Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella is the embodiment of kindness and bravery, but lead actor Richard Madden who plays Prince Charming in the film believes that audiences can learn a lot about the power of love from the characters too.
"I think the element of strength from unity is something audiences will definitely respond to. This is a story about two people coming together who actually bring out the best in one another, and from that love comes strength. Hopefully audiences will leave the theatre understanding just how powerful love is," Madden told JustJared.
When the actor first told his friends that he would be playing Prince Charming, they laughed at him "endlessly."
He told The New York Post. "They could not stop, and they made fun of me about it for a long time."
But the classic story was just so moving that his mockers ended up loving it. "I actually brought them to London to the first screening, and after the film, they all had smiles ear to ear and puffy eyes from crying. So I got the last laugh there," he said.
Cinderella also stars Downton Abbey alum Lily James in the title role, Cate Blanchett as her wicked stepmother, and Helena Bonham Carter as her fairy godmother.
James said that Disney's live action version of Cinderella presents a really good role model for youngsters because her ultimate goal was to stay kind and find true love, not just become a princess.
"Well obviously every girl wants to be a princess ... the idea is just so magical. But on top of that, it's a dream role because Cinderella is so special and kind and unique. Plus, we have a great opportunity to create a whole life beyond the fairytale, which is already so beautiful as it is, but making it richer and giving each character their own specific back stories," she said.
