Ever After: A Cinderella Story Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A peasant hits a prince with an apple, pretends to be a countess, and then they both realize they’re too good for arranged marriages, all while Da Vinci gives life advice and designs swan wings…because, France.

🍿 Ever After: A Cinderella Story: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Different Kind of Cinderella

The film opens with the Brothers Grimm visiting an elderly Grande Dame who claims to know the true story of Cinderella. She recounts the tale of Danielle de Barbarac, a kind and intelligent young woman living in 16th-century France. Danielle’s life takes a turn when her beloved father dies, leaving her in the care of her cruel stepmother, Rodmilla, and stepsisters, Marguerite and Jacqueline.

Encountering the Prince

Years later, Danielle is treated as a servant in her own home. One day, she encounters Prince Henry, who is trying to avoid an arranged marriage. Mistaking him for a thief stealing a horse, she pelts him with apples. Their initial animosity gives way to a connection as they discuss their views on society and justice. This meeting sparks a mutual interest, but they are separated by their different social standings.

Posing as a Countess

To help a family servant, Danielle disguises herself as a noblewoman and seeks an audience with the Prince. Impressed by her intelligence and compassion, Prince Henry is captivated by her. She introduces herself as the Countess Nicole de Lancret, using her mother’s name. This deception leads to a series of encounters where they discuss their shared ideals, further solidifying their bond, even as Danielle struggles to maintain her charade.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Danielle (Drew Barrymore): A spirited and intelligent young woman treated as a servant by her stepmother, who captures the heart of Prince Henry.
• Rodmilla (Anjelica Huston): The cruel and ambitious stepmother of Danielle, who seeks to elevate her own daughters through marriage to Prince Henry.
• Prince Henry (Dougray Scott): A conflicted prince yearning for genuine connection and intellectual stimulation, who falls in love with Danielle’s wit and spirit.
• Leonardo Da Vinci (Patrick Godfrey): A wise and eccentric artist who acts as a mentor and confidante to both Danielle and Prince Henry.
• Marguerite (Megan Dodds): The arrogant and cruel stepsister who vies for Prince Henry’s affection at her mother’s urging.
• Jacqueline (Melanie Lynskey): The kind-hearted stepsister who sympathizes with Danielle and ultimately helps her.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Danielle: “I wish to address the issue of this gentleman. He is my servant, and I am here to pay the debt against him.” – Danielle disguises herself as a noblewoman to buy her servant’s freedom, showcasing her courage and defiance.
• Prince Henry: “You’re just a servant.” – Prince Henry said this to Danielle after she told him she was a servant, showing his sadness.
• Danielle: “A life without love is no life at all.” – Danielle expresses her belief in the importance of love, influencing Prince Henry’s views on marriage and happiness.
• Rodmilla: “I am your mother. You are my ward. I clothe you, I feed you, and if that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.” – Rodmilla attempts to justify her cruel treatment of Danielle, highlighting her distorted view of love and duty.
• Leonardo Da Vinci: “There’s no room for dreams in your world, is there?” – Da Vinci challenges Prince Henry’s cynicism, encouraging him to embrace his dreams and desires.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $65,705,771
• Worldwide Gross: $98,005,666

💥 Ever After: A Cinderella Story Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore this movie! It’s my favorite Cinderella story because Danielle is smart, brave, and totally rocks that dress she wears to save Maurice! I felt so empowered watching her stand up for what she believes in, and Dougray Scott is just dreamy as Prince Henry. Seriously, every time I watch this, I get goosebumps during the “breathe” scene. Such a classic!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy historical dramas”
  • “Those looking for a feminist take on classic fairy tales”
  • “Drew Barrymore fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Thematic elements involving cruelty and class disparity”
  • “Brief suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “”Ever After” reinvents Cinderella with wit, charm, and a touch of feminism. Drew Barrymore shines as Danielle, bringing strength and vulnerability to the iconic character. A delightful and refreshing take on a classic fairytale.
• Common Sense Media: “This film is a strong role model for girls; Danielle is intelligent, brave, and compassionate. The story’s themes of social justice and self-reliance resonate, making it a valuable watch for families.
• Empire Magazine: “Though somewhat predictable, “Ever After” is a charming and visually appealing adaptation of Cinderella. Anjelica Huston’s wicked stepmother steals the show, and the film’s beautiful costumes and locations add to its fairytale atmosphere.

Audience Reactions

Drew Barrymore’s portrayal of Danielle as a strong, independent woman.: Viewers loved the film’s feminist take on the classic Cinderella story.

The on-screen chemistry between Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott.: Many found the romance believable and heartwarming.

Anjelica Huston’s performance as the wicked stepmother.: Audiences praised her nuanced portrayal of a complex and compelling villain.

Overall Consensus: “Ever After” is a beloved, refreshing, and feminist twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale, praised for its strong female lead, charming romance, and beautiful visuals.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Drew Barrymore has stated that this is her favorite of all her films.”
• “The movie was filmed on location in France, using several actual châteaus (castles) to enhance the authenticity of the 16th-century setting.”
• “The addition of Leonardo Da Vinci as a character, played by Patrick Godfrey, offers a unique twist on the fairy godmother trope, emphasizing reason and enlightenment.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ever After: A Cinderella Story?

Ever After: A Cinderella Story is readily available for streaming on platforms like Disney+ with a subscription. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand from services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ever After: A Cinderella Story, you might like these similar films:

• A Knight’s Tale (2001): Features a commoner who pretends to be nobility, intertwined with a love story and a historical setting.
• Ella Enchanted (2004): A modern take on the Cinderella story with a strong female lead and fantastical elements.
• The Princess Bride (1987): Combines romance, adventure, and humor in a fairy tale setting, appealing to a wide audience.
• Shakespeare in Love (1998): Set in a historical period with elements of romance and social class conflict, intertwined with artistic creativity.

🛒 Ever After: A Cinderella Story Related Products

• Ever After: A Cinderella Story [Blu-ray]: Experience the enchanting tale of Danielle in high definition. This Blu-ray edition brings the film’s stunning visuals and heartwarming story to life with crystal-clear picture and sound quality.
• Ever After: A Cinderella Story – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Relive the movie’s magical moments with the original soundtrack composed by George Fenton. Featuring sweeping orchestral scores that perfectly capture the film’s romance and adventure, this soundtrack is a treat for the ears.
• Leonardo da Vinci Sketchbook Replica: Inspired by Da Vinci’s role in ‘Ever After,’ this meticulously crafted sketchbook is a tribute to his artistic genius. Featuring blank pages and a rustic design, it’s perfect for aspiring artists and fans of the film.
• “Ever After” Inspired Swan Wing Earrings: Elegant and evocative earrings inspired by the iconic swan wing design from Danielle’s ball gown. Crafted with delicate detail and a timeless appeal, these earrings add a touch of fairytale magic to any outfit.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ever After: A Cinderella Story features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Walking on Water” – performed by George Fenton
• “Veni Creator Spiritus” – performed by Simon Park

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

giving ever after high the ending it deserves

Ever wondered if ‘Ever After High’ got the ending it deserved? This video explores alternate endings and what made the series great in the first place. Honestly, the proposed ending is pretty interesting, you should check it out!

Things That Don’t Make Sense About Ever After High

Ever notice plot holes or inconsistencies in ‘Ever After High’? This video points out some major head-scratchers and offers some interesting theories. Some of them really made me rethink some parts of the plot.

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