I thought I’d kick 2020 off with a movie review. Here in Australia we are in the middle of summer and going taking shelter in a cool, air-conditioned cinema is one of the best ways to pass the hot days.
We are having more than just hot days right now though. Australia is currently experiencing severe bush fires, affecting thousands of people ranging from constant smoky skies to burnt settlements, evacuated towns, thousands of animals killed and millions of acres of bushland burnt out and it’s still going. Prayers for our nation would be much appreciated.
The Review
I have loved the novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott since I was a young girl. Jo March is one of my literary heroes. The first adaption I watched was the 1949 Little Women, starring June Allyson and Peter Lawford. It has been the gold standard for me in terms of movie adaptions of the novel. June Allyson is perfectly cast as Jo March.
So every time I see another adaption, I inevitably compare it to that 1949 version. The 2019 adaption is worthy of high praise. It is very clear that the director, Greta Gerwig, loves the novel. She has included all my favorite parts of the book and brought them to life – Amy drawing the caricature of her teacher, Beth playing the piano at Mr. Lawrence’s house, Amy obsessing about her nose, Meg at the ball, Jo cutting her hair and the girl’s camaraderie in general, plus too many others to name!
It is a movie that captures the spirit and heart of the book while adding some modern ideas that it doesn’t detract from the experience. The end of the movie is a new addition and as a writer, I could not help but love it.
The girls we well cast, I thought. I find it hard to get a good Jo and Saoirse Ronan did a great job. She captured the playful, spirited, tomboy that is Jo’s trademark with the go-get -it attitude that Jo puts into everything. It was lovely to see.
Final thoughts on the never-ending debate about whether Jo should have married Laurie. I swing between the debate, really. I enjoy watching how each film adaption interprets this part of the novel. This version had closure on all sides, with everyone living happily ever after. It was a fitting end to a beautiful and timeless story.
What did you think of the movie? If you haven’t seen it, will you go and watch it?
Loved it. Like you, I compare all Jo’s to June Allyson, but it was a winner. Must admit, the end was different, a liitle like struggling with whether Santa is real as a child, but beautiful movie.
Hi Lyn, thanks for dropping by. Yes, to me June Allyson will always be the best Jo, but I’m really pleased to have seen another Jo do well also.
And Yes the end was different, but I found it a good different that was in keeping with the tone of the movie and the novel. It also made me appreciate how books used to be printed!
Absolutely loved it. Saw it with my daughter (13) who read Little Women this year.
After the movie I asked my daughter if Mrs March really says she’s angry all the time in the book because that’s the line that stuck with me (maybe because I’m more a Mrs March and less a Jo these days!)
Thought Laura Dern was fantastic though I had to get used to Bob Odenkirk (kept seeing Saul from Breaking Bad) as Mr March. He won me over too.
Loved the scenes with no dialogue. Very powerful.
My daughter left the theatre saying “Jo should have ended up with Laurie”.
I guess that what young girls always think? Old ones like me thinks she was better without Laurie.
Liked the twist provided through the interaction with the publisher (SPOILER ALERT) that suggested maybe Jo really marries no-one ….
Hi Rebecca, I didn’t buy Mrs. March as someone who was hiding her anger, but the line was very powerful.
I love the never-ending debate about who Jo should have ended up with. I’m forever on the fence about that one. I see value in both possible endings.
As for the twist ending. I never saw it that way. I saw it as Jo ends up with the Professor (otherwise why would she chase after him, kiss him and say her famous line ‘Not empty now’ and why would he be at Plumfield?) and becomes published. She does both.
Anyway it’s good to discuss this stuff, isn’t it?? 🙂