I have not seen any other films based on/around Cinderella aside from Disney's. Confessions of an Ugly Step Sister proved to have provided a fresh twist to the common Cinderella story. I liked how the characters are portrayed - ugly Iris so kind, and beautiful Clara so proud.I definitely support this film because it did not stay in the circle where "beauty" equals "kindness, etc" but showed the actual opposite. This will absolutely help younger children understand that "beauty" does not always mean "kindness" as they are so associated with.However, it took me awhile to absorb the fact that Iris, played by the beautiful Azura, was supposed to be ugly.Overall, I stay by the fact that it was a fresh and simple film, it was easy to grasp. Plus, this film may be good for younger children as they should stay away from the ever-so stereotypical Disney movies (not that I don't love them, I do!).Rating: 7/10

I loved this movie of classical romance and a different look at the common fairytale. I saw this movie when it aired on TV and have been waiting for it to come to video since. So, when will it be released? Huh? Huh? Huh? Great movie. I was just fifteen years old when I saw it and I was entranced by the movie's magic. This movie can appeal to any age. This movie is like Ever After meets King Arthur. It was refreshing to see a different side than the common Cinderella is the victim story. People got to see a touch at a sister and feel empathy for her. I think that the story was always meant to expand on the sisters. They shouldn't just be the ugly ones. There is inherently so much more depth to people.

I am a big fan of fairy tales. Oh sure, I saw the Disney movies like any other kid, I've also read all the originals - even the original Grimms "Aschenputtel" in German - yes, I know the Cinderella story all the way around. I've seen probably every movie ever based on it (The Slipper and the Rose, The Glass Slipper, Ever After, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, Ash Pet... etc) This adaptation is my favorite beyond compare.The Cinderella story is approached in a completely new light. Our heroine is the ugly stepsister (my one complaint: Azura Skye is far too beautiful for the role) who is trying to make her way in the world with a demanding mother, a simple sister, and a spoiled stepsister. Iris is a fabulous character, and more than I can say for any other production, she seems like a REAL person. She loves her family, and even loves Cinderella, despite the troubles she has with her. All of the characters are interesting and believable - the way the script is written, it's as if the story really could have happened. They did a much better job proving it here than in EVER AFTER. Stockard Channing was perfectly cast as the stepmother. She's presented as not an evil witch, but a ferociously strong-willed woman who is out to survive at any cost. Oh, she is hard on Cinderella on occasion - and the girl certainly had it coming. Cinderella isn't presented as a completely spoiled girl, but rather one that is just to scared to make up her mind about where she wants to be. She stays among the ashes, the writer suggests, not because her stepmother forces her to, but because she's too frightened to face the real world. I loved this movie from beginning to end. I'm also reading the book which is equally engrossing. It's too bad they left so much out of the movie that was in the book - Clara believing she's a changeling and Iris's belief of a demon in the house - but it's certainly understandable that they couldn't put everything in. I keep my fingers crossed that this will be released on DVD soon, because there is no other Cinderella story superior.

I have been searching for this movie on VHS since April of 2002, and would like to purchase it. I love any fantasy and fairy tale movies and shows, This one is quite unique and It has now become an obsession with me, Stockard Channing is wonderful as the Step-Mother as are all of the actors and actresses.