Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Drew Barrymore | ... | Danielle | |
Anjelica Huston | ... | Rodmilla | |
Dougray Scott | ... | Prince Henry | |
Patrick Godfrey | ... | Leonardo | |
Megan Dodds | ... | Marguerite | |
Melanie Lynskey | ... | Jacqueline | |
Timothy West | ... | King Francis | |
Judy Parfitt | ... | Queen Marie | |
Jeroen Krabbé | ... | Auguste | |
Lee Ingleby | ... | Gustave | |
Kate Lansbury | ... | Paulette | |
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Matyelok Gibbs | ... | Louise |
Walter Sparrow | ... | Maurice | |
Jeanne Moreau | ... | Grande Dame | |
Anna Maguire | ... | Young Danielle |
Andy Tennant directed this Cinderella variant. The Brothers Grimm arrive at the home of a wealthy Grande Dame (Jeanne Moreau) who speaks of the many legends surrounding the fable of the cinder girl before telling the "true" story of her ancestor. In flashback, the story then focuses on eight-year-old Danielle, daughter of a wealthy widower, a 16th-century landowner. After returning to France with his new wife Rodmilla (Anjelica Huston) and her two daughters, he dies of a heart attack. Ten years later, Danielle (Drew Barrymore) is now treated as a servant by the trio. Fortunately, she has an encounter with Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), who is fleeing an arranged marriage. Later, when Danielle poses as a Lady, the Prince takes an interest in her. Inventor-artist Leonardo Da Vinci (Patrick Godfrey), accepting the French court's patronage, offers advice to Prince Henry on matters of the heart.
I think Ever After was a great movie, and a must see for everyone. It's not just a "kiddie movie". Drew Barrymore plays a great and convincing Cinderella, or as Margerite called her, "Cinder Girl". It isn't like the Disney movie, way different. For example, the girl is named Danielle, not Cinderella. There is a nice stepsister.. and there is no Fairy Godmother, but Leonarod Da Vinci, a guide to Danielle and the Prince.
The thing that really made me want to see this movie is what Drew Barrymore said in one of her interviews..
"It's so wonderful, because all girls love Cinderella. She is really a positive rolemodel. From everything to being fiercely loyal, and incredibly smart, and well read, to not only not waiting to be rescued, but to rescue other people, to take the pain that she's experienced in her life, to only have it strengthen her. And, also the fact that her heart and her mind is what is attractive and intriguing to this wonderful prince, and not the way she looks."
Drew Barrymore played a great Cinderella.. Angelica Houston a wonderful stepmother.. and D. Scott played a great prince. If you haven't seen it yet.. you must! It's a great movie for everyone! Just Breathe..