Watch A Little Princess

A Little Princess is a heartfelt and enchanting family-oriented drama movie that premiered in 1995. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the movie is based on the 1905 novel, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The film features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron, and Liam Cunningham, among others, who bring the story to life with their excellent performances.

The movie tells the story of Sara Crewe (played by Liesel Matthews), a young girl who is sent by her father, Captain Richard Crewe (played by Liam Cunningham), to a posh boarding school in New York while he goes on a mission to fight in World War I. Sara, who is used to a life of luxury and privilege, finds herself struggling to adapt to the boarding school's austere and stringent conditions. However, she soon befriends some of the other students, including the feisty and loyal Lottie (played by Vanessa Lee Chester) and the sympathetic Becky (played by Rachael Bella), and starts to carve out a place for herself in this new environment.

Sara's world is turned upside down, though, when she receives news that her father has died on the front lines. The school's headmistress, Miss Minchin (played by Eleanor Bron), who initially fawned over Sara because of her family's wealth, now reveals her true colors and punishes Sara cruelly, making her work as a servant in the school instead of as a student. Despite the hardship and injustice that she faces, Sara maintains her courage and determination to persevere, drawing strength from her father's words, "All girls are princesses... even if they wear rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses... all of us!"

The movie is a touching and poignant tale of resilience and hope, showcasing the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The director masterfully captures the atmospheric setting of the early 1900s, transporting the viewers back in time with stunning visuals and captivating cinematography. The musical score, composed by Patrick Doyle, adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, enhancing the viewers' connection to the characters and their struggles.

One of the film's standout features is its cast of exceptional child actors, who deliver nuanced and convincing performances that elevate the movie beyond mere sentimentalism. Liesel Matthews, in particular, is a revelation as Sara, exuding both innocence and sophistication in equal measure. She effortlessly conveys the emotional complexity of her character, from her initial naivety to her eventual maturity, earning the viewers' empathetic investment in her journey.

Eleanor Bron is also captivating in her portrayal of the domineering and manipulative Miss Minchin, who sees Sara as a means to elevate her social status and wealth. Her performance is nuanced and layered, showcasing the character's deep-seated insecurities and vulnerabilities behind her outward facade of control and power.

Overall, A Little Princess is a classic coming-of-age story that delights and inspires audiences of all ages. With its stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and compelling storyline, the movie is a testament to the power of imagination and perseverance, reminding us to never give up on our dreams and aspirations, no matter how impossible they may seem.

A Little Princess is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 83.