Entertainment

Disney's 'Cinderella' Has A New Feminist Trailer

by Marenah Dobin

I have to admit that I have a soft spot for the Disney princesses. At the same time, I didn't know what to expect from the new trailer for the new live action Cinderella movie. We have so many Cinderella movies already. Plus live action adds a sense of realness to the story that make some of its plot points hard to accept in comparison to Disney's animated Cinderella classic. Does the 2015 audience really want to watch a movie about a man who doesn't even recognize his date? Does the 2015 audience view the wicked stepmother's treatment of Cinderella as child abuse? Does the 2015 audience want to watch a damsel in distress let everyone walk all over her? These questions sound very extreme and far fetched, but with countless Cinderella reincarnations, one question is essential: what is different about this Cinderella movie and why do we need it in 2015? The newly released trailer attempts to answer that essential question.

For one thing, this Cinderella seems to have more of a mind of her own. I'm even going to throw the word "feminist" out there. This Cinderella seems like a woman who is growing tired of her mistreatment becoming the norm. At the 34 second mark in the trailer, she declares "just because it's what's done doesn't mean it's what should be done" during her first meeting with the prince. This line alone shows a very different Cinderella than we have become accustomed to throughout the years. I don't think I have ever seen Cinderella tell off the prince.

Cinderella even stands up to the wicked step mother when she says, "I will protect the prince from you. No matter what becomes of me." This seems like a stronger, smarter Cinderella and I am excited to see how this all plays out.

The tagline toward the end of the trailer promises "there is more to this legend than you ever dreamed," which gives me hope for this new movie having something both unique and compelling to offer viewers.

Image: YouTube