A Little Princess (1995)

 A Little Princess (1995)

“It's all right Papa. I'm going to be fine.”

“What are you doing? memorizing me by heart?”

“No, I already know you by heart."

-A Little Princess (1995)

It may come as a surprise that the most eloquent of stories often present themselves in the most eccentric of ways. Children's stories especially offer us a unique vantage point into the art of storytelling. They grant us a pattern to follow. A script that allows their young audience to engage effectively in the message or lesson that is presented. However, for adults, these patterns are well worn and easily detected, frequently lessening the impact of the story for this older subset of narrative consumers.
That is an issue. This narrative malaise from an older audience consistently robs these stories of the relevance they deserve. It strikes me at this moment, is there a way to engage both sets of this captive audience? Indeed there is, it's happened many times. Though, to steer us in the right direction in this regard it's beneficial to re-categorize children's stories as just stories. The biggest hurdle in bringing a parental audience in line with their children lies in the fact that they don't believe these stories are beneficial to their cognitive enjoyment or fulfillment. That however is simply not the case. Rather, in most instances, this belief is a preconceived notion. Brought on by the fact that, as adults, we already know those stories by heart. However, knowing the ins and outs of a tale does not mean it has nothing left to tell us. In point of fact, it may have more to say to us, now that we are older. In my estimation the wonders of childhood are not singular experiences. They are meant to be returned to. So that we can regularly rediscover the dignity of being loved and cherished for who we were, and who we have the capacity to be.
Perhaps we have to remember that stories, even stories conceived for children, are brought to life by adults. I know how long the creative process takes, and it stands to reason that if these stories are made by adults it is worthwhile, if not creatively fulfilling, for these adults to find meaning in these narratives in order to produce an engaging creative endeavor. That is true in all forms of story, and I can tell you with surety, when that creative fulfillment is achieved in the realm of cinema, magic is not far behind. No matter the age of the intended audience.
This sentiment is no more true than in the 1995 film adaptation of Francis Hodgson Burnett's book, A Little Princess. The story of 10-year-old Sara Crewe, and her life in a New York boarding school is one of the finest cinematic experiences of the last 30 years. I can say with all sincerity that this film is enthrallingly delightful and impactful from end to end. It achieves the weight and balance of heart and poise that has been rarely, if at all matched, since its release. The film's wonder is beautifully palpable in its richly furnished and deeply meaningful exploration of story, and its relationship to the dignity and immense connection between a daughter and her father.
This is all accomplished without an ounce of saccharine untruth or the sentimentality of childhood routine. As a film, A Little Princess (1995) never shies away from the realities of life, and in the end that allows the film to find a truth that we all should be able to experience in some way at some point in our lives. Even if we did not experience it as children. Director Alfonso Cuaron and his team profoundly remind us that we are worthy of love, and that that truth will always remain at the center of our ever-beating hearts. Even in our darkest moments. I don't hesitate to say, A Little Princess (1995) is a modern cinematic classic. It is well worth a first time watch or a rewatch.

Rated G

I found A Little Princess to be enormously moving, deeply meaningful, charming and insightfully enthralling. I hope in some way you do too.

A Little Princess (1995) can be purchased on any digital video streaming service. Unfortunately it's not available physically. There used to be a DVD, but I believe it is now out-of-print. This film should be restored to the highest quality possible. Warner Brothers, please remedy that.

It's inconceivable to me that this film has yet to receive any real physical media release since its initial outing. To give you its credentials for restoration. This film was directed by Alfonso Cuaron. A three time Academy Award nominee, two of which were wins. A Little Princess was also nominated in the Academy Awards for Best Cinematography. In other words, this film was shot by three time Academy award-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezski. All that to say again, this film deserves to show off all the visual splendor it possesses.