CriticSociety- film reviews

Review

Little Women

Director

Gillian Armstrong

Year

1994

Rating

Reviewed by

José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris

Review date

Monday, August 07, 2006

It’s funny to recall when I first saw Little Women, back when I was 13 years old, because I couldn’t think of a more boring movie experience when it was over. Funny, because life somehow put it in front of me for a second chance and after that viewing it won me over to the point of considering it one of my favorite movies of all-time. It is rare of a modern movie to capture the spirit of a classic book, one which had already inspired a perfectly delightful adaptation decades earlier, like this little gem of a movie does.

When the patriarch of the March family goes to fight in the Civil War his wife (Susan Sarandon) and their four daughters, Meg (Trini Alvarado), the oldest and wisest, Jo (Winona Ryder), the most restless and headstrong, Beth (Claire Danes), so fragile and good-natured, and Amy (Kirsten Dunst), the little one always dreaming of prince charming, stay in their New England home trying to survive on their own. Their neighbor Laurie (Christian Bale) eventually becomes their best friend, as does his tutor John (Eric Stoltz). Through the years they go from girls to women, going their separate ways to fulfill their dreams.

It’s impressive how this movie seems to be so simple while it isn’t at all. To tell the stories of so many people and make us feel compelled for each and every one of them is a difficult achievement. The movie’s total lack of cynicism might have you weeping in scenes where you aren’t supposed to. Watching this story unfold is like hearing an old story from your grandpa. You love it because it’s interesting, but mostly because you care. The bonds that bring this family together are unbreakable, and they make of this a heart-breaking journey.

The movie never crosses the line of becoming too corny for its own good. It takes a risky approach, for so much saccharine could backfire. But it seduces you from its very first scene. When it’s over you stay with the wonderful impression of the meaning of the word family. These little women endured all kind of difficulties, but they always stayed together, and their goodwill and innocence brought them back countless forms of joy as well. It is an optimistic approach, and a delightful one as well.

Robin Swicord’s script (based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel) approaches the material in old-fashioned manner while inserting some modernisms here and there without losing its essence. That’s why you’ll hear some speeches that are more akin to today’s feminist way of thinking than that of the beginning of the century. Swicord also nails the difference amidst social classes back then and how important it was to marry well and give a good impression. Important, that is, if you cared at all about having a good status.

There is a really poignant scene where Jo does something for her father that truly comes from the heart. It is a very well-known passage taken directly from the book that comes off as one of the best scenes in the movie. It stands among many that are just as powerful. There’s simply not a false moment during the entire running length.

The performances are all exquisite. Winona Ryder is the standout among the talented cast. She gives life to a difficult character and gets under Jo’s skin with aplomb. She really is the heart of the movie. Susan Sarandon, as wise and caring Marmee, is touching and dignified and altogether a pleasure to watch. Claire Danes is wonderful and subdued, while Kirsten Dunst is plain adorable. Gabriel Byrne appears during the second half and adds weight to the proceedings, while actress Mary Wickes is delicious as wise-cracking Aunt March.

I can say without hesitation that this movie is a masterpiece. The way director Gillian Armstrong brought it to the screen is so elegant, so well-crafted, so touching, that she deserves most of the praise. Thomas Newman’s score, Geoffrey Simpson’s cinematography, Richard Hudolin’s art direction and Colleen Atwood’s costumes design all come together in impeccable fashion.

I love this movie!

“Now we are all family, as we always should have been”.

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Other reviews of Little Women (1994): Groucho