Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wonderful adaptation of classic book; some scary moments.
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A Little Princess
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a beautifully emotional story that resonates with audiences of all ages, capturing themes of love, friendship, and resilience through its well-developed characters and touching narrative. While praised for its heartwarming moments, many reviews note that it contains some sad and intense scenes, making it essential for viewers to be prepared for tears, especially during the poignant reunions and moments of struggle.
- heartwarming story
- emotional depth
- strong role models
- themes of friendship
- prepares for tears
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In A LITTLE PRINCESS, motherless Sara Crewe (Liesel Matthews) is brought to Miss Minchin's boarding school by her father, who's heading off to war. She is the brightest girl in the school, with exquisite manners, but her odd fancies and her father's lavish provisions for her make the other girls uncomfortable or jealous. Her only friend in the school is Ermengarde (Heather DeLoach), a pudgy girl who has trouble with her lessons and is very grateful for Sara's attentions. Sara also befriends Becky (Vanessa Lee Chester), a scullery maid. When Captain Crewe is thought dead and his assets seized, Miss Minchin goes from doting on her to giving her the servant's quarters in the attic next to Becky.
Is It Any Good?
Based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett published in 1905, Alfonso Cuaron's adaptation has an appealing combination of magic, drama, boarding school bullies, and a resilient orphan. This probably made Cuaron a shoe-in for the job of directing the third Harry Potter movie a few years later.
Unlike Cedric in Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess's Sara Crewe can't be accused of being perfect, though she is not as deliciously unlikable as Mary in The Secret Garden. It takes her a long time to lose her temper and snap at Ermengarde, but she does, and she almost gives up hope. Although Sara is desperately hungry, she gives almost all her food to a beggar child who is even hungrier. Note the way that her compassion inspires others; the baker who watches her give the buns to the beggar child is so moved that she gives the child a home.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sara's empathy and compassion for others in A Little Princess. Why are stories so important to her? How do they help her deal with her sadness? How do the stories she tells relate to what's going on in her life?
What challenges do you see in adapting a book like this into a movie?
What parts of life in the boarding school seem like they could be part of any other school at any other time, and what parts of life there seem like they were very much part of the early 20th century?
How does Sara demonstrate communication and gratitude in A Little Princess? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 10, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : September 15, 1998
- Cast : Camilla Belle , Eleanor Bron , Liam Cunningham
- Director : Alfonso Cuaron
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Dads ) , School ( Elementary School ) , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales ) , Friendship , Royalty ( Princesses ) , History ( War: WWI )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy , Gratitude
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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