Little Women review
Little Women is a 2019 American coming-of-age period drama film written and directed by Greta Gerwig. It is the seventh film adaptation of the 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott. As of January 2020 Little women has been nominated for six Oscars, such as: Best actress (Saoirse Ronan) , Best supporting actress (Florence Pugh) and Best adapted screenplay (Great Gerwig). Astoundingly both Saoirse Rohan and Florence Pugh are both under 25.
The screenplay has slight differences to the original novel, however still tells the same wholesome and emotional story of the four March sisters. Notably Gerwig includes Jo March (Saoirse Rohan) writing her novel and pitching it to the editor- which is later seen bound and named “little women”. This dimension of portraying the character Jo as the author of little women, a representation of Louisa May-Alcott perhaps symbolises the sentimental value of the book. It shows the real lives and struggles women & families faced, during the American civil war.
Since its availability to watch in the UK from 26th December 2019, little women has had an influx of positive reviews & box office figures. The movie itself was a warming hug of comfort, from the sadness of Christmas fading away. Nevertheless it proves to provide a timeless cinematic experience, one that readers familiar to the book and those unaware of this inspiring storyline, can enjoy. As a previous reader of Alcott’s novel, the adaptation exceeded expectations and changed how I feel connected to the book. The acting portrayed by the 5 main young actors and actresses was astounding and enabled not just myself, but others, to see the characters come alive. It’s a great influence for a younger audience to explore the novel, which in turn would encourage a wider range of reading, especially the classics of literature.
This heartfelt tragedy did the unfortunate event of Beth’s death justice, with a beautiful montage of both the sisters present day and childhood. Gerwig used the books two parts, the girl’s childhoods and the girl’s individual lives, & moved in between them throughout the film. This built tension to the plot and added context of how painful the heartbreak and loss was for the characters.
I would highly recommend ‘little women’, void of the Oscars nominations and box offices figures, this film is a must see. A story to inspire women of today, and to encourage persistence through harder times.
Romy Fitzpatrick
