Friday, February 15, 2008

Ever After


The 1998 Cinderella story,Ever After, is one of my favorite films, so I was elated when we reserved time in class to watch the movie. Throughout the film, I found similarities that went along with the Classic Cinderella story and the Catskin tales.
We notice several of the elements from the Classic Cinderella tale as the film progresses. The absent father, a stepmother consumed with evil, Danielle's servitude, the glass slipper, and the beautiful gown are just a few of the elements found in our beloved Cinderella tale.
Danielle's character, on the other hand, reflects the catskin tales. She is witty, resourceful and does not depend on the fairy tale ending. However, we are not only able to see Danielle's passion, but we see our princess accomplish remarkable things with this love. She acts as a tutor to Prince Henry and essentially teaches him to appreciate the world around him. By the end of the movie, the prince is ready to take on his responsibilties as king, a task he was running away from before his relationship with Danielle. The elements of the Catskin tales are also present when Danielle is sold by her stepmother to the older nobleman who is considerably older than Danielle. This is similar to the age difference between the Cinderella in the catskin stories and her incestous father.

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