A Brilliant Conflict

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The movie is made so realistic it has a lot of that WoW feeling at the right moments and never tooo over the top. the suspense is done so well and the emotion is felt. Very well put together with the music and all.

The Cinderella tale retold, this time with as much emphasis on the prince as on the would-be princess. Setting this magical romance among the snow-covered mountains of Austria--in ancient castles with expansive, echoing rooms--and placing its older actors in white wigs and cumbersome costumes, the familiar fairy tale isn't so much transformed as it is embalmed. The chilly milieu is too realistic for a magical romance; Tony Imi's cinematography is coldly bright (with intrusive interior shadows). Working with director Bryan Forbes on the screenplay, songwriters and Disney mainstays Robert B. and Richard M. Sherman probably didn't expect such an impersonal treatment (the project certainly misses the mark of their previous studio); Forbes keeps the camera at such a distance from the merrily crooning actors that all we see are the half-empty rooms they're standing in. Juxtaposing the prince's romance-starved existence with Cinderella's troubles in dealing with her step-family was obviously meant to give Richard Chamberlain the same amount of screen time and substance as his romantic counterpart, but the wealthy royals are an ungodly bore (especially when they're 'dancing'). The picture simply does not look magical, with colors that are muddy or mildewy, and Forbes' stiffly-directed action exudes no personality. None of the Shermans' songs can give the narrative a lift and, instead of happily awaiting for this tale to unfold, one instead becomes anesthetized by the misjudged conception. *1/2 from ****

I first saw this movie when i was around six years old. my grandmother gave it to me amongst a whole lode of other videos that she was clearing out. it is easiest to say that i have never been so grateful to her in all my life than when i discovered this movie. This is a masterpiece of movie magic, although it may be based on one of the most over told stories ion modern media, it is like no others in its field. with extremely talented actors and an amazing soundtrack that makes you want to laugh, sing and cry,and I'm not ashamed to say that i know all of the words. It is by far my all time favourite movie, and a must see.

A well directed and lively choreographed music with dance version of the Cinderella story, it is generally enjoyable to watch, with great songs and music, however it is ultimately overlong and too verbose, and this may particularly be a problem for the younger viewers. Forbes' opening shots establish the atmosphere well, and there is interesting mirror work throughout. It has excellent period costumes, a great set design. and Horden is a delight in a BAFTA nominated role. It is surprisingly witty at times and rather funny, but otherwise a touch stale between the dance and music numbers, especially towards the end. The film tries to say something about how it is right to marry for love, but it does not succeed, however this is mainly due to the original material, which has an underdeveloped romance. But what can one say overall here? This is a strong vision of the classic story and good viewing in general. It could arguably be improved upon, but it is still fine as it is.

This is a very clever and entertaining remake of Cinderella, with wonderful music, beautiful costumes and scenery, and a very talented ensemble cast. It also has a good deal of dry wit, particularly from the King, played marvelously by Michael Hordern, which sets it apart from other productions of Cinderella. It also features Richard Chamberlain trying his hand at his first musical, in the role of Prince Edward, the royal heir to the throne of Euphrania, who simply wants to marry for love, not political expediency. He is terrific in this role--handsome, aristocratic, with a very pleasant singing voice, and extremely graceful on the dance floor--he looks very much "The Prince." Gemma Craven is good in the role of Cinderella, and I particularly like her singing in the haunting "Tell Him Anything." The song "Secret Kingdom" with Richard and Gemma is beautiful, and one of the highlights of the entire movie. Though the film itself runs a little too long, I still love all the fine performances from this very talented cast, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the musical genre.