In the 25 years since its release, I’ve seen “A Little Princess” so many times that I’ve lost count. But in these times of tribulations and much more, I’m viewing it in a different light than ever before while getting a good cry in.
When I was a child, I watched the movie through a different lens and perspective from now: These girls on the screen were my contemporaries (although set in the early 20th Century at the height of World War I), innocent girls waiting to chase their destinies and explore the world with giddiness and delight - everything was their oyster. I remember thinking that the relationship between the lead character Sarah and her father was reminiscent of the beautiful relationship that my father and I shared with each other; just like Sarah and her dad, my dad and I were the best of friends and had a special bond that I think a lot of girls who are lucky enough to have caring parents can relate to.
Every girl is a princess, and when you treat others how you’d like to be treated, good things come your way - that’s the message that “A Little Princess” conveys to us all. Sarah makes sure to pass that message on to her “minions” of little princesses who follow her every move. The charm of the set design, the cinematography and the acting under the direction of future Academy Award-winning director Alfonzo Cuaron are unmatched and timeless. Sarah’s life turns upside down when her father allegedly dies in battle; much like that moment, I’ve had recurring dreams since my father died that perhaps there’s a fleeting chance that he’s still alive. There’s still hope for life after death, right? If Sarah’s father has a chance of still being alive, why isn’t that the case for mine?
Needless to say, this film is a tear-jerker. But, if you’re at home with you kids now, please introduce them to this film. It teaches many invaluable lessons of kindness, how to be an exemplary human being and the power of making believe.