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A Conversation with My Daughters About Disney’s Cinderella


After every movie with the kids Colby and I will ask what they thought. What was their favorite part? What did they think the main point of the movie was? It opens up a conversation with our children and gives us the opportunity to discuss any topics that may have come up in the film. We watched Disney’s Cinderella (a few times) over the past week and have discussed many of the key messages we found upon viewing.

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Disney’s Cinderella

From first glance, the film is graphically stunning. The cinematography is beautiful. The costumes are elegant and perfect. The characters are brilliant. The movie is pretty much everything the girls and I enjoy seeing in a modern-day fairy tale.

Celebrate Disney’s Cinderella, a modern classic that shines with beauty, imagination…and magic! Despite being mistreated by her stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, a spirited Ella (Lily James) resolves to take charge of her fate. Add a royal ball, a Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham-Carter) and a glass slipper, and suddenly – magic becomes reality!

In today’s #selfie society, there is a lot of pressure put on various aspects of our lives that often gets to be too much. A conversation with my daughters about Disney’s Cinderella actually opened up that talk about strength, confidence, loyalty… and more.

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Strength

We all know the story of Cinderella. Since she inevitably ends up under the reign of her mean step-mother after both her mother and father pass away, we realize that the topic of death is inevitable in the story line. Through Ella’s loss, we see her fight through tears and personal struggles to maintain her strength in adversity. Despite her situation, Ella still manages to maintain her happiness and caring heart. Her mother’s last words to her carry her through every situation: “Be kind. Have courage.” I remind my daughters to do the same.

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Confidence

Ella is thrown into terrible living conditions with her stepmother and stepsisters demanding much of her. Yet, through the demeaning words and actions of them all, Ella remains confident enough to endure and overcome. In reality, life can be tough for all of us. We are all put in situations that tug at our very being. We find a way to maintain our confidence and carry our heads high. Even through the tormenting and belittling Ella endures, she keeps believing in herself and her own ability to make it better.

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Loyalty

Even though Ella could have technically left the home of her childhood, she felt an intense loyalty to her late parents to remain. Additionally, she also felt a sense of loyalty towards her stepmother as her father’s widow. In fact (SPOILER), the last thing Ella says to her stepmother is, “I forgive you.” Not only does that take impeccable strength and plenty of confidence to do, but, again, shows her loyalty to the way her parents raised her. Yes, I want my children to have this type of integrity.

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Honestly, these three topics were simply a starting point for our conversation. We also talked about inner beauty, true love, and more kindness. Being able to sit and talk with our girls about important topics in a way they understand is essential. Disney’s Cinderella was simply an entertaining way to open those conversations. Not only could we enjoy a fabulous movie together, but we could discuss relevant life lessons as a family.

Cinderella Bluray

You can have the same conversation after watching Disney’s Cinderella on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere.

Digital HD/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) Bonus Features Include:

  • A Fairy Tale Comes to Life — Filmmakers and cast reflect on Cinderella’s enduring power, and the joys and challenges of bringing this iconic tale to life.
  • Costume Test Fun — See the work of Academy Award-winning® Costume Designer Sandy Powell (The Aviator, 2004) and share some lighthearted moments with the cast.
  • Staging The Ball — You’re invited behind the scenes for the making of the Palace Ball sequence, including its spectacular set, stunning costumes and more. s a lavish and massive undertaking…and a magical day on set.
  • Ella’s Furry Friends — Discover how the movie’s animal stars honed their memorable performances.
  • Alternate Opening: Ella’s Childhood — View moments from Ella’s idyllic childhood that do not appear in the movie. With an introduction by Director Kenneth Branagh.
  • Frozen Fever — It’s Anna’s birthday, and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever – but when Elsa catches a cold, her powers may put more than just the party at risk.

FROZEN FEVER

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