Book vs. Movie: The Little Prince

 

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Don’t Judge a Book by its Movie is a feature on The Candid Cover spotlighting and reviewing book to movie adaptations.

Book vs. Movie: The Little Prince

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is one childhood book that everyone should revisit. The touching tale of the innocence of childhood, friendship, and loss is presented in a way that children can relate to, but there is so much that can be taken and learned as adults from this beautifully written story. While the movie is extremely touching and well done, there are some differences that might surprise fans of the book. Nonetheless, this film really does explore the themes and messages that Antoine de Saint-Exupéry intended in this wonderful film.

Book vs. Movie: The Little PrinceTitle: The Little Prince
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Narrator: Humphrey Bower
Publisher: Harcourt
Cast: Jeff Bridges, James Franco, Marion Cotillard
Director: Mark Osborne
Screenplay: Irean Brignull and Robert Persichetti Jr.
Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 29, 2000 (first published April 1943)
Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Moral allegory and spiritual autobiography, The Little Prince is the most translated book in the French language. With a timeless charm it tells the story of a little boy who leaves the safety of his own tiny planet to travel the universe, learning the vagaries of adult behaviour through a series of extraordinary encounters. His personal odyssey culminates in a voyage to Earth and further adventures.

Amazon

❀ Well- Narrated Audiobook

The audiobook edition of The Little Prince is a well narrated story and really captures the attention of the listener. Although one must research the drawings that are included in the print edition to fully understand the context of the story, the audio version is one not to be missed. In a mere two hours, you can listen to the entire book and be mesmerized by the main characters, the aviator and the Little Prince. The listener can really get a feel for the emotions and the bonds that form between the various characters in the book through Humphrey Bower’s gorgeous voice and impressive ability to make his audience feel empathy and understanding of the message in the book.

❀ New Female Character Introduced in the Film

When watching the film, one is transported back to the Little Prince’s original story in a whole new way. The drawings and quite a bit of the text are included in the movie. However, there is a very interesting presentation of the story that viewers will experience through the eyes of a new female character. While at first I was a little disappointed, I quickly came to love this new version of the story. Without spoiling the plot, there is so much more that movie-goers will experience in this film and it absolutely will have you reaching for a big box of tissues.

❀ The film will delight

So, although there are differences between the book and the movie, I absolutely believe that this film will delight everyone. There really is something for everyone in this movie and I highly recommend it. Also, as it is a quick read, I think a visit with the story before seeing the film is helpful, as some parts are not fully described. This book should not be judged by its movie, but the movie is one that is not to be missed!

About Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY, the "Winged Poet," was born in Lyon, France, in 1900. A pilot at twenty-six, he was a pioneer of commercial aviation and flew in the Spanish Civil War and World War II. His writings include The Little Prince, Wind, Sand and Stars, Night Flight, Southern Mail, and Airman's Odyssey. In 1944, while flying a reconnaissance mission for his French air squadron, he disappeared over the Mediterranean.



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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.

14 thoughts on “Book vs. Movie: The Little Prince

  1. BerkeleyHapa says:

    This is a fantastic book which I love. I’m not sure I’m ready for a movie version, but I will think about it!

  2. SSJTimeLord says:

    The Little Prince is my ultimate favourite book. I re-read it just a couple of days ago. The film didn’t come out in the UK however, but I hear that it will be on Netflix at some point. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll get the DVD.

  3. Mary Gardner says:

    I am glad to know that even though there are some differences in the book and the movie that you still think it is a good film.

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