Quick Info
So, "A Little Princess" is this beautifully shot adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, and it really shines in that lost-in-time, dreamy way only '90s family films can. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón (yep, before he did Gravity or Children of Men!), the movie follows a young girl named Sara Crewe, who's sent to a strict boarding school while her father fights in World War I. What I loved most is how the film uses fairy tale imagery and warm, rich colors — you can almost feel the magic spark off the screen, even in the bleakest moments.
The cast is full of unfamiliar faces, but that actually makes it easier to get swept up in the world. Young Liesel Matthews gives Sara this headstrong sincerity that keeps you rooting for her. Eleanor Bron’s turn as Miss Minchin is pitch-perfect villainy, not cartoonishly evil but believably cold and self-righteous. The chemistry among the schoolgirls feels genuine, lending a cozy, ensemble vibe.
Cuarón’s direction is what truly stands out, though. You notice the camera gliding softly down shadowy hallways, or lingering on flickering candles, making even the most ordinary scene feel almost enchanted. The storytelling weaves reality and imagination together seamlessly, so Sara’s inner worlds — stories of princesses, lost fathers, faraway lands — blend into her real-life struggles. The visual effects are subtle but effective, especially for a '90s family film.
On the downside, I think the movie leans a bit too heavily into its melodramatic roots sometimes — there are moments where the soundtrack swells a little more than it needs to, or a character’s tears seem maybe a shade too shiny. And if you’re not in the mood for something sentimental, the film’s earnestness could wear thin.
You would enjoy this if you like storybook adaptations with a strong visual style, heartwarming drama, and don’t mind getting a little tugged at by nostalgia. It’s a great choice for family movie night, especially if you want something visually evocative, wholesome, and not too overexposed.
