Sept. 19, 2002 - 2:22 am
i just saw this one laying around the house and decided i needed to see it again. i love the story. i'm not really sure how many times i've actually seen Little Women before. probably 2 or 3. it's definitely worth seeing if you enjoy a really feminine film. and if you don't cry then you don't really get it.
this is one of many versions throughout the years of Louisa May Alcott's classic tale which was somewhat based on her own upbringing. the March sisters are all growing up together in a rich society, with few luxuries of their own. they have to do their own sewing and wear old garments as they attend local girls' debuts. the story is set just after the Civil War. it focuses mainly on the biggest dreamer of the bunch, the tomboy Jo.
i think the thing i love most about this story is Beth March. her character is much like that of Melanie Hamilton in Gone with the Wind (1939). she's just one of the sweetest, most loving people you'll ever know. and then she gets really sick with scarlet fever and has a really weak heart for the rest of her life. i am just amazed seeing Claire Danes doing this. she's perfect for this role. she makes me want to cry every time i see her onscreen.
i think the only thing that really makes this story weak is when all of the men start to actually interest the girls. all of the relationships that the girls form with men are just really flimsy if you ask me. either they don't really make sense, they aren't convincing enough, or they involve a terrible actor like Gabriel Byrne. it's like this movie could have easily been perfect, but those relationships...i don't know. there's something not right about them. they seem out of place in an otherwise breathtaking film and story.
oh, and the new list that i mentioned the other day is now available. click the "top films" link to the left.