The Story of Cinderella
Synopsis
Cinderella is the daughter of a wealthy duke who has remarried to provide her with a mother and sisters. When the Duke travels abroad, Cinderella discovers that her new family is anything but a family. With spoiled stepsisters and a harsh stepmother, Cindrella is forced to cook, clean and manage the household. Yet she remains cheerful, gentle and kind to her family, to her animal friends and to a mysterious boy, named Charles, who seems to have a connection with the prince of Emerald Castle. A whole new story on a classic fairytale. When Cinderella's cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, she gets some unexpected help from the lovable mice Gus and Jaq, and from her Fairy Godmother. (Source: ANN)
Audience Consensus
Overall, 'Cinderella Monogatari' is viewed as a charming and enjoyable adaptation of the classic fairytale. While the animation is dated, the strength of the series lies in its storytelling, character development, and expansion of the original narrative, particularly the relationship between Cinderella and Prince Charles. Viewers appreciate the added depth and moral lessons, making it a memorable and satisfying experience, especially for those who enjoy romance and 'rags to riches' stories.
Strengths
- Well-developed characters, especially Cinderella and Charles (the prince)
- The story provides a deeper background to Cinderella and the Prince's relationship, making it more believable and engaging.
- The anime offers a creative and extended narration of the classic fairytale, exploring Cinderella's daily life and personality.
- The anime incorporates moral lessons about friendship, love, family, and other values.
- The series offers twists and subplots that make the story more realistic.
Weaknesses
- Outdated animation and sound effects due to its age.
- Dialogue can be lackluster, repetitive, and redundant.
- Pacing issues with some needless flashbacks.
- Generic background noise (bird chirping) in some dub versions.