The main figure of Hannele Lampela’s beloved children’s books, Itty Bitty Princess, has seen adventures in both illustrated books and on theatre stages, in audio plays, and now even on the silver screen. Lampela’s story takes the form of an explosive audiovisual spectacle in Lauri Maijala’s adaptation, as the five-year-old girl, displeased to find out she is about to become a big sister, sets out to look for a magical castle with the help of her friend and her magical dog Sausage.
Shot at the ironworks of Kellokoski, the fairytale’s milieu, with its bouncy castles, candy shops and crepe-eating contests, will no doubt delight its target audience. Imagination takes flight and humour blossoms in the surreal children’s world, in which some of the props resemble cardboard backdrops, adults are a bit silly, and a stuffed animal come to life amazingly conjures up a palace out of thin air.
Ada Pusa, six years old at the time of filming, shines in the main role as the anarchistic Itty Bitty, who, while rebelling, is also learning about life. The family movie indeed not only entertains but also tackles important themes in a manner accessible to younger audiences.
Joonatan Nikkinen