Rebecca Recommends: 'A Little Princess' (1995)

As this is my first post on children's films, I thought I would begin with my favourite. A story that entranced and moved me as a child and continues to do so. It's longevity on my personal list of treasured films makes me happy to recommend it as a film that will enchant anyone at any age.

Adapted from the novel by Francis Hodgson Burnett, the story tells of a young girl called Sara Crewe who lives a blessed life in beautiful India. When her beloved father enlists to fight for the British in World War I, Sara is enrolled at her late mother's old boarding school in New York, run by the strict Miss Minchin. Sara's father, Captain Crewe, leaves her with beautiful luxuries and spares no expense to ensure that Sara is comfortable while he is away. While Sara is use to an affluent lifestyle, she is not a rude or spoilt child but gentle, compassionate, intelligent and creative. 

Unfortunately, Sara's good nature and fortune causes the secret scorn of headmistress Miss Minchin, who bitterly withholds much of her jealousy in order to flatter and extract the Crewe's wealth. Often escaping into her imagination, Sara is a wonderful storyteller and gains a popular following among many of the other girls. However, when Sara's father is reported dead and that funding will cease, Sara is stripped of her belongings, sent to the attic and forced to work as a servant for the cruel Miss Minchin. Overwhelmed by her circumstances, Sara's new friends encourage her not to give up and soon the magic of Sara's imagination begins to spill into real life.

The film is filled with gorgeous visuals whether it be Sara playing on the top of a large carved stone head in a river in India or in New York, with the windows flung open, twirling in the falling snow. The locations used are beautiful, each in their own way, with the vibrant and luscious India and the darker ornate schoolhouse in New York both being perfect magical backdrops for Sara's story. The light and richness of Sara's settings and costumes reflect her happiness and creative fulfillment with supporting characters being either humorous and playful allies or stern adversaries to Sara's gifted imagination and generous spirit.

Friendship and self-esteem are important messages in the film. While the bitter Miss Minchin and the insecure schoolgirl Lavinia bully their way through life, Sara empowers herself and others by assuring them that every girl, no matter who they are, is a princess. In times of trouble, her kindness and her strong sense of self-worth, instilled by her father, draws others to her aid and inspires Sara to not lose hope. 

'I believe you are...and always will be...my little princess.' - Captain Crewe.

Sara's relationship with her father is at the heart of the film. Their love for one another and their poignant separation is what makes the story so moving and is sure to bring tears by it's emotional ending. Filled with magic, humour, friendship and love, 'A Little Princess' is a heartwarming film that captures the comforting escape and pure joy that imagination can bring.

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron. Warner Bros. (1995)

Starring Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron and Liam Cunningham.