Invisible Essence: The Little Prince

It has been quite a while since I read "The Little Prince", however this documentary did a wonderful job of helping me remember it's lessons and filling in the gaps, creating a backstory behind the story itself. After watching it, I remembered how important the "invisible essence" is to me, to all of us, and to humanity itself. My favorite quote, which seems of particular importance today, was by Thomas De Koninck, a young relative of the author (who was also believed by some to be the human model of the little prince) who said, "And the reverence that we have for technology, one would not do without them and we are very grateful for them. But these are all just instruments. Its a great thing because of the purpose it serves. And that always depends on the human decisions."

It's a shame that some of the most important events in Saint-Ex's life was glossed over. Much of his philosophy was matured during his time with Latecoere/Aeropastale. Didier Daurat had such a large play in forming the man himself, including the "spirit of the mail" and a transcended connection with people.

Moreover, there are some information that are presented in the documentary but are wrong. Saint-Ex didn't force his way into piloting, he was accepted by Didier despite his decent skill at flying because Didier searched for men who could be morphed around the above ideaology. What's worse is that a woman did not save Henri Guillaumet but a young boy named Juan Garcia did.

I did enjoy the rare reels of the pilots on tape, however. They are very difficult to come by. The information presented on the film is not bad to new audience who haven't yet delved into Saint-Ex's background, but it does not do justice in explaining why the Little Prince was written or how he matured to the writer he was. There are many biographies and statements by those who knew him out there in French, and some translated, that will fill in what the documentary could not.

The documentary is pieces together so well. It incorporates the life of the author as the story unfolds while bringing in views from critters worldwide. After viewing need to read the book again and watch movie. Rich

An incredible film exploring the legacy of the magical Little Prince. Such a fascinating documentary. Great interviews, and that kid - wow! Such a charming little boy. Will re-watch multiple times, so much to learn from it.