Cinderella's character has had a long journey, with many remakes taking place. By starting off as a centuries-old folk tale, to being a part of Disney, and then entering the world of films through multiple remakes. However, there have been many debates over whether Cinderella's story downgrades her to a mere damsel in distress, or whether it portrays a character that goes from rags to riches through will-power, and a bit of magic. Either way, one thing that can be stated is that over time is that Cinderella's story has developed. The most recent remake of her story by Kay Cannon is perhaps one of the best versions.

What makes Cannon's re-telling of this classic phenomenal is its portrayal of Cinderella's character as someone who is determined and career-focused. The film is a musical comedy that includes a variety of themes. With Camila Cabello taking over the role of the protagonist, the film was able to become a fan-favorite, as she adds the much-needed flair to the character. This retelling of Cinderella includes sassiness, empowerment, and boosts up the viewers' morale, in turn, making it the best adaptation of the story so far.

The Girl-Boss Cinderella

Ella (Camila Cabello) sings whilst working on her dresses
Amazon Studios

Unlike the previous Cinderellas that we have met, Cabello's version is quite ambitious and strong-headed. Ella's dream is not to marry a prince, nor to have a day off; rather she wants to own her own shop called "Dresses by Ella". From the beginning of the film, we see her hustling. The cinematography of the film ensures that the viewer is made aware of how hard-working Ella is, since there is a heavy emphasis on her "studio". From sketches to different materials and some jaw-dropping dresses, Ella has been doing much more than house chores. Ella goes to the extent of trying to sell her dresses at the village market. She refuses Prince Robert's proposal simply because it can cause her career to end, and is definitely a huge turning point in the movie, since it shows how strong-headed and independent she is.

All these points to how much of a brilliant entrepreneur Ella is. The film concludes with Ella being able to open her own shop. The evolution of Ella's journey as an entrepreneur definitely illustrates a positive lesson for anyone thriving to succeed in their career.

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Reversal of Roles

Tallulah Greive as Princess Gwen
Amazon Studios

Unlike in the original film, it is the Prince who is looking for love. Even though in both films the two princes pursue Ella, what makes this different from the original is that Prince Robert, played by Nicholas Galitzine, ends up giving up his possible title as the King, to support Ella in her pursuing her dreams to become a professional dressmaker. This allows his sister, Princess Gwen, played by Tallulah Greive, to be the next in line. It was made evident that Princess Gwen is the ideal person to take over the throne from the very beginning of the story, as we see her eagerness being portrayed through the way she suggests progressive ideas to her father, the King, played by Pierce Brosnan. This of course takes a feminist approach to the story as both characters, Ella and Gwen, are portrayed taking over roles that are classically assigned to men through the patriarchal system.

Nevertheless, there have been debates that the film lacks the feminist ideologies, since Gwen becomes the next in like simply because Robert rejects the title. Moreover, Queen Beatrice, played by Minnie Driver, being constantly overshadowed by her husband, also indicates the lack of feminist ideologies, as the relationship between the King and the Queen reflects the patriarchal norm of how men should be the heads of the families.

However, Cinderella's diversion from the damsel in distress role by allowing her to pursue her own career, and not rely on the Prince's wealth, goes on to suggest that there is a certain level of feminist ideologies being incorporated.

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A Sassy Protagonist

The Fabulous Godmother (Billy Porter) grants Ella's (Camila Cabello) wish for a ball gown
Amazon Studios

The original Cinderella is portrayed to be someone who is too sweet to argue or be sassy. However, Cabello's Cinderella diverts from this trope as we see her being quite sarcastic and sassy, in turn, adding in the comical effect to the movie. One instance where this is emphasized, is during Ella's interaction with her Fabulous Godmother, played by Billy Porter. Her little play on asking the prince to "get in line" if he wants to dance with her, as well as her comment on how uncomfortable the glass slippers are, not only adds in humor but also punches on patriarchal ideas. It can be seen as pointing out the misconceptions of girls or women dreaming of princes and them sacrificing comfort for beauty.

The Most Fabulous Godmother

The Fabulous Godmother (Billy Porter) grants Ella's wishes
Amazon Studios
 

Usually, the godmother is played by a woman to indicate the maturity and the motherly nature of the character. This can be seen as a reflection of the idea that only women have nurturing qualities, in turn, assigning gender roles. However, Cannon's godmother steps away from these norms and breaks some barriers by casting Billy Porter as not just a godmother, but a FABULOUS godmother.

Billy Porter's character is quite lively and funny. He also brings in the nurturing qualities that the original godmother had. His "YAAAS"es are definitely an addition that many have been waiting for.