Cinderella

Cinderella

Year: 1996

Runtime: 50 mins

Language: English

Director: Ryszard Słapczyński

Animation

The magical tale follows Cinderella, who endures a harsh life with her cold stepmother, the Dame, and two unkind stepsisters. Forced to sleep among cinders near the hearth, she longs for escape. When the prince announces a gala ball for all, the Dame hopes to marry a daughter, seeing a chance to improve fortunes and giving Cinderella an opportunity.

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Timeline & Setting – Cinderella (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cinderella (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Medieval fantasy

The narrative takes place in a timeless, fairy-tale era that blends medieval aesthetics with magical elements. Royal courts, grand balls, and ceremonial customs define the pace and mood of the story. Although magical interventions accelerate events, the social expectations about marriage and status remain central to the plot.

Location

Marketplace, Royal Palace, Cinderella's Home, Kingdom

The story unfolds across a bustling marketplace, a gleaming royal palace, and Cinderella's modest home within a medieval kingdom. These locations highlight the social divide between the everyday world and the grandeur of royalty, where rumors, chance meetings, and formal events shape lives. The palace hosts a ball that could alter fortunes, while the marketplace and home anchor the characters in ordinary, recognizably human struggles. Together, these places frame a romance rooted in tradition, ceremony, and the possibility of love overcoming social barriers.

🗺️ Marketplace 🏰 Royal Palace 🏠 Cinderella's Home 🏛️ Kingdom

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:18

Main Characters – Cinderella (1996)

Meet the key characters of Cinderella (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cinderella

A hopeful young woman who endures neglect and control at home, yet remains kind-hearted and resilient. Her longing for a better life drives her to seize moments of chance, especially when magic offers a path to freedom. Through courage and generosity, she embodies inner strength that ultimately redefines her place in the world.

💖 Dreamer 🏠 Orphan 🌟 Inner strength

Prince Christopher

The royal heir who longs to marry for love rather than follow a prescribed match. He wrestles with duty and personal desire, seeking a partner who shares genuine affection. His encounter with Cinderella reveals a compassionate, idealistic side that values connection over convention.

👑 Royal 💞 Romantic 🎭 Rebellious

Fairy Godmother

A magical mentor who appears to guide Cinderella, granting wishes and providing the means to attend the ball. She empowers the protagonist while reminding her of the costs and limits of magic. Her guidance catalyzes change and helps sustain Cinderella’s hope in the face of adversity.

🪄 Magical Guide ✨ Wish-granting 🌈 Hope

Stepmother

A controlling and calculating figure who uses Cinderella to advance the family’s wealth and status. She dismisses Cinderella’s dreams and attempts to keep her out of the ball and the prince’s circle. Her cruelty underscores the social pressures that Cinderella must overcome.

💰 Materialistic 🗝️ Controlling 🎭 Deceptive

King Maximillian

The stern but pragmatic monarch who values tradition and the stability of the realm. He supports his son’s happiness while maintaining royal decorum. His decisions shape the ball as both a social event and a potential union for the kingdom.

👑 Monarch 🎯 Tradition 🤝 Family

Queen Constantina

A poised and influential queen who upholds courtly norms while recognizing her son’s desire for a true match. She orchestrates social rituals and the ball, balancing duty with compassion. Her guidance reinforces the importance of lineage and propriety in the kingdom.

👑 Queen 🤝 Diplomacy 🏛️ Etiquette

Lionel

The loyal valet who aids the prince, offering blunt counsel and pragmatic support. He navigates the risks of deception and encourages truthfulness in the face of royal expectations. His role highlights loyalty, wit, and the value of clear friendship in royal intrigue.

👔 Loyal 🗝️ Gatekeeper 🎭 Confidant

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:18

Major Themes – Cinderella (1996)

Explore the central themes of Cinderella (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Love vs Status

Cinderella's connection with the Prince challenges the era's expectations of class and duty. The ball becomes a stage where authentic affection clashes with dynastic ambitions. The couple's shared longing for genuine companionship drives the narrative forward. The film suggests that love can transcend social boundaries when characters choose authenticity over convention.

🎭 Identity & Masks

The Prince disguises himself as a commoner, while Cinderella attends the ball in disguise of her own making through magic. The moment of revelation tests true identity versus appearance. Perceptions shaped by attire and status influence choices and loyalties. Honesty and vulnerability emerge as crucial when identities are finally revealed.

✨ Transformation

Magic catalyzes visible and personal change, turning pumpkins into carriages and rags into gowns. Transformation extends beyond looks to shifts in confidence, opportunity, and social possibility. The midnight deadline creates urgency, forcing characters to decide what they value most. The story frames transformation as a path from oppression toward agency and belonging.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:18

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Cinderella Summary

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Cinderella Summary

Cinderella Timeline

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Cinderella Timeline

Cinderella Spoiler-Free Summary

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Cinderella Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Cinderella

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Cinderella (1996) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Cinderella (1996) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Cinderella (1996) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow