Cinderella turns 75! And we can still hear the echo of that Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, remember the endearing Fairy Godmother transforming a simple pumpkin into a majestic carriage, or picture the gleam of the glass slipper on the staircase of that enchanting palace. This animated classic has accompanied children and adults across generations. That is why today, in its honor, we remember what made Cinderella the success it still is.
Cinderella, a tale that continues to shine on its own
At the end of the 1940s, Walt Disney Studios was going through difficult times. The aftermath of World War II had left financial struggles, and the commercial failures of Bambi and Pinocchio had put the company’s future at risk.
Finally, on February 15, 1950, an animated film revolutionized the big screen: Cinderella. With its magic, color, joy, unforgettable songs, and beautiful love story, Cinderella saved Disney from bankruptcy and marked a turning point in traditional animation.
And today, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary, its charm remains intact. No matter how many times we see the sweet young girl with tender eyes and a pure heart transform into a princess, chat to her clever mouse and bird friends, dance with the Prince under the moonlight, or slip into her magical glass slipper—Cinderella’s story continues to live in the memory of those who have ever dreamed.
With every meticulously hand-drawn resembling a moving painting, it is no surprise that this was the first film where the legendary so-called Nine Old Men—the pioneering animators of Walt Disney’s team—worked together to direct the animation.
But beyond its majestic visuals and spectacular music, Cinderella touched the hearts of audiences with a message that remains as relevant as ever 75 years later: the power of kindness, the importance of faith and dreams, and the certainty that even in the darkest moments, when everything seems lost, light will always find its way.
The success of Cinderella and its sequels
As the highest-grossing film of 1950, Cinderella’s success was undeniable. It received the Special Award at the Venice International Film Festival, the Golden Bear Award, and the Grand Bronze Plate at the Berlin International Film Festival. Additionally, it earned three Academy Award nominations, including Best Music and Best Original Song for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo.
Let us also remember that Cinderella has two sequels: Cinderella II: Dreams Come True (2002) and Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007). As well as a live-action remake released by Disney in 2015.
The spell of Cinderella still surrounds us
Seventy-five years later, Cinderella’s magic remains undeniable. It is more than just a fairy tale. It is a story of perseverance, a reminder that sometimes, magic exists for those who believe in it.
Beyond the twirling blue dress or the pumpkin that becomes a carriage, Cinderella reminds us that even when the clock strikes midnight and the enchantment seems to fade, who we truly are never disappears. And when the time finally comes, life finds a way to place the shoe that was always meant for us and make us shine.
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