Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
"EverAfter" (original title)

The "real" story of Cinderella. A refreshing new take on the classic fairy tale.

Director:

Andy Tennant

Writers:

Susannah Grant (screenplay), Andy Tennant (screenplay),

Stars:

Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott

5 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Drew Barrymore	...	Danielle
Anjelica Huston	...	Rodmilla
Dougray Scott	...	Prince Henry
Patrick Godfrey	...	Leonardo
Megan Dodds	...	Marguerite
Melanie Lynskey	...	Jacqueline
Timothy West	...	King Francis
Judy Parfitt	...	Queen Marie
Jeroen Krabbé	...	Auguste
Lee Ingleby	...	Gustave
Kate Lansbury	...	Paulette
Matyelok Gibbs	...	Louise
Walter Sparrow	...	Maurice
Jeanne Moreau	...	Grande Dame
Anna Maguire	...	Young Danielle

Storyline

With the sudden death of her loving father, Danielle is made a servant by her new stepmother. She also has two new stepsisters, one quite kind but the other one really horrid. Still, Danielle grows up to be a happy and strong-willed young lady, and one day her path crosses that of handsome Prince Henry, who has troubles of his own at home. Luckily the nice Leonardo da Vinci is on hand to help all round.

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Plot Keywords:

prince | servant | cinderella | leonardo da vinci | love | 

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Taglines:

Desire. Defy. Escape.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for momentary strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Fox [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 July 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cinderella

Filming Locations:

Château de Fénélon, Dordogne, France

Box Office

Budget:

$26,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£305,362 (UK) (9 October 1998)

Gross:

$65,703,412 (USA) (22 January 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The glass slippers were made by Salvatore Ferragamo.

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Goofs

When Danielle is returning Maurice to his wife, you can see a watch tan line on the arm of a female peasant.

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Quotes

King Francis: You sir are restricted to the grounds.
Henry: Are you putting me under house arrest?
King Francis: Do not mock me, boy, for I am in a foul disposition. And I will have my way...
Henry: Or what? You'll ship me off to the Americas like some criminal? All for the sake of your stupid contract?
King Francis: You are the Crown Prince of France!
Henry: And it is my life.
Queen Marie: Francis, sit down before you have a stroke. Really. the two of you.
[to Henry]
Queen Marie: Sweetheart... you were born to privilege and with that comes specific obligations.
Henry: Forgive me, Mother, ...
[...]

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Connections

References The Princess Bride (1987)

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Soundtracks

"Veni Creator Spiritus"
Composed by Simon Park
Courtesy of De Wolfe Limited

User Reviews

Beautiful Love Story

"Ever After" is a wonderfully imaginative romance. It's a classic Cinderella tale set in 16th-century France and revolves around an independent young woman named Danielle. Although she works as a servant for her stepmother, Danielle is anything but weak and subservient. She is passionate and strong-willed, qualities that lead her to the French court dressed as a wealthy courtier to save a man's life. There she meets the handsome Prince Henry, who is jaded by his suffocating royal lifestyle. He is fascinated by Danielle and her thirst for life and adventure, and they fall deeply in love - but her jealous stepmother will do anything to keep them apart.

Drew Barrymore turns in a stunning performance as Danielle. Her emotions are raw and realistic and she gives the character charm, wit, and beauty.

Anjelica Huston brings a third dimension to her role as the "evil" stepmother, who is usually just portrayed as a flat character. In this movie she is an ambitious mother who would do anything to make her own daughter a queen.

The Prince is also usually a pretty flat, cliché character, but Dougray Scott brought a refreshingly human side to him and portrayed his struggles and conflicts very well.

The script is strong for a romantic fairy tale and the cinematography is gorgeous. There is one scene in which Danielle is floating on her back in the river, a dreamy and breathtaking moment that describes her carefree nature perfectly. The music composed by George Fenton is lovely - I recommend the soundtrack for this movie too, especially "Walking On Water."

A wonderful movie for all lovers of romance! 10/10