Ella Enchanted (film)

Ella Enchanted, a 2004 American jukebox musical fantasy comedy, was directed by Tommy O'Haver and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith. The film stars Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy and satirizes the fairy tale genre. It is loosely adapted from Gail Carson Levine's 1997 novel of the same name. Produced as an international co-operation between companies in the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, the movie bombed at the box office and earned mixed reviews from critics. Many criticized its heavy changes to the original book and the introduction of new characters. Levine herself noted the film is "so different from the book that it's hard to compare them" and suggested viewers treat it as a separate creative work. The story can be seen as a feminist twist on Cinderella, promoting self-determination and individual empowerment rather than passive acceptance of fate. Despite its initial reception, the film gained a popular cult following, with cast members like Dancy appearing at fan conventions.

In the kingdom of Frell, the fairy godmother Lucinda Perriweather—misguided and obnoxious—bestows the "gift" of obedience on newborn Ella of Frell. This forces Ella to instantly and literally obey any command she receives. On her deathbed, Ella's mother warns her to keep the gift secret, fearing exploitation, and tells her that something inside her is stronger than any spell. Years later, Ella's father Sir Peter marries wealthy socialite Dame Olga, who mistreats Ella. After Ella publicly protests, she meets Prince "Char" Charmont, who invites her to his coronation ball. Jealous Olga's daughter Hattie discovers Ella's obedience and uses it to humiliate and control her. Ella decides to find Lucinda and undo the gift. Mandy, the household fairy, lends Ella her boyfriend Benny, accidentally transformed into a magic book. Learning Lucinda is in Giantville, Ella sets off.

On her journey, Ella rescues Slannen, an elf who wants to be a lawyer instead of a forced entertainer. They are captured by ogres but rescued by Char. He joins them to avenge his father's death, and Ella opens his eyes to the cruel laws oppressing elves and giants—laws enacted by Char's uncle, Sir Edgar, the King Regent. Ella and Char fall in love. They travel to the capital for Char's coronation. Edgar learns of Ella's gift from her stepsisters. Knowing his nephew loves her, he orders E