Ever After
An eternally optimistic, engaging young woman with a spirited personality who is driven for truth, equality, and love. Starring Drew Barrymore, Anjeliica Huston, Dougray Scott
Cinderella has been one of my favorite fairy tale stories since I was growing up.
Ever After is a magnificent re-telling of that childhood masterpiece. What makes this movie so special starts with the first few minutes when we are told the "real" story of Cinderella.
Before the end of the movie's trailer, I knew Ever After was a must see and not just on video (which of course I have), but in the theater where a movie of this caliber should be seen.
Danielle (Drew Barrymore) is an empowered young lady who has no problem keeping her tongue from speaking the truth, or just speaking in general. Danielle's passion runs deep and she wishes the lives around her to be blessed with happiness and respect.
She has been raised by her stepmother Rodmilla (Anjelica Huston) after her loving father Auguste (Jeroen Krabbe) passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Danielle also shares her home with her two rivaling stepsisters Marguerite (Megan Dodds) and Jacqueline (Melanie Lynskey).
A romance would not be complete without a charming love interest, which is where Prince Henry (Dougray Scott) initially falls short in, until he is wooed and mellowed by the influences of Danielle's wisdom, purity, and selfishness -- this is where we see Prince Henry as a man of honor and greatness. A true gentleman.
True to the Cinderella story we know so well, Ever After embellishes all the deception, adventure, and sparkling romance with a few spicy twists of its own.
The costumes are exquisite, glamorous, and intricate. Gowns are flowing and wrapped tightly with fancy jewelry draped over them, while hair is finely styled and decorated to bring us back to the 16th century.
The cinematography is captivating with scenery of the French country side, farms gardens, and castles. This is a beautiful looking movie through and through. A feast for your eyes!
The peformances range from spunky and sweet, crude and cruel, arrogant and compassionate, heartfelt and heartbroken, humorous and humble... with much more to see and feel through this fantastic ensemble of characters.
Ever After is enchanting. A classic love story where the heroine is the one gracing our hearts and showing us that strength, determination, and freedom to believe in yourself is essential!
A magical movie where love is the power to make you realize your dreams and the hard work is included to make them come true...ever after.
Written by: Lynda Dale MacLean
Reviewers Rating: 9.5
Reader's Rating: 9.12
Reader's Votes: 76
Added: 27-Sep-2002
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