Cinderella: A Tale That Has Survived The Test Of Time

Growing up, children used to sit with their grandparents, listening to the creative narratives of monsters, little children, and personified wild animals. The combination of spoken tales and televised narratives helped to create the foundation of some of the films we see today.

One story stands out among the tales of Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. One can argue that it is the greatest story ever told: Cinderella, a story of love at first sight, magic, family, and maybe even second chances.

Cinderella grows up in a typical, loving family until tragedy strikes, leading to her mother’s death. Her father remarries, introducing Lady Tremaine and her daughters Drizella and Anastacia. Soon after, he passes away, leaving Cinderella in her stepmother’s care.

Lady Tremaine turns Cinderella into a slave, forcing her to do house chores and attend to her and her daughters. One night, with the assistance of her fairy godmother, Cinderella goes to the ball, dances with the prince, and loses her glass slipper while running home.

The prince finds the slipper and searches the kingdom, fitting it on all the ladies until he sees Cinderella. They marry and live happily ever after.

It's a lovely story, right? But how does Cinderella stand out? Unlike other Disney princesses, Cinderella has over five movie versions, each with the theme of an evil stepparent, an abused stepchild, and a life-changing event. In Sneakerella, the victim is a boy named “ Al.”

He and his mother make a living by making and repairing sneakers in Queens. His mother falls ill and dies, leaving Al in the care of his step-father and step-brothers.

Forced to manage the shop, he takes a chance. With the help of his best friend and a magical neighbour, he reaches the ball held by the King Family to launch their new sneaker line. He meets and falls in love with Mr. King’s daughter, Kyra. Later, he partners with Mr. King, elevating his mother’s shop.

Cinderella boasts great creativity, showing that while the story can change, we can still identify with it. Next time, check out Sneakerella, Ella Enchanted, and Another Cinderella Story, among others. Hurry; there might be a new version released at midnight!