Alfonso Cuarón’s A Little Princess (1995) has always been one of my favourite films ever since I was young. I enjoy the film just as much as an adult as I did when I was a child – it is an absolute classic that never ages. I love the vivid imagination of the young main character Sara Crewe (Liesel Matthews) as it enables the viewer to feel truly immersed in the story. 

Set during the First World War, Sara is sent away to boarding school in New York as her father has become a captain in the army. He sends her there due to a desire to keep her safe from harm during the war. 

There is such a stark difference between the lavish treatment Sara receives at the start of the film and the harsh treatment she receives when there is seen to be no more money. Miss Minchin (Eleanor Bron) is a horrible character who cares purely for money and not about the children in her care at all. When it is found out that her father had ‘died,’ Miss Minchin states harshly to Sara that she is ‘alone in the world’ and that if she chooses to keep her it will be ‘due to her kindness.’

Sara goes from being the favourite with all her lavish items to being a servant with nothing. The scene in the movie where Sara is alone in the loft laying in a circle of chalk crying for her father is an emotional scene. The emotion conveyed in this scene means that the viewer is truly aware of the sudden aloneness Sara feels. 

The bond between Sara and her father Captain Crewe (Liam Cunningham) is so clear in the film. He cares about his daughter significantly. The early scene where she is sitting on his lap in the window on the day of her arrival to the school is so emotional and heartfelt. Their relationship is very sweet, and it is impossible not to get invested. He calls Sara ‘Princess’ which shows that she means more than anything else in the world to him. Sara is such a kind and caring character who always helps the other children to be happy. It is impossible to not love the character. Her friendship with scullery maid Becky (Vanessa Chester) is the truest testament to her character. 

The girls use Sara’s stories as a way to escape the harsh reality of the world situation due to the First World War.  The stories offer hope in a time when the world does not have any. Additionally, the film largely focuses on the boarding school, but glimpses of the war are used throughout the film to offer a stark contrast, making it a visually engaging insight into life during the war. 

The scene where Sara finds her father has not died but is living next door in a convalescent home is almost difficult to watch; the desperation on Sara’s face when he does not remember her is heart-breaking. However, viewers are not left distraught for long as he suddenly remembers her, which is so heart-warming especially after the dire situation she had been in prior. 

The film ends with a happy ending as Sara and her father are reunited and he takes her away from the school. Not only does he take her, but Becky is also taken with them in order to give her a better life. This is due to the fact that she was a true friend to Sara and was the only one who was there for her when she had nothing. Though a period piece, the emotional message conveyed in A Little Princess makes it a timeless classic.

For more Redbrick Rewinds, check out these articles from Redbrick Film:

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