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Cinderella

20 March 2015English1h 52m
AdventureDramaFamily
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 11 scored reviews · 3 not rated

Visually enchanting but too safe a retelling to satisfy beyond the surface.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: visuals and production values
  • Criticised: unimaginative and overly literal storytelling

Audience

User score 6.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 1 audience review ↓

Not streaming in India

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Critic consensus

What 14 critics are saying

Critical reception for Cinderella is mixed but leans moderately positive, with most reviewers finding it a competent and visually appealing retelling of the familiar fairy tale. Production values, locations, and visual effects were frequently highlighted, with several critics noting the film's ability to enchant both children and adults through its straightforward charm. The most consistent criticism centers on the film's lack of creative ambition in its storytelling, with detractors arguing it is too literal an adaptation of the source material to engage older or more demanding audiences. A minority of critics found it a waste of its cast's potential or outright boring.

How the 11 scores spread

3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 14 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (14)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    It is simple pleasures and fun visuals that kids want, and this film delivers by the truckloads. - See more at: http://www.mid-day.com/articles/cinderella---movie-review/16079160#sthash.IfO68jI1.dpuf

  2. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    The film too is unlikely to appeal to anyone older than 12, or to anyone seeking more than just a straightforward, literal adaptation. I was incredibly bored.

  3. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Cinderella is certainly destined for business. But because it's in able hands, it doesn't ruin your association with the classic by merely recycling what you already know. What it does is remind you of that forgotten virtue called grace and the timeless thrill of watching a garden pumpkin turn into a golden chariot.

  4. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Technically, the film is spectacular. The grand ball scene is fabulously done and the CG is used correctly. Largely minimal on special effects, the visual marvel is exhibited in the fancy choice of locations. Holding the trappings of its fairy tale source, Cinderella is a treat to watch.

  5. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    When Cinderella asks her stepmother why she's so cruel, for the first time, you are let into the other side of the story. While that is for you to find out, this may be Disney's best live-action till date! And if you have forgotten, Cinderella will remind you to be kind, have courage and never give up on your dreams.

  6. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Have courage, and be kind to the family or girlfriend who you're forced to watch this film with. And if you can get past the "but it's a Disney princess film" stigma, know that it's same-same, but (a little) different. In a nice way.

  7. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    Cinderella is a charming, sweeping, luscious yet grounded film that stays true to the original material, yet brings something new to the table. It's a nostalgic piece of cinema that warrants a watch for its simplistic innocence and visual splendor.

  8. SKJBollywoodNews

    Film review ·

    Somehow everything turns out just right for this film, the way it does for its heroine Cinderella. It is significant that this airy blithe flight into fantasy comes to us during a year when Bollywood films have gone into distinct shades of darkness. Heaven know,we need some sunshine. Cinderella covers the clouds . It unveils the joy of unadulterated fantasy.

  9. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    The special effects, especially the transformation of a pumpkin into the golden carriage, are uniformly impressive. Cinderella, which is preceded by an overly cute eight-minute animated short titled Frozen Fever, is more than likely to enchant adults and youngsters alike.

  10. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    Even after all the years, the story has considerable appeal, after all the good versus evil tales will never go out of fashion. The production values are the best that money can buy adding that extra factor to the visuals. Overall, Cinderella is an enjoyable tale for children and adults alike.

  12. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Ironically, the motto that Ella in Cinderella lives by is, "Have courage and be kind." Had Brannagh found some courage with his storytelling, he would have shown kindness to audiences who walk in to Cinderella hoping for Brannagh's storytelling skills and instead get old-fashioned slop that's so unimaginative that it borders on offensive. Parents, don't take your daughters to see this one, even if it is a Disney film.

  14. Zee News

    Film review ·

    ...this 'Cinderella' with "her courage, kindness and a little bit of magic" is worth a watch.

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

1 rating · user score 6.0

  1. Shashwat SisodiaSept 2019
    6/10

    'Cinderella' is what it means to be, practically- a visually stunning, rich and rewarding experience which lifts off and soars as a great fairytale. But the film, after a visually rewarding first half, doesn't quite mirror the substances in a great way. The script starts derailing, even when the visuals don't. The problem with the second half lies in the fact that there is more fairy-fairness milked all about. The spectacle seems to be splattered, and more contextual is the clumsiness. Nevertheless, its an incredible experience at the cinema screens. I'm going with only a 2.5 for 'Cinderella', and an extra half for its visuals. You give a cute cheek kiss to the film, but the film replies just with a formal flying kiss.

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