Fairy tales have spanned generations, enchanting children and adults with their magical stories. In recent times these fairy tales have gained even more popularity thanks to Disney animations.
However, in addition to animations, there are a number of live-action films that adapt these fairy tales, bringing new perspectives and diverse approaches to cinema screens.
Having said that, we have decided to list 8 live action films based on fairy tales.
Fairy Tales: Inspirational Films

Considered a cinema classic, “Beauty and the Beast” is a French film directed by the poet, playwright and director Jean Cocteau. Based on the story of the same name by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, the film stands out for its visual aesthetics and its poetic and dreamlike approach.
In the plot, the beautiful and kind Belle (Josette Day) sacrifices herself to save her father, agreeing to live with a beast (Jean Marais) in his castle. However, over time, she discovers the goodness and humanity behind the Beast’s monstrous appearance.

A modern adaptation of the Brothers Grimm’s “Snow White,” “Like Snow White” is a French comedy-drama directed by Anne Fontaine. Lou de Laâge plays the modern version of Snow White and Isabelle Huppert as the stepmother.
In the plot, Claire (de Laâge) works in her late father’s hotel, which is now run by her stepmother, Maud (Huppert). However, Maud discovers that her lover is in love with Claire. Overwhelmed by her jealousy, her stepmother plans to kill her.

Based on the fairy tale “Cinderella” by Charles Perrault, this film offers a realistic interpretation of the story, excluding all magical elements.
With a more historical and feminist approach to the story, the film is directed by Andy Tennant. The plot follows the Brothers Grimm’s tale of what the story of “Cinderella” really is.
In the 16th century, the sweet young Danielle de Barbarac (Drew Barrymore), after the death of her father, is relegated to the role of servant by her evil stepmother (Anjelica Huston). However, she and Prince Henry (Dougray Scott) fall in love with her.

Based on the British fairy tales “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Jack the Giant Slayer”, “Jack the Giant Slayer” is a fantasy adventure film directed by Bryan Singer (“X-Men” franchise).
In the plot, the young farmer Jack (Nicholas Hoult) inadvertently opens a door between our world and the world of giants. From that moment on, a war between humans and giants will begin.
Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy, Eddie Marsan and Ewan McGregor round out the cast.

Cult Spanish director Adolfo Arrieta directs this adaptation of Charles Perrault’s “Sleeping Beauty,” bringing the story into the 21st century. In the plot, Égon (Niels Schneider) is a 21st century Latvian prince who likes to play the drums.
His greatest desire, however, is to find the kingdom of Kentz, where the inhabitants have been sleeping since 1900 due to the curse of a fairy (Ingrid Caven), and break the spell on Sleeping Beauty.
French production, the film stars names such as Agathe Bonitzer, Mathieu Amalric and Serge Bozon.

Based on the story of the same name by Charles Perrault, “Donkeyskin” is a French comedy and musical film directed by famous director Jacques Demy (“Umbrellas of Love”, “Two Romantic Girls”).
With bright colors, the film was a success in France and is considered a cult classic. The film stars Catherine Deneuve and Jacques Perrin. In the plot, a king (Jean Marais) swears that he will only marry a woman more beautiful than his late wife.
However, the only one who meets the requirements is his daughter (Deneuve). The princess then asks her fairy godmother (Delphine Seyrig) for help and ends up fleeing her kingdom hidden under a donkey skin.

This cult crime film and acid comedy is a dark retelling of the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood”. Kiefer Sutherland, Reese Witherspoon and Brooke Shields star in the film.
In the plot, a teenager from a troubled family (Witherspoon) decides to run away to her grandmother’s house after her parents are arrested and social work comes to pick her up.
During the car ride she meets a charming guidance counselor (Sutherland) and begins to trust him. However, she soon discovers that he is a serial killer.

A modern reinterpretation of “Hansel and Gretel,” “The Criminal Lovers” mixes suspense, horror and romance. The film is a French production directed by François Ozon and starring Natacha Régnier and Jérémie Renier.
In the plot, a young couple commits a murder. However, they end up getting lost in the forest while trying to hide the body. However, they are found by an evil hermit who locks them in a hut and intends to eat them.
The next 8 live action films based on fairy tales first appeared on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.