Why did it take me so long to see Three Wishes for Cinderella? The only excuse had is that until people starting recommending it on the recent Cinderella film boards, Three Wishes for Cinderella was completely unknown to me.
After hearing from these people that it was the best version of the Cinderella story (always has been my personal favourite fairy tale), this reviewer knew she had to check it out. And it really has to be one of the best decisions and things done in some time. As much as I don't have anything against other versions of Cinderella like some of the commentators do, most of them are actually very enjoyable to great to me, I do have to fully concur after tracking the full film down on Youtube that Three Wishes for Cinderella is the best version of the story. Adaptation-wise, while not completely faithful to all the details the basic details are there (if more Grimm than Perrault with the inclusion of doves to help with the impossible tasks), but also the magical spirit of the story still remains and the freshness that is brought to the storytelling also was much appreciated.
Three Wishes for Cinderella is a wonderful-looking film. It's beautifully shot and fluidly edited (quite innovative for the time I'm told), the winter scenery and decor are nothing short of exquisite and the costumes are equally attractive. The music score is whimsical, fits absolutely perfectly and was clearly scored with a lot of love and care, the main theme does repeat itself but is incredibly catchy and radiates with charm, almost like being part of a dream. Three Wishes for Cinderella smartly and poignantly scripted with some nice refreshing humour. Where it is easy to identify completely with Popelka and her problems and the characters are more developed than just being archetypes.
Storytelling was really well-told and compelling, sometimes paced deliberately but never to the extent of being too slow or laborious. Also loved how Popelka and the Prince's romance and the character of the Prince was more developed, consequently wittier and more affecting than most versions with the exception of Ever After and the recent Cinderella (though it does it a little better than those two). As mentioned, the characters are interesting and nicely written and developed, as aforementioned being more than stock archetypes/stereotypes like characters can be in adaptations in fairy tales (not a knock, as there is still a lot of love for them by me, but it is true). The tricks and effects are mostly fine, though those of Rosalie the owl agreed are a tad rushed-looking, but that is such a minor complaint and didn't jar too much.
Acting is very good. Libuse Safránková is exceptional as Popelka. She is beautiful and shows great personality, she's smart, sometimes funny, spunky, kind, effortlessly cute and incredibly charming and poignant. Love also her almost deadly aim (how many versions of Cinderella have that?), how she rides her horse and dances, almost like on a cloud. The Prince of Pavel Trávnícek matches her perfectly in charm, is never dull or annoying for a character in the story who is barely developed, and the character is surprisingly interesting. Their chemistry together is thoroughly convincing. Carola Braunbock relishes her role as the cruel mother while avoiding overdoing it, a difficult task for a character so juicy in most adaptations of Cinderella. Likewise with Dana Hlavácová's Dora (the sister), and the King and Queen are touchingly and sincerely played.
Overall, pure fairy tale magic and adaptations of Cinderella don't get much better than this. 10/10 Bethany Cox
