Friday, January 3, 2020

Movie Review - Little Women


Director Greta Gerwig brings Little Women to life on the big screen with a blaze of ferocious purpose, urgent passion, boisterous humor, and the nourishing essence of family life in good and bad times. (WSJ 12/24/19).  This classic is splendid and the performances are so rich. Saoirse Ronan embodies Jo March with her soul. Emma Watson is Meg, Florence Pugh is “bratty” but sympathetic Amy, and Eliza Scanlen is dear doomed Beth. Each of these actresses are superb – so much life and sisterly love and battles.

Timothee Chalamet is the neighbor lad Laurie who loves Jo, but doesn’t realize how doomed is their relationship. Jo’s energy and determination to be a writer causes her anger at being a female in this day and age (1860s). “ I can’t get over my disappointment at being a girl.”

Laura Dern’s Marmee is perfect as she says, “I’m angry nearly every day of my life.” But she leads by example in caring for her family while Mr. March is at war. Mr. Lawrence (Chris Cooper) is solid as the rich neighbor who is drawn to the female energy and glad to help in so many ways. And Meryl Streep plays Aunt March – the crusty rich aunt who expects the girls to fawn over her. Meryl is kept in check and Greta uses her wisely.

The movie moves back and forward in time. Once you get in the flow, the structure works well. It gives a good picture of the March sisters – young and putting on plays vs grown and navigating adulthood, Beth’s illness (bring tissues), an artistic writing career. Jo March is the central figure of Little Women  - she is a wonder woman for the time. Author Louisa May Alcott’s book is meaningful today and this movie is richly well done. I loved it.

14 comments:

  1. I have always loved the book and can't wait to see this movie. I'm so glad to hear it didn't disappoint.

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    1. believe me - this is one of my most favorite books ever...the movie is awesome

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  2. I well remember the book Pleased you enjoyed the movie.

    Yvonne.

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  3. Good to know that even a remake of a remake of a remake of a book can turn out good

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    1. indeed. So many remakes. But this one is stellar.

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  4. Oh, yay! I hope to see it this weekend.

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  5. Hi Joanne - I gather it's really good and am looking forward to seeing it. Soon: I hope! Cheers Hilary

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    1. I hope you get to see it soon. Truly well done

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  6. Looking forward to seeing this movie. The book is my all time favorite and we even gave our daughter the middle name Jo. (Although my mom's name is Josephine so we told her it was for her - LOL) I need to see the version with Winona Rider too because I don't think I have yet. Thanks for the good review of this one.

    Janet’s Smiles

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  7. I'm glad to get your approval. I loved the book. This is one movie I want to make the effort to see.

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    1. You really should try to see it in the theater. It's a nice experience with lots of women and girls in attendance. Nice to see the bonding.

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