Let’s talk about ‘Cinderella’ (2021). The movie is lowly rated and is only on Prime Video. It stands with a 4.2/10 on IMDB, 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 41% on Metacritic. Meaning the average by critics is 42%. Also meaning, it’s a failed grade. Critics are often too hard on movies, so what do people say: 68% of non-critics enjoyed the movie. Yes, barely passing, but not even a C. Does it deserve this low percentage? Perhaps, but it is not my duty to discuss the ratings. I must discuss diversity.
‘Cinderella’ (2021) is genuinely one of a kind. It’s not the Grimm Brother’s version, not the Disney version, not the random 2000-2010s modern time versions, not a live-action remake of the Disney version like the Cinderella (2015), and is DEFINITELY NOT a sequel. This Cinderella story is unique. It adds modern to the mid-1800s. It uses today’s goofy phrases, music, and use of diversity, all while living in a patriarchal kingdom’s land with peasants starving. Let’s dive in.
Kay Cannon in ‘Cinderella’ (2021)
Cinderella (2021) was written and directed by Kay Cannon. Yes! A woman! Kay Cannon is most notably known for her work on ‘Pitch Perfect.’ However, her excellent results don’t stop there because she also worked on ’30 Rock’ and ‘New Girl.’
Camila Cabello as Ella in ‘Cinderella’ (2021)
Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello starred as Cinderella (sorry, Ella). Is this a win for the Cuban community? Camila Cabello was part of the major singing group, Fifth Harmony, then became an independent singer/songwriter. Cabello stands at 5’2″ but has the voice of a 20 ft tall goddess. No surprise when she was cast as the star.
Cabello does not play a helpless girl in need of a prince. She is a designer and businesswoman (Check out: ‘When Men Write Female Characters‘). Also, she is not just a kind soul wandering around. She’s quirky and sassy, which was not a thing for their century. SPOILER: She made it very clear to her Prince Charming that she would not quit her passion for a man. Would you consider this a feminist (Read about ‘intersectional feminism‘) movie?
Tallulah Greive as Princess Gwen in ‘Cinderella’ (2021)
Speaking about it being a feminist movie, Princess Gwen is an underrated character with quick and witty lines and brings up topics that should be discussed more today. Easily, Princess Gwen is the most educated out of the entire group, like how she mentioned wind for power (that doesn’t quite exist yet) instead of burning fuel. Although she isn’t given many lines, Greive is spectacular for her convincing brightness and seriousness, which no one wants to listen to. SPOILER: Don’t worry, Gwen gets the spotlight she deserves.
Billy Porter as Fairy Godmother in ‘Cinderella’ (2021)
Billy Porter is known for being an African American icon, as well as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, which is definitely a twist on the classic Cinderella. Porter is a well-known singer and actor. They have been featured in series such as ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story.’ So it is self-explanatory why they would be part of the column. They wear an exceptional yellow-orange fashionable gown.
Now to conclude, do you think Cinderella (2021) was a successful diversity movie despite not being a successful movie overall? You decide.
