Review: Little Women

Release date: December 25, 2019
Running time: 135 minutes
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen

Based on the classic novel, Little Women recruits an all star cast to tell the tale of the trials and tribulations of four very different sisters.  Sisters Meg (Watson), Jo (Ronan), Amy (Pugh), and Beth (Scanlen) must learn to fend for themselves after their father is called off to serve during the Civil War, leaving their mother (Laura Dern) and housekeeper Hannah to raise and care for the rambunctious, spirited girls.  Each girl has separate interests and talents that shine through in everything that they do.  

Although the main focus of the film is Jo (Ronan), the tale touches upon all the sisters and their various talents.  The film jumps back and forth through time, letting you learn more about the sister's past and current interests and struggles.  When I said that the film has an all star cast, I was not joking.  The sisters are all played by phenomenal actors, and their chemistry and clear joy with each other really comes through on the screen.  You quickly fall in love with this family and the love that is portrayed by the amazing cast.  

And it is not just the main cast that bring this story to life; the supporting characters are equally well cast for this film.  The entire group fit together so perfectly; rarely does a film completely transport you into another, perfectly crafted world.  And although the film is based on a book (which I have not read), the adaptation for the screen is very well done.  Language feels natural with a hint of victorian style and the story flows perfectly.  It must not have been an easy task to transform a beloved book to the screen, but writer / director Greta Gerwig has done it masterfully.  Finally, although it is based on a book from the 1800s, whether it is the timelessness of the tale or the careful adaptation by Gerwig, the film still has plenty of relevant lessons to teach modern viewers.  Lessons about hopes, dreams, family, caring for others, and being true to oneself shine through even now.  

Little Women will capture your heart with its stellar cast, wonderful story, timeless lessons, and amazing adaptation of the beloved book to the big screen. 

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