Fairy tales have always had an important role in shaping the imagination in our culture. For decades, stories like Cinderella have been teaching generation after generation about kindness, dreams, and the rewards of patience. However, the 2021 adaptation of Cinderella, directed by Kay Cannon and starring Camila Cabello, gives the classic fairytale a considerable makeover. The movie recreates the classic story with a modern feminist twist, new musical elements, and a message of progress about ambition, identity, and personal freedom. When I look at this adaptation closely, I understand that behind the beauty and charm of the songs are messages that touch the hearts of today’s audiences in a very different way than previous versions.
One of the most obvious changes in Cinderella (2021) is the transformation of the character herself. If in the traditional version, she is described as a passive, sweet, and submissive girl waiting to be saved, then this new version of Cinderella is ambitious, independent, and entrepreneurial. She does not dream of marrying the prince but wants to start her own fashion business. This change reflects a broader cultural shift towards empowering women to determine their future. Cinderella’s goal is not to become royalty but to sell her homemade dresses in the market. In one scene, she says, “I don’t want to live stuck waving from the royal balcony, I want to be the one who makes the dresses.” This sentence summarizes the new message that the film conveys: women don’t need to be saved they need to be respected and given space to pursue their dreams.
In addition, the movie also changed the definition of a “happy ending.” In the old version, happiness was directly connected to marriage, especially with someone of high social status. But in Cinderella (2021), the main character chooses to pursue her dreams instead of sacrificing her ambitions for love. Interestingly, the prince supports her decision, even choosing to leave his royal duties to find himself. This reversal challenges the idea that personal success should be sacrificed for romance. Instead, the movie encourages young viewers both boys and girls to seek balance, support each other, and find happiness through self-discovery.
Prince Robert’s role also deserves attention. Instead of a heroic Savior, he is described as a figure who is struggling to find his identity and his purpose in life. He is not sure about what it means to be king and questions the expectations placed on him. This adds depth to his character and challenges the old stereotype that men should always be strong, decisive and in control. In a way, the prince’s journey mirrors Cinderella’s: both are trying to break free from the roles prescribed by society. The movie subtly conveys that men can also be trapped by tradition and can benefit from redefining masculinity in a more gentle and honest way.
Another important change is in the characterization of the stepmother, Vivian, played by Idina Menzel. While she remains strict and demanding, she is not entirely evil. The movie gives her a backstory: she had a dream of her own, but was forced to keep it buried in order to survive. This complexity adds nuance to her character and opens up a conversation about how society, especially in the past, limited women’s choices. Instead of being a pure antagonist, Vivian becomes a symbol of the consequences when dreams are crushed by strict social structures. It reminds us that bitterness often grows from broken hopes, and that understanding someone’s past can help us see them more humanely.
The Fairy Godmother, played by Billy Porter or in Cinderella (2021) as the Fabulous God-Mother or Fab G, is a black actor and openly gay, challenging racial and gender norms. This choice is clearly intentional, signalling that magic, goodness, and change belong to everyone, regardless of race or gender identity. It gives a powerful message of visibility and acceptance, especially for young audiences who may not have seen themselves represented in fairy tales before. Billy Porter states that “magic has no gender” and this approach reflects the values of inclusivity and diversity. However, this approach has been criticized by some conservatives who see this change as a departure from traditional fairy tale values and unsuitable for viewing by children without parental supervision.
In addition, the movie also deeply challenges economic structures and questions who has the right to participate in culture and business. When Cinderella is rejected by sellers at the market just because she is a woman, it reflects the gender discrimination that still exists in the entrepreneurship. However, her diligence and her success in the end highlights the importance of not giving up when met with obstacles. Therefore, Cinderella (2021) is not just a fairytale, but also a story of economic empowerment and resilience.
Music also plays an important role in conveying the movie’s message. The movie uses a musical style, incorporating popular songs such as “Somebody to Love” by Queen and “Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson. These energetic performances create a fun and modern atmosphere, but also have a deep meaning. The lyrics chosen reflect the characters’ inner struggles and emphasize themes such as independence, courage and change. The music becomes a form of expression for the characters who want to be heard and appreciated in a world that tries to silence them.
Although the updates made can be said to be quite bold, Cinderella (2021) did not escape criticism. Some people felt that the message was too obvious or forced, while others argued that the movie sacrificed emotional depth for social commentary. These criticisms do make sense, the conversations used are very little wild even far from previous adaptations. but Cinderella (2021) invites us to reflect on how stories change, how social roles are shaped, and how media can be a tool of entertainment as well as education.
In conclusion, Cinderella (2021) is more than just a classic fairy tale charmingly repackaged. It is a statement about modern values and the ambition of overcoming tradition. By redefining characters, updating life goals, and modernizing the cast, the movie reflects a changing society that is beginning to question identity, equality, and the meaning of success. Like Cinderella’s glass slipper, the story may be old, but it still fits-just this time in a more meaningful way.
By: Setiananda Resia Ningrum
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