JourneywomanOne to rent: Little Women (1994)
June 13th 2008 02:04
This is one of my all-time favourite films, and it never fails to make me cry. Which is saying something, as when it comes to movies, I'm not a big crier! The fourth film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, Little Women is a joy to watch from beginning to end, with strong performances from the whole cast and an underlying theme of female strength and tenacity.
Starring Winona Ryder as the outgoing, ahead-of-her-time Jo, Trini Alvarado as the beautiful older sister Meg, Claire Danes as the shy and sensitive Beth, and a young Kirsten Dunst as the spoiled, vain Amy, the story revolves around the lives of the March sisters growing up in wartime America. Susan Sarandon puts in a brilliant performance as their mother, a strong and charitable woman who encourages her daughters' freedom and individuality, as opposed to trying to get them into a 'good' marriage as most other mothers of the day were focused upon. Through the trials of poverty and illness, the March family support one another to the end - the love they have for each other is evident throughout the film and is innately touching for the audience.
Christian Bale is excellent in his role as the girls' wealthy neighbour and friend, showing sides to his acting ability that we don't see in many of his other movies. The film is beautifully shot and, for the most part, stays true to the book. I loved the musical score too. I won't give away the ending but it's most definitely a satisfying one!
Little Women won't appeal to men, but ladies with an appreciation for period films will love it. It's one to rent if you're after a movie that showcases some of the best talent in Hollywood, as well as being a genuine tear-jerker which, let's face it, doesn't come along too often.
Starring Winona Ryder as the outgoing, ahead-of-her-time Jo, Trini Alvarado as the beautiful older sister Meg, Claire Danes as the shy and sensitive Beth, and a young Kirsten Dunst as the spoiled, vain Amy, the story revolves around the lives of the March sisters growing up in wartime America. Susan Sarandon puts in a brilliant performance as their mother, a strong and charitable woman who encourages her daughters' freedom and individuality, as opposed to trying to get them into a 'good' marriage as most other mothers of the day were focused upon. Through the trials of poverty and illness, the March family support one another to the end - the love they have for each other is evident throughout the film and is innately touching for the audience.
Winona Ryder is flawless as Jo
Christian Bale is excellent in his role as the girls' wealthy neighbour and friend, showing sides to his acting ability that we don't see in many of his other movies. The film is beautifully shot and, for the most part, stays true to the book. I loved the musical score too. I won't give away the ending but it's most definitely a satisfying one!
Little Women won't appeal to men, but ladies with an appreciation for period films will love it. It's one to rent if you're after a movie that showcases some of the best talent in Hollywood, as well as being a genuine tear-jerker which, let's face it, doesn't come along too often.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I love the book and original film with Katherine Hepburn but this remake of a remake of a remake never captured my emotions. Seemed to overplay its hand frequently and injects heavy handed sentimentality where it isn't needed. The cast to annoys me, all are capable of better.
I do agree though the music was quite good, some of teh cinematography emotive and Christian Bale saved me from switching off.
Comment by Journeywoman
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