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A Little Princess

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A Little Princess

G

Released May 10, 1995

1h 37m

Kids & Family

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

When young Sara (Liesel Matthews) is sent to a boarding school by her well-meaning World War I-bound father (Liam Cunningham), the imaginative girl makes the best of things by entertaining her friends with fanciful tales. After running afoul of the strict headmistress, Miss Minchin (Eleanor Bron), Sara receives some heartbreaking news, and is forced to work in servitude. As she struggles to keep her spirits up, she makes some remarkable discoveries that may change her seemingly bleak fate.

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Critics Consensus

Alfonso Cuarón adapts Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel with a keen sense of magic realism, vividly recreating the world of childhood as seen through the characters.

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Anthony Puccinelli

Chicago Reader

I’d advise all parents, even all grown-ups: Go.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 7, 2022

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Caroline Westbrook

Empire Magazine

Soppy and girlish in the extreme, this should keep even the tiniest viewer rapt, while all too many adults may fall victim to an inexplicable bout of eye-watering long before the closing credits.

Rated: 4/5

May 27, 2011

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

The film uses studio resources to create an entrancing world both in New York and in the heroine's fantasies about India.

May 27, 2011

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

One of the most well-crafted, magical family films ever made

Rated: 9/10

Apr 30, 2020

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Purely innocent, whimsical, and imaginative.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 29, 2019

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Tim Brayton

Antagony & Ecstasy

One of the very best children's movies of the past quarter-century.

Rated: 9/10

Sep 18, 2013

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Felipe M

After 30 years this film has aged so well, what can I say that hasn't been said already, it touches the human heart in all the right places, Alfonso Cuaron best work in my opinion along side the most liked Harry Potter movie...(Children of men,what a film too) ..And Liesel Matthews, wow, Her story and background, she was so talented as a child.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

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Sean M

Absolutely incredible film! I remember watching this as a kid in the 90s and it’s still amazing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/25

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Audience Member

A gift of a movie. Very touching. Loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/24

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Cristina C

Very magical children’s story that will leave some adults wondering too. A great memory from childhood!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/24

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Blu B

All Time Classic. It masterfully blends a fantasy elements with a moving drama. The setting is beautiful, the camerawork is great, the asetics are amazing save for the Mortal Kombat Annihilation CGI but it's a small point. Everything else is masterful especially Becky & Sarah who are amazing to watch. The story is charming, moving, sincere, and even though you can see the ending coming the whole way it's so well executed it doesn't really matter at all. It fully embraces it rather than trying to hide it. Everyone should give this a try once, Kids will love this especially.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/19/23

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StephenPaul C

The greatest 01 hour: and 37 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/05/23

Full Review

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Alfonso Cuarón

Director

Eleanor Bron

Miss Minchin

Liam Cunningham

Capt. Crewe

Liesel Matthews

Sara Crewe

Rusty Schwimmer

Amelia Minchin

Arthur Malet

Charles Randolph

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Synopsis

When young Sara (Liesel Matthews) is sent to a boarding school by her well-meaning World War I-bound father (Liam Cunningham), the imaginative girl makes the best of things by entertaining her friends with fanciful tales. After running afoul of the strict headmistress, Miss Minchin (Eleanor Bron), Sara receives some heartbreaking news, and is forced to work in servitude. As she struggles to keep her spirits up, she makes some remarkable discoveries that may change her seemingly bleak fate.

Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Producer: Mark Johnson
Screenwriter: Frances Hodgson Burnett, Richard LaGravenese, Elizabeth Chandler
Distributor: Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers, Baltimore Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 10, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.0M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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