Disney's 1950 animated classic may be the most iconic "Cinderella" film in the United States, but it is not so in some European nations, including the Czech Republic. There, a version featuring a more active Cinderella is more famous.
Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella, released in 1973 and also called Three Wishes for Cinderella, needs to appear in must-watch movie books. While most films adaptations take inspiration from Perrault's version, this film draws gradual inspiration from Marie-Catherine d'Aulnoy's "Cunning Cinders," in which Cinderella receives her ballgown as a treasure. The film also contains elements from the Grimm Brothers' tale: Cinderella's request for the first thing that falls and relying on birds to sort out lentils.
The Czech Cinderella (Libuse Safrankova) may be a servant to her stepmother (Carola Braunbock) and stepsister Dora (Dana Hlavacova), but she still has agency; she goes out on adventures whenever she can. Plus, as the title suggests, she receives her outfits by dropping three nuts instead of passively being dressed by a fairy godmother.
Not only is Cinderella an active character (compared to Disney animation's counterpart), but she is also enjoyable to watch. It is especially sweet watching her interact with doves. Plus, her outfits, including her brown servant dress and ballgown, are charming; even her hunting gear is kind of cute.
Cinderella putting on her hunting gear may be objectionable to sensitive viewers, particularly Christians, but it is less so than in the 2021 Norwegian version; she puts on no mustache.
It is also refreshing how Cinderella is part of a servant team rather than being the only one. That, alone, gives her more agency as she does not have to do all of the work alone. A similar twist is seen in 1998's Ever After and even the Norwegian Three Wishes for Cinderella.
The evil stepmother succeeded in her harshness towards Cinderella. Her motives for mistreating her are unknown (other than her detest of Cinderella's love for hunting), but she remains enjoyable to watch. I cannot say much about Dora other than her outfits being less ugly than in the Norwegian version.
At first, the prince (Pavel Travnicek) seems rowdy in his pursuit of hunting, especially when going out with friends. However, Cinderella runs out alongside them a few times before the ball and changes his mind about marriage. Unlike the Norwegian film, the prince does not mention a desire to marry a woman based on her beauty.
It is impressive how, as in the Norwegian version, Cinderella gives the prince a memory test to explain her identity ("hunting gear but no hunter, ballgown but no princess"). Of course, the prince manages to figure out the riddle by the end of the film.
Despite its updates, there is not much depth in Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella. Besides the stepmother's lack of motives, there is not much backstory for Cinderella's love for hunting. The stepmother once mentioned her father taking her, but it is never shown or explained. Unlike the Norwegian version, the film is old enough that I can easily forgive it.
The best parts of Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella include the stunning snowscapes and trees, the festive score, and Cinderella's owl friend Rosie (whom she talks to in a secret place a few times).
Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella is a well-made alternative for those wanting to go beyond Disney's animated classic and is especially enjoyable viewing during the winter and holiday season.
SCORE: Great (9/10)
AGE RATING: 7+
Have you seen Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella? What do you think about it?
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