Ever After
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. George Fenton's music adds an accompaniment to the lush look of this period romance. more..
Director: Andy Tennant
Starring: Drew Barrymore,Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Patrick Godfrey, Megan Dodds
The radiant Barrymore energizes Cinderella with a tough core of intelligence and wit.
In this modern retelling of the well-known fable, she is one princess-in-waiting who does not need rescuing by any knight in shining armor.
Here, as the little cinder girl, she is able to at last put aside her bedraggled losers and flower as a fresh young beauty, and she brings poignancy and fire to the role.
Obviously, Barrymore is not ideally cast outside modern times, but her presence is so good-natured that she makes an audience want to work with her.
Between bouts of decisive action, the characters mill around the French countryside (in lovely costumes, to be sure, by Jenny Beavan) as if unsure of which sexual stereotype to bust next.
Best Actress
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1999)
Favorite Actress - Drama/Romance
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (1999)
Best Actress
Chlotrudis Awards (1999)
Best Romance
Golden Trailer Awards (1999)
Favorite Movie Actress
Kids' Choice Awards (1999)
No lists