You may have heard of it, "The Little Prince," a children's book that doubles as an equally satisfying adult novella. Written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in the mid 1940's, the revolutionary work of literature has remained relevant throughout the years due to it's poignant messages about childhood, growing up, love, loss and friendship.
The story is also known for it's French interpretation "Le Petit Prince," which many students read in French class, myself included. The novella which features illustrations by the author are fantastical as they are whimsical in such a way that it is surprising it took so long for a worthy film interpretation to bring the images to appropriate life.
The only other popular version in America was a live action film adaptation in 1974, which featured Gene Wilder (a.k.a. everyone's favorite Willy Wonka), and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. The film in the kindest of terms is a rather confusing jumble of life action mixed with the occasional trippy animation sequence featuring snake tails, and lengthy song sequences.
Over forty years later the classic story has finally been morphed into a film that you can enjoy at any age. Featuring refined modernized animation, the Mark Osborne directed flick features the voices of Jeff Bridges, Marion Cotillard, Paul Rudd, Rachel McAdams, James Franco and Mackenzie Foy.
Cleverly framed by an easily relatable plot, the original story evokes those early emotions and insights which can be traced back to it's source material. The film follows a young girl during her summer break, and the pressure placed on her future as an adult in an unreasonably structured society. It is the relationship she builds with her eccentric neighbor that helps her gain a voice, and a new perspective of the world.
It is difficult to describe the exact reasons for needing to watch this film because there is a multitude so large it is difficult to contain. The lessons that the Little Prince learns along the way are lessons that the little girl realizes that she needs to learn as well, and so as she learns the lessons, the viewer is reminded of occasionally forgotten values.
At the end of the day, there are many ways in which we all feel like children, lost in chaotic situations and unsure of what choices to make, this story embodies this idea and helps the viewer remember that they are in charge of their life no matter their uncertainty.
So forget that this film is animated and promoted towards children, it is crafted so well that it can be compared among the ranks of a successful Pixar film in story. If you have read the book or not, "The Little Prince" is a must see film.
