Grade: 4/5
One of the best movies of 2019, if not the decade. A delightful period piece based on the literary work of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”. The direction (Greta Gerwig) is brilliant as it intertwines the story of four sisters seamlessly and has you hooked from start to finish. Hard to believe the Academy didn’t nominate Greta Gerwig for Best Director. Her version of Little Women shakes it up a bit – instead of recounting the story chronologically and in sequence, she uses deliberate flashbacks at numerous occasions during the movie and the audience only gets fed subtle clues (shorter hair) to decipher if the scene is in the past or present. Needless to say, paying attention to the entire movie is worthwhile so that you follow along.
Story begins with Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) working on having her book published in New York City. We are then transported back three years where Jo is living with her three sisters Meg (Emma Watson), Beth (Eliza Scanlen), and Amy (Florence Pugh) in a modest home in Concord, Massachusetts. Marmee, the mother, is aptly played by Laura Dern. The father is away doing missionary work in the Civil War so the ladies are by themselves for the most part – living their lives best they can. The movie does a commendable job in giving viewers the true essence of each of the characters – their idiosyncrasies, flaws, and positives.
Can’t say enough about the cinematography and picturization. The aesthetics of the sets, the beauty of the New England landscapes, the Parisian charm….all adds to the attractive look and feel of the film. It is meant to be watched on the big screen on a cozy cold, rainy Saturday evening….
By the end of the journey – you feel as if you have known each character of the movie inside and out. You accompany them in their endeavors – Jo’s passion for writing and her loving banter with the charming Laurie (played by Timothee Chalamet), Meg’s desire of settling down, Beth’s illness and Amy’s impish behavior which at times transforms into selfishness. Meryl Streep’s role as the rich aunt is a small one and Emma Watson (the artist formerly known as Hermione) does a decent job as Meg but the true star of the movie is undoubtedly Saoirse Ronan who plays Jo March. She has a commanding presence on the screen and shines in every scene she is a part of. No surprise that the Academy recognized her by nominating her for Best Actress in a leading role.
Side Note: The movie is shot in Concord, Massachusetts, which is the same setting in the book as Greta Gerwig wanted to remain true to the story. In addition, there was a 1994 version of Little Women that starred Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Christian Bale and to be honest, I haven’t seen that one, but I would be very surprised if it would be anything like this fabulous 2019 redux.
Bottom Line: Definitely a must watch movie on the big screen. You will be immersed into the enchanting world of Lousia May Alcott and when it’s over, you will wish it wasn’t.
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