A LITTLE PRINCESS
A tender, funny family adventure with a heart as big as its story.
Should You Watch It?
A LITTLE PRINCESS is the kind of movie that touches the heart without cynicism. It offers a precious, precocious heroine, memorable characters, delightful performances, breathtaking cinematography and a story shaped by hope.
The film also treats a child’s imaginative “magic” as something resembling biblical faith: believing in what you want and cannot see. The source review sees this as an innocent representation of hope rather than something to fault.
If your family wants a gentle, funny and emotionally satisfying adventure, this is an easy choice: see it together.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESSarah Crewe is a wealthy, precious and precocious girl raised in the jungles of India by her adoring father. When he leaves her at Miss Minchin’s School for Girls to fight in World War I, Sarah must face life at the boarding school without him.
After her father is reported killed, her circumstances change dramatically. Her courage and imagination help her endure an otherwise hopeless situation.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is outstanding family entertainment. The production is technically very good, with impeccable casting, memorable characters, well-written storytelling and cinematography that is sometimes breathtaking.
The acting performances are simply delightful. The result is a well-crafted adventure movie with the makings of a family classic.
The Worldview
A LITTLE PRINCESS presents hope through a child’s imagination. Its idea of “magic”—believing in what you want and cannot see—is portrayed as somewhat similar to what the Bible calls faith. The source review treats this as an innocent representation of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation, not as something viewers should fault.
The film also centers on family love, courage and endurance through suffering. A father’s wartime separation from his daughter creates the story’s grief, while Sarah’s compassion and imagination help her face hardship. The story’s moral elements support its warm, humane vision.
Biblical faith is not merely wishing for an outcome, but confidence in God and His promises: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Romantic worldview with moral elements.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Sarah holds on to hope during a painful change in her life. How is biblical faith like—and unlike—simply believing in what we want?
Hebrews 11:1 · Romans 8:24–25Sarah’s story begins with a loving relationship between a father and daughter. What does Scripture teach about the ways families can show love and courage during separation?
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 · Psalm 103:13The film places a child in an otherwise hopeless situation. Where do Christians find hope when circumstances do not change quickly?
Romans 15:13 · Psalm 42:5Sarah faces a dramatic change in her circumstances. How can we treat people with dignity when their position or possessions change?
Philippians 2:3–4 · James 2:1–5The Final Word
A LITTLE PRINCESS is tender, funny and beautifully made, with memorable performances and a hopeful moral vision. For a family seeking a well-crafted adventure with a child’s innocent understanding of faith, the answer is clear: WORTH THE TRIP.
