A unique 16th century woman, Danielle possesses a love of books, and can easily quote from Sir Thomas More’s Utopia. An intriguing mix of tomboyish athleticism and physical beauty, she has more than enough charm to capture the heart of a prince ... after beaning him with an apple.

This spirited "Cinderella" is certainly no victim - against all odds, she stands up against a forceful and scheming stepmother, while honoring her late and beloved father.

With her keen intelligence and independence, Danielle definitely is not waiting around for the prince to rescue her; in fact, she often comes to his aid, offering him guidance, and even saving the prince's life by carrying him on her back.

When Danielle does receive help, it comes not from a "fairy godmother," but from one of history's most renowned figures, Leonardo da Vinci. And, while she does don a gorgeous pair of glass slippers, the words "magic pumpkin" are not in her vocabulary.

This is not your grandmother's Cinderella.

Twentieth Century Fox presents A Mireille Soria Production, An Andy Tennant Film, Drew Barrymore and Anjelica Huston in EVER AFTER. The film also stars Dougray Scott and Jeanne Moreau. It is directed by Andy Tennant from a screenplay by Susannah Grant and Andy Tennant & Rick Parks. The film is produced by Mireille Soria and Tracey Trench. The director of photography is Andrew Dunn, B.S.C., and the production designer is Michael Howells. It is edited by Roger Bondelli, A.C.E.. The co-producers are Kevin Reidy and Timothy M. Bourne. Jenny Beavan is the costume designer, and music is by George Fenton.

There are approximately 500 versions of the Cinderella story in circulation, making it the most famous tale in the world. The earliest apparently originated in China where the preoccupation with tiny feet found a highly satisfactory outcome in the search for someone who could wear an exquisite, small glass slipper. Over hundreds of years the story has been refined and reworked, whether as the French "Cendrillon" or as the Brothers Grimm "Cinderella." It has, however, been a story of a passive woman waiting for a strong, handsome (and nearly silent) prince to rescue her. Until now. "I wanted to tell a very different version of 'Cinderella' because I have two daughters," director and co-screenwriter Andy Tennant explains. "I did not want them growing up believing you have to marry a rich guy with a big house in order to live happily ever after."

Intent on turning the tale on its tail, Tennant puts a whole new spin on Cinderella's message. "Our story," the director explains, "says that Cinderella's magic comes from within, not from some fairy godmother." Tennant was never less than passionate about delivering a realistic, different "Cinderella" to the screen. "EVER AFTER," he insists, "is not a cartoon or fairytale - it's an adventure with a completely unexpected attitude." He also insisted on giving the tale a sense of logic, that there be specific reasons for certain actions and choices. "This 'Cinderella' isn't a victim," Tennant states. "She stays on in her father's house, after he dies, from choice. There are reasons given for stepmother Rodmilla's appalling behavior. We also tried to provide some realistic touches to the famous glass slippers and masked ball."