In the latest live-action adaptation of ‘Cinderella,’ actress Lily James recognized the essence of the motto that her titular character lives by: “Be kind and have courage.” Lily shared her sentiments on how the character of Cinderella remains highly influential in society and why such individual should be a role model for young girls.
"[It's] the strength that can come from within, the dignified strength and grace - and also, she finds such joy and happiness in her life despite her situation, even if it is just talking to little Gus Gus,” Lily said.
The 25-year-old actress also opened up about how the film adaptation closely followed the original story and how it made her want to portray Cinderella.
“When I read the script, I was bowled over by how it was a faithful retelling of the fairy-tale without any tricks or twists. It felt really strong and [she was] a girl I wanted to be, and felt inspired to play, she explained.
Lily also revealed that a personal tragedy - losing her own father to cancer at the age of 19 - helped her in portraying the character, particularly in scenes wherein Cinderella had to remain strong despite difficult circumstances.
Kenneth Branagh, the director who helmed popular films, such as ‘Thor’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ was asked by Disney to take on directorial duties for the film adaptation of the fairytale classic using a fresh perspective.
"When I told people that I was perhaps going to do the film, I got a tremendous reaction from lots of parents and a great variety of children that made me feel the story was very personal to people, whatever they’re age,” Branagh shared.
Also starring in the ITV period drama, ‘Downton Abbey,’ Lily took on her first major leading role in a film with ‘Cinderella.’ Her beliefs about the essence of the fairytale are the same as that of Branagh’s.
"It’s a different kind of empowerment, but it is empowerment", the actor-director emphasized. "She makes different choices even if those choices are to be thoughtful and considerate. It’s the notion of considering those actions."
Audiences continue to focus on magic and fairytales upon watching the film adaptation at the theaters, and the ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ actor suggested that ‘Cinderella’ enables everyone to think freely about magic.
"We contained our magic to the essential single visit of the fairy godmother to allow for the idea of the internal transformations that can occur without extra help", Branagh said, while further stating: "but it’s nice to think that the universe in some form will come to help you out."
