A Little Princess

1995
U
1h 37m

IMDb RATING

7.6/10

38K

YOUR RATING

Vanessa Chester and Liesel Matthews in A Little Princess (1995)

Home Video Trailer from Warner Home Video

Play trailer2:49

2 Videos

19 Photos

Coming-of-Age Period Drama Drama Family Fantasy

Sara is sent to a strict boarding school after her father enlists in WWI. When he is presumed dead, the headmistress, knowing she will not receive any more money, forces the girl to become a... Read allSara is sent to a strict boarding school after her father enlists in WWI. When he is presumed dead, the headmistress, knowing she will not receive any more money, forces the girl to become a servant.Sara is sent to a strict boarding school after her father enlists in WWI. When he is presumed dead, the headmistress, knowing she will not receive any more money, forces the girl to become a servant.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.6/10

38K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 3 wins & 10 nominations total

Videos2

Photos19

+ 13

User reviews147

7.638.2K

Featured reviews

8jbwood421

A wonderful little movie you might have missed

Just before seeing this movie, I wasn't expecting much. There just wasn't anything else on TV, and this was just beginning, so I decided to give it a chance. It wasn't very long in before I began to realize that this wasn't just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, by-the-numbers production. First of all, the movie, with all of the obvious attention to the sets and costume design and how it was photographed, just look absolutely beautiful. Then, the acting is simply superb by everybody, and not just the principal performers. Alfonso Cuaron (who was later tabbed to direct the 3rd Harry Potter movie, really showed his stuff in this film, which in my opinion was largely overlooked, as I don't remember a whole lot of publicity being done when it was first released, which is a shame, because a lot of effort went into making this such a good movie. Equally appealing to kids and adults alike, which is pretty rare as well. Highly recommended!

poetellect

A DEFINITIVE INSTANCE when the Academy, indeed the public, truly missed the mark...and indeed missed out

This film reminds you what life's all about. Emmanual Luzbeki's cinematography demands praise- it's so stunningly beautiful one wonders why he didn't win the oscar. Indeed, this film is flawlessly scripted, acted, and executed, it is perhaps the definitive example of how the Academy oftentimes nominates based on box-office receipts, and not based on merit. *&#$() braveheart, THIS movie was the best film of 1995. And should have been nominated. No other film makes me tear up or cry as much for its brutal honesty, it's uncliched tenderness, and heartfelt truth about those ultimately human truths- love, kindness, and the magic of believing. Rarely does a film so positively move one's heart. Seek this film out. Go now.

kittygirl_411

A both heartfelt and entertaining story for all ages; it's impossible to not like this movie!

This movie is a must-see for every little girl as well as anyone who still believes in fairy tales. The heartwarming story of Sara Crew and her faith in spite of all odds is enough to melt even the coldest of hearts. This movie tells the story the way it really was in the novel-- unlike the Shirley Temple-sugar-coated ridiculously inaccurate version. The whole family can watch this and enjoy it because there's a little something for everyone. Although there are a few flaws to it (such as ludicrous near-death escapes that only could be believed in fairy tales; besides events that weren't even in the book), the good definitely outweighs the bad and this is an excellent addition to any collection!

7the red duchess

Delightfully complex, full of tensions.

THis is a wonderful children's film full of fascinating adult tensions. The reactionary assumptions of the source material remain - the upper class are jolly nice and paternalistic; the bourgeoisie (represented by Eleanor Bron) are grasping, slave-owning monsters; India is not a massive subcontinent rife with internal and anti-colonial divisions, but a bright fantasy world of escape from reality - but the film is full of darkness unusual for such a film: apartheid, child abuse, poverty, the disruptive, harrowing effects of war, the absence of parents. In this way, the film's style, veering between fantasy and expressionistic 'realism' is impressive. The social order may be restored, but the film is full of heartening little revolutions: its ultimate message is, look HARDER.

8dougteach

This young lady shows everyone how they should treat others.

I prefix my comments by stating that typically I enjoy the real tough guy movies -- movies with action and martial arts. I am a former boxer and martial artist that really likes the action movies like Bloodsport and Gladiator. One summer evening, I found myself babysitting my 11 year old niece, whom I adore. We were trying to find a movie at the local video store and the one movie that she wanted to see more than any other and had never gotten to was "A Little Princess". I finally gave in to her whims and rented it expecting to be bored out of my mind. Surprisingly, I found myself drawn into the movie and into the young lady's indomitable spirit. Throughout the trials and tribulations of her own life, she continued to worry about others and about making THEIR lives better and forgetting about HER own needs. This selfless action is very admirable. This should be everybody's philosophy on life. If there were more people in this world like this young lady, the world would be a MUCH better place.

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Like the character she portrayed, Liesel Matthews (Sara) came from a wealthy background. Matthews, whose real name is Liesel Pritzker, is the granddaughter of the rich industrialist A. N. Pritzker and the niece of Jay Pritzker, the founder of the Hyatt Hotel chain. After a family dispute and lawsuit in her early twenties, Liesel inherited approximately $500 million of her family's fortune. She later became a philanthropist, particularly active in India--a country that her character Sara also loved--and established several educational and development charities.

Goofs
There are many latex balloons as decorations at Sara Crewe's birthday party in 1914 or 1915. However, the modern balloon that we see pictured in the film was not invented until 1931.

Quotes
Miss Minchin: [after ordering the girls out and punishing Becky, to Sara] And you will perform all her chores in addition to your own without breakfast, lunch, OR dinner! It's time you learn, Sara Crewe, that real life has nothing to do with your little fantasy games. It's a cruel, nasty world out there, and it's our duty to make the best of it - not to indulge in ridiculous *dreams*, but to be productive and useful! Do you understand what I'm saying?
Sara Crewe: [short pause] Yes, ma'am.
Miss Minchin: [short pause] Good.
[she leaves]
Sara Crewe: But I don't believe in it.
[Miss Minchin stops, turns back to Sara, and goes awestruck]
Miss Minchin: Don't tell me you still fancy yourself a princess!
[laughs]
Miss Minchin: Good God, child, look around you! Or better yet, look in the mirror!
[after a long pause]
Sara Crewe: [confidently] I am a princess.
Miss Minchin: [in disbelief] Oh!
Sara Crewe: All girls are! Even if they live in tiny old attics, even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young, they're still princesses - *all* of us! Didn't *your* father ever tell you that? Didn't he?
Miss Minchin: [furiously, in tears] If I find you up here with any of the girls again, I WILL THROW YOU OUT INTO THE STREET!

Alternate versions
The digital platforms featured the 2003 Warner Bros. Family Entertainment logo with the 1998 fanfare while the 2003 Warner Bros. Pictures logo appears as an additional closing logo.