Little Women is a book I have not read. As such, besides that Friends episode where Rachel spoils the story for Joey, I didn’t really know much beforehand.
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel about four sisters coming-of-age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War, there are three things that stood out most and in a good way while watching director Greta Gerwig’s remake.
Firstly, the beauty that is the gift of sisterhood. Beauty that is there when you’re happy with your sister, when you’re mad at your sister and when times aren’t so great. I like how accurately and honestly Gerwig captured the magic of these moments. Second, I’ve always been partial to stories of girls and women who are determined enough to decide on the life they want and go after it; regardless of other’s expectations. An even more impressive move during far less liberated periods in women’s history.
Lastly, unrequited love. The presence of this theme in Little Women resulted in my favourite and some of the most moving moments in the whole film. Particularly the one that takes place in a field with Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan’s characters.
In terms of how I feel about Gerwig’s film overall, it’s very well acted by all involved. I especially enjoyed Chalamet, Ronan and Florence Pugh’s performances. Beyond that and the standout moments I’ve referenced, I can’t say that I love Gerwig’s movie. This is in part because I’m not quite a fan of the editing. The way it jumped back and forth to different time lines proved more annoying than fully necessary. Perhaps the story was to big to tell in the allotted time. Furthermore, I found that Little Women really became most interesting from Meg’s wedding onwards. The unfortunate thing about that is Meg’s wedding doesn’t take place until approximately two thirds into the movie.
Big fans of the book will probably like this film far more than I did. For everyone else, I say follow your curiosities – even if it was a Friends episode that ignited it.
Happy Film Loving
G
Me and my daughter are waiting eagerly to watch this movie!!
I hope you enjoy it for all the good things I mentioned above and more. It’s a good mother / daughter watch.
As an avid reader since childhood – I remember the book so well..have seen a few versions of the film – though the original is still my fav. – this wasn’t terrible and definitely worth the watch!
I’m glad you had a good time with it. When was the original film made? I kind of want to see that version to find out which I prefer.
it’s old.. I feel like it was in Black n White even like the 40’s or so. I remember Katharine Hepburn. Then their was a colour one like 50’s as I remember Elizabeth Taylor, that was good as well. Then I remember Winona Ryder’s version. I mean they were for me, all better than this version as they were more attuned to the book. But this wasn’t bad at all.
I think I’ll probably opt for the Elizabeth Taylor or Katherine Hepburn one if I can find them. Thank you. 🤓
I find Ronan is always superb in her roles.
Absolutely right. And we can rely on her to pic great stories to star in.