In honor of the upcoming International Women’s Day, we’re reviewing the 2019 adaptation of “Little Women.” It is a story that has been told countless times. The March sisters have made their way into the hearts of Americans over many decades. However, the recent adaptation of the famed novel by Louisa May Alcott, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, tells the story in a modern and heartwarming light.
The film was released on December 25, 2019 and continues to be well received by audiences. It tells the story of the four sisters living in Massachusetts during the Civil War. The story follows them through the years as they grow up and experience life as women during that time.
A classic piece of American literature, “Little Women” is a story for anyone, and the movie is no different. There is something in the movie for everyone, and aspects of the March sisters can appeal to anyone in the audience.
One of the highlights of the movie was the acting. Every member of the cast was dedicated to their role and portrayed their character well. The movie also featured both familiar names, such as Meryl Streep and Emma Watson, and some actors that are beginning to make their mark in the entertainment business, such as Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen.
In addition, Gerwig directed the film in a new light that still gave the novel the recognition it deserves. Gerwig did not receive an Oscar nomination for her directing, which many people were shocked by, and rightfully so. She put a modern spin on the classic story, acknowledging the different roles and goals that women may have.
An example of this is that one of the sisters, Jo (Saoirse Ronan), does not want to marry and doesn’t think she would enjoy that life. However, her sister Meg (Emma Watson) is looking forward to marriage and being a wife. Though this is a central theme in the book, Gerwig ensures to emphasize this plot point and shows that there is validity to both of these choices, and that ultimately, both are as respectable.
Gerwig also included certain creative touches to better highlight certain aspects of the story. One way she did this was through a less straightforward timeline than the book is told in. The novel is told in a linear fashion, over many years. Gerwig decided to switch this up and instead moves between the earlier and later years throughout the movie.
Though this may seem like it could make the story more complicated and difficult to follow, it actually helps the story to flow seamlessly between different themes of the story and better showcases the way in which the characters change over time. Gerwig also signified this through color choices, using a warmer colored filter over childhood and a cool colored filter over adulthood.
“Little Women” is a story for all. Though the film may be centered around sisters and their mother, it has themes and stories that everyone can enjoy. The story exceeds the limits of gender or age. There is something in “Little Women” for everyone, and for that reason it was an inspiring and extremely well-done film, one of the best of 2019.
The Plaid Press 