, this Cinderella movie is gonna be your favorite. The ball gown scene though was one of my favorites. I mean I was in love with that dress (and Richard Madden) for MONTHSS

[@eloiseconnelly3055]

2015 Cinderella holds such a special place in my heart

[@Aisha_Luv]

Ok a little bit of insight from a south asian person (not a fashion expert, just what I've observed) I think the general sillouttes and base idea for all the aladin costumes are super pretty, but there's a level of detail missing from all of them, they all look like concept art, not completed designs. I mean I'm pretty sure most sari style outfits even just for formal wear have hand made details, so yeah, definitely not fit for royalty. also on a similar south asian note, i was against the rapunzel remake until i found out it was maitreyi ramakrishnaan's dream role, and suddenly the idea of a south asian rapunzel flashed before my eyes. Imagine she walks in on a holi festival and they do her hair with those complicated flower braids? and they give her a gorgeous purple sari??? But mainly the reason my heart woud explode is for the chance of a sri lankan princess since ethnically maitreyi is sri lankan, and ive never let myself get my hopes up to be represented in that way.

[@artatmidnight]

yes exactly!! the detail just isn't there in the Aladdin outfits which makes me so sad because authentic sari looks are so so pretty. They would look so beautiful on the big screen for a Disney princess 💗 I can imagine how stunning a Sri Lankan princess would be! I wish they'd write new princesses & explore folk tales from around the world, rather than remaking the stories that have already been told - because there is so much out there to be inspired by and to share!

[@cramerfloro5936]

@@artatmidnight I really wish so too! I really love folklore and fairy tales, and there are still so many stories, from all over the world that should be adapted. This could even be used for when you'd want to remake Disney classics and take them in different directions, since many fairy tales like Cinderella, Snow White and even Rapunzel have manyvariations from different parts of the world. One could take elements from these different versions to make a new movie. And the 2015 Cinderella movie did something similar, since it also used elements from Perrault's story "the fairies" in introducing the Fairy Godmother

[@beatm6948]

I think the issue with so many of the remakes is they don't COMMIT to what they're doing. Cinderella works well because they wanted to make a good movie. It doesn't perfectly point for point do what the animated movie did, like the video says, it commits to the live action. The idea of a live action Rapunzel that takes from Sri Lankan culture fully and commits would be amazing. Kind of makes me want to see multiple versions of these movies from different culture influences/perspectives. The "live action" animated films need to stop trying to be the originals, and commit to being a good movie on their own.

[@undergroundsoul94]

I've noticed this too throughout Hollywood, it's like they're too scared to reach the level of embellishment South Asians are used to. The outfits are always far simpler than the event calls for, let alone the person's standing. As a princess, Jasmine should have THE most elaborate clothes. Surprisingly, I think the Indian outfits on New Girl were most accurate, maybe because they had a desi person there to consult.

[@Ixora-y3d]

But i sorry aladin is arab i don't think she would wears sari thay stunning But there is a difference between Arab and Indian clothing. I wish there was an Indian princess who wore a sari in different colors

[@NanHoumSian]

I'm so happy that my childhood favourite #1 movie is this good. I feel bad for other people whose favourite Disney movies was Mulan. We all deserve good live action movies that align our fantasy

[@multichannel4274]

In my opinion live action versions aren't bad, but they should know how to make to not turn boring and ask random people how they want some live action remake to be like.

[@pierreodendaal6519]

Mulan is my sister's favourite. A karate-loving tomboy with interests in Chinese stuff. It's a Disney "Princess" made for her. I could hear the insult she felt when commenting on the live remake. Lion King was my absolute favourite Disney movie. She got to watch it before I had the chance to book a ticket, so I didn't need the reviews to see how bad it was. Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty contend for second place in my childhood heart.

[@grantponciano9386]

The background party guest looked better than the main characters of all the other live action movies combined.

[@nemashan3701]

literally beauty and the beast. belle looked good in every outfit EXCEPT the yellow dress. a crime fr

[@keketopia]

I hope Disney doesn't mess up on the Princess and The Frog remake 😢

[@artatmidnight]

i think they have a great opportunity to not make them frogs the whole movie 😭 that's what I'm hoping for

[@multichannel4274]

​@@artatmidnight Princess and the frog does not neceserrily (apologising for writing it wrong) has to be about Tiana! I mean are we forgetting the original fairytale! I would honestly love a teenage movie princess and the frog like they do that with Cinderella!

[@cottonclouds]

that blue dress visits me in my dreams. i remember watching a behind the scenes video on the ball scene and the breath literally leaving my body as i saw cinderella's and the other attendee's clothes. the designer's souls are in thise gowns fr.

[@mofthemoth5755]

Thank you for articulating how good this movie is and how it doesn't feel like the other live action remakes

[@TommyRoss]

I have a whole video on the digitally altered dress (I really wish they kept the soft periwinkle color instead of a harsh blue). But it's still one of the most gorgeous films I've seen & this video is absolutely on point -- I love how you brought up the look of film vs digital :)

[@artatmidnight]

i just watched your video! you said you wondered how Sandy feels about the colour change, and I wonder that too. it's so different than the originally intended water colour look. it's still gorgeous though, and LEAGUES better than Belle's dress haha thank you for watching!

[@missladyhaha]

The costumes in the ball…and I mean the background characters…were BEAUTIFUL!!!! Like that gold dress behind Cinderella should’ve been Belle’s at 12:43

[@soapthesoap]

I saw Cinderella's dress in person at the museum of pop culture a few years ago and it was breathtaking

[@adoraxxble]

im so glad you brought up mary blair! she's one of my fav artists from disney and has illustrated and written some amazing children's books! she also made its a small world ride :) loved this video!!

[@krussyarts]

I like how I can hear the smile in your voice, just further testament to the love you have for this movie. And it's really quite contagious, I'm over here smiling because I can hear how much you love this movie and the points you're talking about

[@artatmidnight]

haha thank you! the passion really came through in this one 🤭 so glad you enjoyed watching 💖

[@im_an_oyster]

I think one of the things that made this remake better than the others is that it's so obvious everyone involved loved what they were making. Sure they might've also been in it for the cash bc let's face it, it's Disney. But it doesn't seem to be the driving factor behind making this. There's this umbrella of passion and caring over all of it and in turn it makes you care about the film as well

[@pinkmuffin9842]

OMG, I have never seen the normal, paler version of the blue dress and I actually like it so much more. It is a little less breathtaking and more effortlessly beautiful, I think it fits Cinderella just so much more. The subtle shifts in color are so nice to look at.

[@enjisilverstone-nolongerac7533]

She gave her character strength through kindness and not being a bad boss I respect that ❤

[@Pang_et]

The scene where she is in the swing in the prince’s secret garden literally looks like a painting, it looks majestic. I haven’t seen any recent disney movies have the same quality as that scene.

[@victoryjav]

yes! You explained it so well. I was wondering why out of all the Disney princess live action remakes, Cinderella 2015 felt different. I know the gown is a lot more extravagant and fantastical than the others but the movie also felt like it wasn't made by Disney. Yes, it was really like watching a story that was set in the 1800s then something magical happened in it. I was thinking like its 2005 pride and prejudice type of real that could have talking mice 😂

[@frvrcatss]

Yea I agree, the movie was truly really beautiful, I love when the Cinderella and the prince danced I remember the first time I watched it I cried of how beautiful the movie is, truly the best Disney movie I've watched (imo)

[@lovepotionsinc]

I'm a bit late but I have some thoughts. I think it can't be reiterated enough just how important it is that Kenneth Branagh directed the live action Cinderella. Everything from story, to character, to the practical and grounded nature of the production choices can be traced back to him. Younger audiences might know him as an actor who also directed the first Thor film (which is also well beloved by fans), but he has his roots in theatre and Shakespeare. He's not afraid of grandiosity and fantasy, but understands it only has power when grounded in realism. A singular vision, and the ability to thread that vision across all aspects of production and filmmaking, in my opinion, was so crucial to this film. And just as important as all of this is his ability to do all of this whiles maintaining a sensible budget without compromising the integrity of the production.

[@cserialen]

I remember watching it at the movie theatres as a small kid and falling in love with the dress. I still remember my eyes balling out at the dress transformation.

[@howUdo]

9:50 Also love the nuanced they put into stepmother's character more than her apparent villain-y. They really made her human like in the live action. It didnt treat her as villian meant to be punished/ defeated in the end like in the animation. but rather as what a person like her would be act and be treated in real life, thus she's not something to be defeated/ punished by ella, but rather someone she must overcome and remove from her life. Also in this, you can see that despite her jealousy, stepmother never really hated ella. Her actions harmed ella, but it was a by product of her desperation to secure her life and her daughters. something that is consistent to what she told ella, when she talked about her past.

[@0deadx21]

Almost every frame looks like a painting. This film is a remake in name only, and that's a good thing because it refuses to limit itself by another movie. It's a live-action fairy tale masterpiece.

[@johnpaulirvine5845]

Agreed. And the music...!!

[@harrisonho8934]

What makes this version of Cinderella so great is, for one, they did not directly remake the 1950 animated film. If anything, they went back to the original fairy tale of Cinderella and made a completely new adaptation of it. The director, Kenneth Branaugh, and especially the actors, Lily James, Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett, etc., showed in numerous interviews how passionate and respectful they were about the original story and completely understood that Cinderella was not a weak character - she was a character who started out with the happiest life imaginable, but her happiness is unjustly taken away from her and she must work her way back up, all the while having courage and being kind. I also like how we get some new scenes that weren't in the original animated Disney movie, such as Cinderella's name originally being Ella like in the original fairy tale, as well as scenes with both her mother and father before their untimely deaths. The Prince, Kit, is also very well portrayed by Richard Madden, showing how he has more of a sense of humor and loves her despite her being a common girl. I also love how the king, Kit's father, gives his blessing to his son to marry Cinderella before he dies, when he realizes how much his son and Cinderella are in love with each other. Overall, probably Disney's best live-action adaptation.

[@cuzimnotlaughing]

Stood the test of time. Back then it was heavily criticized by the Disney fans for its visual changes and song removal from the cartoon version. Fast forward with all the live action they did, Cinderella remains the best looking visually. The moment she twirled the gown during the ballroom dance sequence is to me the most beautiful cinematic moment in wardrobe design. I would do anything to watch it again for the first time.

[@anishkasharan9952]

this is the ONLY live action disney movie that made me feel so many emotions, i cried watching this movie. I cried watching this breakdown. This is the one movie that tops the original, absolutely. Great video!

[@soul45mortal]

She was a girlboss being nice and gentle and caring. Even adding more scenes of her giving milk to the old lady shows a lot of Cinderella kind nature!!

[@urmomeatmysoap3843]

Don't forget how they didn't make her a 'badass' who doesn't need a man or quirky

[@rainbowawakening]

I totally agree with you about the dress color, I had a cinderella dress that my grandma bought me from disneyland that was soo similar in color to the pale blue/silver/periwinkle 2015 dress and that colour captures the feeling of magic perfectly 🤍 one day my wedding dress will be inspired by Cinderella’s butterfly dress 🦋 I’ve always really connected with Cinderella since our backgrounds are so similar and the 2015 version became a comfort movie for me! I have so many fond memories surrounding this movie and I’m glad that more and more people nowadays are giving it its praise bc so much care and hard work was put into it which made it so magical 😊

[@cramerfloro5936]

My mum is german, so every year, on Christmas, we must watch the classic "three hazelnuts for Cinderella". We have lerned each line and scene by heart. Every year, it's an enchanting experience. A few years ago, they showed the 2015 Cinderella remake the day after Christmas, and my mother decided to watch it, even though she had low expectations due to it being an american remake of a Disney movie. And yet, when I asked her at the end, what she thought of it, she said it was cute! This movie was able to remain acceptable when compared to a masterpiece that has been returning each year for decades and never lost its magic. This fil is something, that the later Disney remakes can't even dream of being!

[@missanne2908]

Thanks for mentioning _Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella._ I checked and it's on KZbin (with English subs). It's just as enchanting as you say, and much closer to the fairy tale _Aschenputtel_ that I grew up with than the Disney animated movie.

[@pinknintendo8725]

I remember after watching this movie as a kid I was OBSESSED with her dress and my mom bought it for me and I wore it almost everyday. That dress is still gorgeous in my faded memories of it and seeing the dress from the movie after so long just fills me with joy and wonder. This was actually my favorite movie for years, not only because of the dress but everything else about it.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

Kenneth Branagh already had a great eye with his first film Henry V. As a Shakespearean director, he's used to working with large casts and intricate plots. He also has regular collaborators, and other actors trip over themselves to work with him which is part of how we get Cate Blanchett playing Lady Tremaine. I wish you'd mentioned Patrick Doyle's music which I think added a great deal to the whole film, but especially the ball. At least a couple of scenes were filmed on location at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich -- a great help to enhancing the sets of the palace.

[@dorianslover1199]

Ken Branagh is honestly one of my favorite directors working, and I don't think he's given enough credit.

[@johnpaulirvine5845]

Yes, let's hear it for the Scottish musical director Patrick Doyle!! The music as she's coming down the stairs at the ball is just..... wow!!

[@jordanc2019]

@@johnpaulirvine5845Patrick Doyle is one of my favorite composers of all time! “Who Is She” is literally what I plan on walking down the aisle to if I ever get married

[@pierredufour6164]

And this is why "Cruella" is also one of the best remake/retelling Disney did, it doesn't strictly stick to the original and it's gorgeous looking.

[@nemashan3701]

the costuming was SO telling in Cruella it was so fun to see. the only remakes i geniunely enjoy watching for costuming is Cinderella, Maleficient, and Cruella because even though they didn't stick exactly to the originals, they did amazing with the designs because you can actually see the thought and effort behind them

[@Gummydargon]

I never saw the live action remake of Cinderella because I was a stubborn fan of the animated one. But with your honest opinions and perspective I might give this movie a chance. Cinderella has always been one of my favorite movies and knowing now how much details was put on into, I might watch it now. Thank you for posting this 💕💕 oh and you have earned another subscriber ❤

[@0deadx21]

It's a great movie. It's a remake in name only with its own story and characters. It's pretty much its own standalone movie, its own Cinderella adaptation. It's easy to say this movie is better than the original.

[@jordanc2019]

Did you ever end up watching it? If so, I hope you loved it!!

[@danibanez]

this movie always brings me wholesome memories of my mother and my grandma, they loved watching it with me and even when my grandma got sick and started to live with us, she would always ask me to play it so she could clap at the wedding scene. there's something truly magical about it that i haven't been able to find in recent disney remakes.

[@apurplekitkat]

Because this remake is visually stunning alongside having wonderful storytelling, it makes me want to stop what I'm doing and sit down and watch it when I see a random TV channel playing the movie. I would never do that for another live action remake -- it's a one and done deal, I know what's gonna happen but I won't feel any magic -- but the fact that I know I'm going to enjoy every second of _rewatching_ Cinderella (2015) is what makes this movie timeless just like the original.

[@thevikingbear2343]

The Cinderella dress is incredible, specially how she stands out in the ballroom every single shot. This is not just her dress but her dress in comparison with all other guests and with the colors of the palace architecture, flowers and decor. That is why I will defend the choice of altering the blue in editing. It made for a better shot even though it sacrifices the original colors. That is something that the Prime Video Cinderella completely missed. In that other movie, Cinderella merges into the crowd with similar-looking clothing which is immediately more forgettable. I dont even remember the color of the dress in that movie. But THIS blue dress is burned into my brain. The shoes are also incredible. Makes every other Cinderella version immediately inferior, and of course they went for the best glassmakers around and actually made shoes of glass. The Swarowsky shoe is immediately iconic, and it incorporates the butterflies so it is consistent.l with the design and still such a good design that the poster for the movie was the shoe. Without anything else we all knew it was Cinderella.

[@thevikingbear2343]

I just checked. Amazon's Cinderella was dressed in white. That is why she did not stand out in a sea of colors. While 2015's Cinderella Blue stood out in every shot because nobody else was dressed in blue, except the Prince of course.

[@Kikileftonred]

This and Mirror Mirror are gorgeous movies from the lighting to the camera angles and the clothing everything was very pretty and well executed

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

I notice that the “marble” floor design in the castle ballroom of the live-action Cinderella is completely reminiscent of all the swirls that you mentioned in the animated Cinderella - and those swirls seemed to especially show up in the castle scenes.

[@mariaw.4780]

Everything Kenneth Branagh directs turns to gold. Disney should consider him again.

[@tiamystic]

Well…except Artemis Fowl 😅

[@luisjaviercarrasquillo6342]

I wish I could like this video more than once - great analysis of a FABULOUS movie!

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

19:29 DO NOT get me started on the door scene. And then the way she curtsies to the Grand Duke!?!?!?! Kate Blanchett ate up this role, no questions asked

[@kobee463]

honestly even thought this movie is almost 10 years old. this movie is timeless . and I love watching all over again and again

[@alessiapodgorica1260]

Something that I really liked in this remake was exactly Cate Blanchet casted as the stepmother, she has the perfect combo between evilness and elegance. She is really captivating, Cinderella looks different from the original character design. but still compliments her animated counterpart. Everything in the movie is like a natural flow of natural day and evening lights. I just love it, I can even watch the movie just for the castle and the pumpkin carriage, they feel so real.

[@latinafortruth430]

I could not put my fingers on what I hated about the new live actions. You are absolutely on point! I have not seen Cinderella but now I will!! I hate Mulan and Aladdin. They were my two favorite movies growing up. You nailed it.

[@jordanc2019]

Did you ever watch this Cinderella since commenting? I’m curious now what you thought of it if you did! :)

[@latinafortruth430]

@jordanc2019 I have not, but thanks for the reminder!

[@jessicajovel7162]

27:18 I'm glad they didn't desaturate the dresses of the extras, because they're beautiful, and I pause a lot just to see them :D Cinderella's gown is beautiful in its simplicity, but I also love pompous, over the top designs (personal taste), and I love looking at then, and also it sets liveliness to the scene and the opulence a palace should have.

[@consulting221b6]

I feel like the main problem with most of the live action remades is that these movies doesn't treat their content like it's something we haven't seen before. I love love the 2015 Cinderella movie!! It was just such a majestic experience in ciinema for me as a little girl, eventhough I never liked the original movie that much as a kid. Thank you for this video!

[@yejikun]

I really want to point out your happiness and excitement in your tone describing this magnificent movie, you literally made me feel like I should rewatch the movie but with extra joy and passion. Cinderella 2015 is delightful 💙

[@mariecatanho2508]

i don't know why but i got so emotional watching this video! fairytales are so important!

[@-LydiaXedits]

When I was a kid, I watched this movie over and over- I watched it more than the animation. I loved the costumes and the lighting and everything, it was just so magical and felt authentic and believable.

[@joyibear]

i was nodding all throughout the video because yes!!!! yes yessss I AGREE!! finally someone gets me!!! i really love cinderella 2015 because it's magical and emotional for me than the other live actions. also i've always said that it reminds me of the old movies like babe in the city, nanny mcphee, and charlotte's web even when it was released in 2015, and when you said it was shot in film it clicked to me. that made me understand why it's so 'warm' and 'inviting' than the other movies mentioned.

[@balasooriyaranul3685]

Completely agree!!. It was the only movie wich made feel like we're actually in a book, a fairytale.

[@cocotaem5101]

Yes! Finally some appreciation for this movie. It's the only Disney live action remake I actually like and Kenneth Brannagh was such a good choice as director. He really knew how to enhance the story in a modern way but also kept that whimsy of its time. And the COSTUMES? Amazing. Lady Tremaine's clothes are to die for.The music too. That quiet moment in the garden on the swing is also stunning. I love this movie and it's so underrated in my opinion.

[@ursomajor5607]

You hit the nail on the head!

[@saraangel6696]

I have been saying this for years!!! The way they do love at first sight/meet is so wonderful too. I will never understand those who say that beauty and the beats is the best live action lol. Edit: with cinderella i would actually believe a 250million dollar budget, it looks opulent and expensive

[@beyza4339]

cindirella has always been my favorite disney movie. maybe that's because it was the first princess movie when I was a child or maybe its because of its unique, fantasy world that draws you in it with amazing techniques but every time I rewatch it , fall in love with it again. Even her making the bed scene is magical. And I'm so glad they did well with this live action because I love her so much

[@arch_michaels]

Disney should be watching your videos. This is truly a one of a kind analysis. The editing is amazing and your voice is so crisp and clear.

[@mlvvvv22]

I will forever love this Cinderella re-make, ever since it came out I genuinely fell in love with it because of its originality, creativity and beauty.