The Miracle of the Little Prince

The Miracle of the Little Prince is a 2018 feature-length documentary directed by Dutch filmmaker Marjoleine Boonstra, starring Johan Leysen. An intimate and inspiring cinematic experience, this movie delicately examines the numerous translations of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's universally loved French novella, The Little Prince.

The Little Prince, one of the most translated works in the world, is a tender tale of lonely Prince who falls from a tiny asteroid and journeys through the universe, encountering a series of characters. It delves into philosophical and social commentaries about human nature, and the story has resonated with people from diverse societies, cultures, and languages worldwide. It’s this universal appeal that The Miracle of the Little Prince explores through its introspective and poignant narrative.

This film is not just about the legacy of The Little Prince, but is conspicuously a movie about the power of language, culture, preservation, and more importantly, connection. The plot journeys around the globe and introduces viewers to the tireless and dedicated translators who have chosen to reinterpret Saint-Exupéry's masterpiece into their own endangered languages, to keep both the story and their languages alive.

In one part of the world, we get to meet a translator working on a version of the book in Tamazight, a language of the Berber people in North Africa. We're later introduced to other languages like Sami, spoken in parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, and Tibetan, which is under threat from the Chinese government's refusal to preserve it.

Johan Leysen, a Belgian actor known for his theatre, television, and movie roles, lends his talents to the film as the narrator. He provides an intimate introduction to these translators, who are immersed in the struggle to keep their tongues from going extinct. Throughout the film, we learn more about their profound attachment to their respective languages, the historical or political situation of their communities, and their philosophical insights.

What sets The Miracle of the Little Prince apart is how beautifully it showcases these languages. Though it is a documentary, Boonstra's film is imbued with stunning, almost poetic visuals. Each shot artisanally chosen to mirror the simplicity, subtlety, and vividity of Saint-Exupéry's original illustrative art style.

The film utilizes rich, cinematic imagery to tell its stories, often allowing the sight and sound of these languages to take precedence over the narrator's voice. The viewers are transported to these far-reaching parts of the world, experiencing their landscapes, people, and challenges. All the while, the quotations from The Little Prince, narrated in these endangered languages, offer a unique, immersive experience that intensifies the film's emotional impact.

Boonstra's candid direction allows us to see how this French novella has affected a range of different cultures and societies. By translating the little prince into their native languages, these translators are offering a new life to their dwindling languages, keeping them alive for future generations. In doing so, they also demonstrate the story's persistent appeal and the universality of its themes.

The Miracle of the Little Prince is as much a tribute to the timeless story of The Little Prince as it is a testament to the resilience, passion, and determination of these translators, and the communities they represent. Along with the celebration of these languages, this film also raises awareness about the ways in which languages are quickly disappearing and encourages us to appreciate the importance of preserving them.

As a documentary, The Miracle of the Little Prince is emotionally intimate and intellectually engaging. It is an evocative exploration of language, culture, and our shared humanity. For anyone fascinated by the art of translation, the preservation of language, the power of literature, or simply the beauty of The Little Prince, this film offers an insightful and heartwarming journey.