A Little Princess

During World War I, Sara Crewe leaves her comfortable life when her father goes off to fight for Britain and arrives at the New York boarding school her mother attended. The place is ruled with an iron fist by Miss Minchin, whose rules threaten Sara's imagination and sense of self worth. Sara forms friendships with Becky and the other girls, trading small acts of kindness for a sense of belonging in a world that feels hostile. She refuses to accept that creativity is disposable, using wit and generosity to soften the harshness around her. The story follows her as she faces the clash between rule bound authority and the courage of staying true to herself.

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, this 1995 adaptation reimagines Burnett's classic for a screen audience. It marks Cuaron's first English language feature, with a screenplay by Richard LaGravenese and Elizabeth Chandler, starring Liesel Matthews as Sara and Eleanor Bron as Miss Minchin.

Imagination is shown as a lifeline in the story. Sara's fantasies and acts of kindness carry weight alongside money and status, and the film uses its production design to contrast gilded halls with simpler rooms where people care for one another. Becky stands out as warmth and loyalty, while Capt Crewe's presence through the Prince Rama thread hints at sacrifice and memory.

Critics praised Cuaron's careful direction and Matthews's performance, noting the film's warm tone and emotional core. The story foregrounds perseverance, class difference, and female friendship, delivering a thoughtful drama for families. Some reviewers argued it tilts toward sentimentality, but most agree Sara's courage and kindness linger after the credits.

Awards: The production did not secure major nominations, though it earned limited recognition from smaller family oriented circuits and craft awards. Matthews's performance drew some praise in those venues, and the movie is remembered for its lush production design.