The Little Prince

I just have a weakness for "The Little Prince" story, and I was really afraid of how the creators of this film would manage to adapt it for the present day and today's audience. I didn't have to worry. Certainly not that much. The original book's story is beautifully retold here, and there's something extra added that works well alongside it. At times I felt that all the magic was lost, but then a scene came along that made me believe that this was a good direction. And it is. (12/20/2015)

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is there, and whoever says he is not, does not wish to find him. The Little Prince was waiting for me here all the time, just in a different form. The original can be read three times there and back in an afternoon, and each time it gives me something different, a different mood, a different direction in life, and a charge. The film takes all of this as its part, attributing more significant merits and thoughts to supporting characters we love so much, trying to unpack them into a more easily understandable and accessible experience for children. I cried, I laughed, but I was not amazed. That's why in the end, only four stars in the distant sky, with the understanding that something unexplained, no matter how brave and good-intentioned, is sometimes more than a lesson served on a silver platter. (07/17/2016)

A beautifully animated film that I’d been eyeing for a while, and after watching it, I can honestly say it’s one of the most stunning animated tales I’ve seen in a long time. Of course, being based on The Little Prince, it's not surprising, but what I really appreciated was how the creators elevated the original story by adding a second narrative that perfectly complements the beloved classic. I was even leaning toward giving it a full five stars, but the second half lost some of the philosophical depth that makes The Little Prince so iconic, shifting into more typical animated fare. (01/24/2021)

I have to give it five stars. It’s not perfect, and it sticks to the basics of the source material, but it flawlessly captures the spirit of the book on screen without a single misstep. "The Little Prince" can be considered one of the best books in terms of fairy tale content and, especially, its core message. The contrast between childhood and adulthood is a cornerstone of Exupéry’s novel, so I was a bit unsure how the final product would turn out. It succeeded. The idea of having two layers of the story—one with enchanting, simple animation for the fairy tale aspect, and the other with modern animation set in today’s hectic world—worked well for me. The incorporation of the old pilot full of ideals into the present world was also successful. Naturally, the scenes from this allegorical fairy tale were the most compelling, with a few bookish messages prompting reflection (the scenes between the Prince and the fox and the Prince and the pilot were the best). Although I didn’t expect it much, the film occasionally ventured into more serious territory, evoking emotions. The ending was truly excellent, and I can’t imagine a better conclusion. The film will win over anyone, especially those who occasionally find a childlike laugh of The Little Prince still echoing in their soul. I give it 88%. (05/26/2018)

The first half of the film was excellent. I didn't even mind the modern setting. The second half of the film went off the rails a bit, but I won't take more than one star off, since it appealed even to a cynical bastard like me. I especially appreciate that the touching scenes were just touching and didn't turn into a melodrama. (01/15/2017)