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A Little Princess→A Little Princess
Frances Hodgson Burnett·1995·Director: Alfonso Cuarón
85%
Faithfulness
4.2
Book Rating
3.8
Movie Rating
Platform: DVD
Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham
The Book
A Little Princess is a work by British-American author Frances Hodgson Burnett, presented as a 1888 novella, a 1902 play and the 1905 eponymous children's novel. All three versions tell the story of Sara Crewe, a wealthy young girl who is initially welcomed as a privileged student at an exclusive girls’ boarding school and who, after losing her fortune, is forced to work there as a scullery maid.
The Film
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. Despite her hardships, Sara maintains her kindness and imagination.
Key Differences
The film sets the story during World War I instead of the late 19th century. The character of Becky is given a more prominent and sympathetic role. The film adds a more dramatic rescue and resolution than the book's subtler ending.
Our Verdict
Enjoy both!The film balances faithfulness to the source material with cinematic enhancements, making it enjoyable both as an adaptation and a standalone film. It retains the core themes while updating the setting and character focus for modern audiences.
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