Ever After: A Cinderella Story [1998]

Firstly, I love this film. Secondly, Dougray Scott is a good looking guy! Anyway, I saw this on Channel 4 a few weeks ago, but I only managed to catch the end of it, I was enchanted by it. I loved the whole idea of it being a story, inside a story. Set in the 16th Century, in France, it captures the life of Danielle (Barrymore) who's father died when she was eight years old. Danielle now acts as a servant for her evil stepmother, and stepsisters (only one of them is a truly hideous character) however, one day she stumbles across the Prince of France, who is instantly mesmerised by her(I think you can see where this is going). When Danielle goes to rescue one of her fellow servants from being sold to pay her stepmother's debts, her strong moral views lead the Prince to want to more about her. Here starts Danielle's adventure, unbeknownst to her stepmother and sisters. However, Danielle's lack of social standing forces her to use her mothers name (Nicole - Countess De La Creole) and title to win the Prince over. When her secret is revealed, both Danielle and Henry are left heartbroken. However, Danielle drops something - a glass slipper. Tired of her schemes, Danielle's stepmother - the Baroness - trades her for the furniture that had been taken for debt. This leads to Henry realising his love for Danielle and rescuing her. Which then leads to marriage of course. And they live happily ever after - although the fact is that they didn't just live happily ever after - they lived. This is a beautiful film, with the classic twist of the story of Cinderella by the Brothers Grimm. However, the way in which the story is told sets this off beautifully. Though set in the 16th Century, the language is easy to understand, and the scenery is wonderful in some parts of the film. They also manage to inject some humour into the film! You'll be rooting for Danielle to get the happy ending she deserves all the way through the movie! It left me truly enchanted.

Very good, brilliant story, and romantic.

my favourite cinderella story ever made

A nice little movie and well acted - but with two glaring anachronisms! It's set in the early 16th century and, at one point, the prince offers the girl a piece of chocolate. Although drinking chocolate was introduced into Europe in the early 1500s, solid chocolate was not created until 1847 (by J.S. Fry & Sons and England). And later on, one of the characters is said to be betrothed "to a Belgian", despite the fact that the country of Belgium wasn't founded until 1830. One other thing that had me shouting at the screen - Leonardo da Vinci makes several appearances through the movie and is constantly addressed as "Signor da Vinci" - which is like addressing Helen of Troy as "Miss of Troy". But, despite these irritations, I enjoyed it - and some of the photography was lovely.

For me this is a fantastic film, it is a wonderful story that keeps to the basic story of Cinderella but with differences that make it more realistic rather than just a fairy-tale. The characters are wonderful and the actors/actresses are perfect in the parts they play. This is one of my favourite romantic films. It is funny and sad in parts but of course with a happy ending. I've lost count on how many times I’ve watched it, it is a perfect feel-good film Highly recommended for anyone who likes fairy tales!

I have decided to buy this movie, have seen it a few times and really like it. It's not your traditional Cinderella story, it's quite funny in Parts. I found it to be a favorite of mine and recommend it to anyone who likes a fairy tale story.

Great film great story really enjoyable,

I absolutely love this film, I honestly think it's a classic. It's such a lovely retelling of Cinderella, a bit more historically based (ft Leonardo da Vinci!) I've rewatched it so many times now and would always recommend it to friends.