The Little Prince

A wonderfully animated adaptation of a beloved children's classic, The Little Prince retains the charming spirit of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s source material while adding its own contemporary touch. Released in 2015 and directed by Mark Osborne, the film features stellar voice contributions from Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams, among others.

The movie weaves a unique story within the framework of the classic tale. The protagonist, played by Mackenzie Foy, is an intelligent and ambitious young girl, strictly trained by her mother (Rachel McAdams) in the “life plan” to ensure her future success. Living in an ordered, regimented world devoid of spontaneity and fun, their lives are preoccupied planning for every minute of every day. A random encounter with their eccentric neighbor, the Aviator (Jeff Bridges), sets the stage for an enchanting tale of courage, friendship, and the true essence of life.

The setup into the world of 'The Little Prince' is quite inventive: the Aviator unfolds the story of The Little Prince, especially through his hand-drawn illustrations which come to life before our eyes as computer-animated vignettes. It immediately immerses the viewers into a world filled with charming characters, wistful music, and thought-provoking narrative. It is through these stories that the Girl is introduced to The Little Prince, a child who lives on an asteroid known as B-612, his Rose, the fox, and the many other peculiar and whimsical characters from the original novella.

In a remarkable blend of styles, the film transitions between the modern, computer-animated world and the Aviator's stories, portrayed in beautiful, ethereal stop-motion animation. The contrasting styles coalesce harmoniously, making each transition a feast for the eyes.

One of the unique elements in this spin-off adaptation is how the tale of The Little Prince is used as a narrative device to depict the inter-generational relationship between the Girl and the Aviator. The Aviator’s stories help the Girl reconnect with her inner child, demonstrating the importance of retaining a sense of wonder, curiosity, and imagination in growing up, not just focusing on the future.

Jeff Bridges, as the Aviator, brings a warm, engaging performance, anchoring the character with a charming gravitas and providing an emotional anchor for the narrative. Mackenzie Foy, as the young Girl, gives a mature performance beyond her years, capturing the essence of a child forced to grow up too fast. Rachel McAdams delivers a complex performance as the Girl's mother, a character who personifies society's obsession with success and order, but at the same time desires happiness for her daughter.

On top of these character-centric performances, the film benefits immensely from an impressive supporting cast. The group includes Riley Osborne as The Little Prince, Paul Rudd, Marion Cotillard, James Franco, Ricky Gervais, and others. Each brings their own unique charm and personality to their character, adding to the movie's engaging voice ensemble.

Besides the visually enchanting tale and memorable performances, the movie features a brilliant score. Hans Zimmer and Richard Harvey's compositions evoke a wide range of emotions, capturing the tone of every scene perfectly. The leitmotif "Equation," performed by Camille, carries a whimsical tune while delivering an important underlying message.

Above all, "The Little Prince" is more than a simple retelling of a cherished classic. It’s a touching exploration of the inevitability of maturation, the power of friendship, the realities of life, and the treasures of childhood wonderment that we often overlook. It is a beautiful journey that transcends age, appealing to both adults and children, inviting them to ponder on the qualitative aspects of life and questioning the societal placement of importance.

While it's abundant in whimsy and delight, "The Little Prince" doesn't shy away from the darker, sadder themes of the novel. The film courageously explores the stark realities of life and the heartache of growing up, making it a tender, poignant portrayal that respects viewers of all ages.

In all, "The Little Prince" is a visually stunning, deeply moving, and wonderfully imaginative film that reinterprets the essence of a timeless classic with a modern twist. A narrative treat steeped in nuance and filled to the brim with heart, it stays true to the soul of the original novella, making it not just an animated film, but rather a beautiful sermon on life and growing up.