Is there anything cosier than a movie about a family of 4 sisters growing up and going through some hardships together before finding happiness? I greatly enjoyed Louisa May Alcott’s story which I read as a teenager and now, after watching this movie I feel like rereading it again.
With a few changes that don’t ruin the story (but might annoy faithful fans of the book) the movie follows the four March sisters growing up in Massachusetts during the US Civil War. They are raised by their mother, Marmee, portrayed here as a strong matriarch with a bit of a feminist side, as their father is away fighting the war. They go through happiness and sorrow together, they fight and make up and learn a few valuable lessons along the way.
The actors do a great job of bringing the characters to life. It was fun watching Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes and Christian Bale looking a lot younger and Susan Sarandon is superb as Marmee. This is a movie that relies a lot on the interpretation, the mannerisms and little quirks of each character and these are perfectly captured by those portraying them thus making it a very charming movie. One special word for Gabriel Byrne who makes an endearing and lovable Professor Bhaer.
Visually it is also a beautiful movie and totally fits into the idea I had on my head while reading the book. I watched it during the Holiday season and while this is not a Christmas movie I think the family values that are mentioned make it a perfect choice for this time of year.
Not only do I plan to watch it again in the future but I have decided that I must reread the book, and then, just because I’m curious, to look for the other adaptations of this lovely story.
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I haven’t seen this one in a long time. I’ve been meaning to revisit it and thought about watching it at Christmas time – too bad that it doesn’t play on television as other films do each year. I’d especially like to see the 1949 film one day as it seems to have an interesting cast. Thanks for your post to remind me!
I loooove the book, I’ve read it I don’t know how many times. The movie is good, but it misses something, like all movies from books do.
Great review :) I adore this film, haven’t read the book yet but I will do!
I’m glad you all like it. I am planning tio watch the other adaptations and read the book soon. :-)