The Cast of Ever After:
Drew Barrymore as Danielle
Dougray Scott as Prince Henry
Angelica Houston as Rodmilla
Melanie Dodds as Marguerite
Melanie Lynskey as Jacqueline
Also starring:
Lee Ingelby
Patrick Godfrey
Jeroen Krabbe
Jeanne Moreau
Timothy West
Judy Parfait
Richard O’Brien
Ever after is told from the point of view of Danielle’s great great grand-daughter relating their story to the Grimm Brothers. It’s the story of a child, a woman, and a forbidden love. This movie puts a believable spin on the fairy tale of Cinderella. Danielle is not a victim, but a strong, beautiful woman.
Danielle is eight years old when her father brings home a new wife and two stepsisters. Not long after the wedding, her father tragically suffers a heart attack and dies, leaving Danielle alone at the will of her hateful step-mother and spoiled sisters. She is quickly turned into a servant for them, but refuses to bend to their will and be submissive.
With her intelligence and strong will combined, Danielle stands up against her hating, vengeful step-mother (Rodmilla), and keeps the love and honor of her father alive. Of her two step-sisters, one is vengeful and mean (Marguerite), while the other is innocent and naive (Jacqueline). All Danielle seeks is the love of these three women.
Enter the handsome prince. Prince Henry is unashamedly a romantic, and seeks to escape the confines of being heir to the throne and the binds of an arranged marriage.
Danielle waits for no one to save her, but instead relies on her own will and independence against all odds. She is definitely not waiting around for a Prince to save her, and in fact, even saves him once or twice!
When Danielle does receive help, doesn’t come from a ’’fairy godmother, ’’ but from one of history’s most renowned figures, Leonardo da Vinci. And while she does wear an exquisite pair of glass slippers, you won’t find any magic pumpkin in this movie. What you will find is charm, true romance, a beautiful strong woman, and a lesson about believing in yourself.
This movie has quickly became one of my favorite films. It is great for teenage girls, because it teaches them to believe in themselves, and not to rely on anyone else to save them and solve their problems. I have seen this movie numerous times, but each time I watch it, I am again taken back to the 16th century.