Why did it take me so long to see Three Wishes for Cinderella? The only excuse had is that until people starting recommending it on the recent Cinderella film boards, Three Wishes for Cinderella was completely unknown to me. After hearing from these people that it was the best version of the Cinderella story (always has been my personal favourite fairy tale), this reviewer knew she had to check it out. And it really has to be one of the best decisions and things done in some time. As much as I don't have anything against other versions of Cinderella like some of the commentators do, most of them are actually very enjoyable to great to me, I do have to fully concur after tracking the full film down on Youtube that Three Wishes for Cinderella is the best version of the story. Adaptation-wise, while not completely faithful to all the details the basic details are there (if more Grimm than Perrault with the inclusion of doves to help with the impossible tasks), but also the magical spirit of the story still remains and the freshness that is brought to the storytelling also was much appreciated.Three Wishes for Cinderella is a wonderful-looking film. It's beautifully shot and fluidly edited (quite innovative for the time I'm told), the winter scenery and decor are nothing short of exquisite and the costumes are equally attractive. The music score is whimsical, fits absolutely perfectly and was clearly scored with a lot of love and care, the main theme does repeat itself but is incredibly catchy and radiates with charm, almost like being part of a dream. Three Wishes for Cinderella smartly and poignantly scripted with some nice refreshing humour. Where it is easy to identify completely with Popelka and her problems and the characters are more developed than just being archetypes. Storytelling was really well-told and compelling, sometimes paced deliberately but never to the extent of being too slow or laborious. Also loved how Popelka and the Prince's romance and the character of the Prince was more developed, consequently wittier and more affecting than most versions with the exception of Ever After and the recent Cinderella (though it does it a little better than those two). As mentioned, the characters are interesting and nicely written and developed, as aforementioned being more than stock archetypes/stereotypes like characters can be in adaptations in fairy tales (not a knock, as there is still a lot of love for them by me, but it is true). The tricks and effects are mostly fine, though those of Rosalie the owl agreed are a tad rushed-looking, but that is such a minor complaint and didn't jar too much.Acting is very good. Libuse Safránková is exceptional as Popelka. She is beautiful and shows great personality, she's smart, sometimes funny, spunky, kind, effortlessly cute and incredibly charming and poignant. Love also her almost deadly aim (how many versions of Cinderella have that?), how she rides her horse and dances, almost like on a cloud. The Prince of Pavel Trávnícek matches her perfectly in charm, is never dull or annoying for a character in the story who is barely developed, and the character is surprisingly interesting. Their chemistry together is thoroughly convincing. Carola Braunbock relishes her role as the cruel mother while avoiding overdoing it, a difficult task for a character so juicy in most adaptations of Cinderella. Likewise with Dana Hlavácová's Dora (the sister), and the King and Queen are touchingly and sincerely played.Overall, pure fairy tale magic and adaptations of Cinderella don't get much better than this. 10/10 Bethany Cox

"Tri orísky pro Popelku" or "Three Wishes for Cinderella" is a Czech/East German 82-minute film from the early 1970s. By now, it has become a bit of a tradition to watch this film during the holidays in Germany. Of course, it is an adaptation of the famous fairytale and for all the actors and director/writer it is pretty much the most known work of their career. Lead actress Libuse Safránková may be the exception as she also co-starred in the Academy Award winning Kolja.Anyway, the story is about a housemaid who gets humiliated again and again by her boss. The boss is a fat woman in her 50s who wants to see her (equally unattractive) daughter get married to the prince. Of course, the prince develops more of an interest into the super-cute housemaid. There is no problem if you know the story, or at least the central plot points (you probably will), it is still a decent watch. There are a couple unrealistic moments and the acting is not always spot-on (except the excellent Carola Braunbock), but it's a fantasy fairytale and that's why it is bearable.There were no truly outstanding moments in here, but overall, it's a well-rounded work and I recommend the watch. Its popularity around the holidays here baffles me a bit, but it's not a bad film by any means. The lead actress has recently been in the headlines again because of her cancer, but I hope she can recover completely, so there will be no bitter taste attached to this movie when we and the next generations keep watching it during the holidays. I also liked the many animals in here, but I certainly could have done without the hunt scenes. All in all, a decent watch. Recommended.

One of those fairy-tales that I grew up with; however, I've never really developed any strong affection towards it. It is a solid, well-made film and yes, it is probably one of the best Cinderella adaptations out there. The idyllic winter atmosphere definitely adds to its charm and frankly, there's no particular flaw that I can point my finger at. It all boils down to personal taste and "Tri orisky pro popelku" simply rubs me the wrong way. It sure won't hurt to watch it, as it's fairly entertaining and its tone is distinctly but not overwhelmingly modern. Chances are you'll love it. This film kind of lacks any serious potential to offend anyone's tastes (which is one of those things that probably result in its getting on my nerves) and it is overall a recommendable watch. So I can't bring myself to rating it lower than 6/10 even though at times (esp. around Christmas, when it's bound to appear on TV) I hate it with a passion.

The movie made in the 70's immediately turned a favorite for so many viewers that since then it is broad-casted on TV as well as screened in several cinemas each Christmas in a number of European countries. It is an absolute bliss and obviously a timeless classic. I just bought in online in USA for my four-year-old daughter, who loved it just as I did as a kid. Regrettably Czech fairytale-movies are neither well-known in USA, nor does this country produce any comparable children's entertainment of such dreamy, yet accessible and sensitive quality. The story is based on the Grimm's version of Cinderella (different from Disney's, who worked from the Perrault version). However, this Cinderella has a lot more support from a number of animal friends, not just the original doves, and she can speak to all of them. Her special friend is a beautiful white horse. She also has an adorable tom-boyish side to her which she easily combines with the ability to turn into a graceful princess. As a special eye-candy, the story is set in a rural winter-landscape, which creates an incredible charm. Equally outstanding is the sound-track. This movie is a must-see for any age group, if you have chance to watch it when its snowy outside you will absolutely fall in love with it.