Little Women

Plot synopsis:
The March sisters contemplate a gloomy Christmas. Their father is serving as a chaplain in the Civil War and their mother, "Marmee," must work to support the family. Meg and Jo, the two oldest sisters, also have jobs. Meg is a governess and Jo is a companion to their wealthy relative, Aunt March. The two younger sisters are Beth and Amy. Beth is too shy to attend school and is taught at home. Amy attends school but the teacher is very strict.On Christmas morning, the girls eagerly look forward to a hearty breakfast. But Mrs. March sends word that she is helping a poor family with several children. The girls decide to take their breakfast to the family. As they leave the house, they are spotted by their neighbor, wealthy old Mr. Laurence, and his teenage grandson Laurie. The girls aren't acquainted with the Laurences but Jo impulsive waves at them. Mr. Laurence remarks that the Marches were "once one of our first families."Sometime later, Jo and Laurie meet at a dance. He doesn't go to school but is tutored by young Mr. John Brooke. Jo and Laurie become best friends and soon he is the brother the March girls never had. He participates in their amateur theatricals, written by Jo. She wants to be a writer and has a studio in the attic.Amy is disciplined by her teacher and refuses to return to school. Marmee agrees as long as Amy will keep up with her lessons at home. Jo has a hard time with Aunt March because the old woman is very critical of her. She forces Jo to read dull books aloud, but as soon as she drops off to sleep, Jo switches to more interesting ones.Meg feels the family's poverty much more keenly that her sisters. When she is invited to a weekend at the wealthy Gardiners' home, her sisters and mother help her put together a suitable wardrobe. Aunt March is visiting and insists that Meg must marry well, so she can help her family. But Marmee wants her girls to marry for love, not money. While at the Gardiners', Meg discovers that her "best dress" is far too simple. Sallie Gardiner offers to loan her a dress for the dance and along with her maid, transforms Meg into a fashionable girl. Laurie attends the party but is put off by Meg's face paint and low-cut dress. When she begins drinking champagne, he stops her and she storms off. Later he apologizes and Meg admits to feeling like a fool. When she sprains her ankle, Laurie packs it in snow and gives her a ride home in his carriage.Amy often feels left out when Meg and Jo go places with Laurie. She is furious when Jo refuses to let her tag along to the theater. While Jo is gone, Amy burns all her writings. When Jo discovers the damage, she vows she will never speak to her sister again. Marmee advises not letting the sun go down on her anger, but Jo is unrelenting. Then Amy falls through the ice while skating and nearly drowns. Jo is very sorry for her actions and vows to keep a tight rein on her temper.A telegram arrives with grim news. Mr. March is gravely ill in a field hospital. Marmee must go to him at once and sends Jo to borrow the train fare from Aunt March. Not wanting to endure her aunt's criticiscm, Jo sells her long hair instead. The Laurences come to the family's aid. Mr. Brooke offers to escort Marmee, which pleases Meg. It is obvious that they are in love with each other.While Marmee is away, Beth falls ill with scarlet fever. Mr. Laurence sends for a doctor, who advises that Marmee come home. Meg and Jo care for Beth as best they can, but she doesn't really improve until her mother arrives. Unknown to the family, the illness has weakened Beth's heart. On Christmas Eve, Beth is allowed downstairs for the first time and Mr. March returns home. Mr. Laurence gives Beth the piano that belonged to his own daughter, who died many years earlier. Meg and John announce their engagement, but it is another three years before they marry.The story picks up with Meg and John's wedding. Beth is now a semi-invalid. She tires easily but never complains. Amy has taken Jo's place as a companion to Aunt March. Jo's writings are now selling but she is not satisfied. She longs for excitement and adventure. After the wedding, she goes for a walk with Laurie. He proposes marriage, which she refuses because she doesn't think they are suited to each other. After an emotional scene, Laurie stalks off. Later he goes to Europe, which has always been Jo's dream.When Aunt March announces she is taking Amy to Europe with her, Jo is heartbroken. Marmee suggests she stretch her wings by taking a job away from home. Jo finds a position as governess in New York City. Her charges are the children of a boarding house owner. She meets Fritz Bhaer, a professor from Germany who is raising his two nephews. He is much older than Jo. When he discovers that she loves music, he invites her to an opera. He can't afford tickets but the stage manager is a friend of his and gives them seats backstage. Jo confides in Mr. Bhaer that she is selling her stories to magazines and newspapers of doubtful repute. He is alarmed by this and urges her to stop. But the pay is good and Jo is able to send money home for Beth's medical care. Mr. Bhaer reads one of her stories and pronounces it terrible. Jo is hurt and offended. Before she can confront him, she receives a telegram. Beth is very ill and won't live much longer. Jo instantly sets out for home.On arriving home, Jo discovers that Meg is several months' pregnant. When asked why she didn't write to Jo with the news, Meg replies primly that one doesn't speak of such things. Jo takes care of Beth until her death. The family is devastated, especially since there was no time to send for Amy.In Europe, Amy is taking a painting class and enjoying a romance with one of Laurie's wealthy friends, Fred Vaughn. Laurie comes to their hotel but Amy is put off by his attitude. She thinks he is running with a wild crowd and wasting his grandfather's money. He privately asks Aunt March if Amy and Fred are engaged. She says not yet. Laurie flirts with Amy and tries to kiss her but she won't let him. He asks her not to rush into an engagement she may later regret and departs for London.Meanwhile, Jo is regretting having refused Laurie's proposal. When she writes with the news of Beth's death, she asks him to come home. But Laurie only reads the first few lines before rushing off to be with Amy in her time of sorrow. Luckily she has refused Fred's proposal and before long she and Laurie fall in love. She wants to go home but Aunt March is too ill to travel.Jo begins writing a novel based on her family. She titles it "My Beth" and sends it to Professor Bhaer. He in turns sends it to a publisher, who accepts it. Jo is ecstatic and can't wait for Laurie to return home so she can tell him the good news. But when he arrives, he brings a wife -- Amy! Jo tries to cover her shock as the two explain that they were married several weeks earlier. After a while she realizes it is right and is able to congratulate them.Aunt March dies and leaves Jo her estate consisting of a large house and several acres. Jo decides to open a school for orphans.Professor Bhaer unexpectedly arrives during a family get-together. He thinks Jo and Laurie are married but is relieved when Jo explains that is not the case. In a few weeks he is leaving for the west to accept a position at a college. Impulsively he proposes to Jo and she accepts. They kiss as the rain pours down around them.

Tags: dramatic, romantic

Review:
Though some may argue that the older classic versions of Little Women with Katherine Hepburn and June Allison may be better because it sticks to the book, this is the only version that captures the spirit of the book.Though the filmmakers took license to cut away certain specifics, the end result is an absolutely gorgeous film that stands on it's own completely.
One would be able to watch this film without ever having read or known the book and seen it as it's own film.The film thrives on small scenes and nuances, moments of person to person contact, production design and cinematography, the all important score (which adds a great deal to the film).
"Little Women" is a gem of a movie, encompassing comedy, drama, and romance into one well-made film that is true to Louisa May Alcott's literary classic.
Ryder carried the film beautifully, and much of its success is due to her.Trini Alvarado made a very pretty and convincing Meg, the dependable older sister, although she is not so set on marrying for money as she is in the book.
For her performance as the spoiled youngest sister, Amy, the very young Kirsten Dunst showed remarkable potential, and brought humor to the character.Christian Bale as Laurie was everything the "boy next door" should be: handsome, kind, and charming.
Susan Sarandon played a wonderful Marmee, supportive and loving towards her girls.Another thing I would recommend is the soundtrack to this movie, composed by Thomas Newman, which has some gorgeous music on it.10/10.
Great ensemble as well: Susan Sarandon, Christian Bale, Claire Danes (at 14, believe it or not), Eric Stoltz, Kirsten Dunst, Trini Alvarado, Susan Wickes, Gabriel Byrne all of them are incredible, and fit perfectly.And if you can get through Beth's death scene without crying, you're pretty tough.
When I saw Little women I noticed I had seen my favourite movie, I could not believe  a film where my favourite actors played together in one of the most beautiful stories ever written.
But all of them where great, it also has a wonderful score, one of the most beautiful soundtracks I`ve ever heard, Thomas Newman did an excellent job, the script, made by Robin Swicord,is very loyable to the book by Louisa May Alcott.This film is beautiful in all its aspects, it was excellent the friendship and collaboration between all the actors, and for the first time most of them were played by actors of the same age as their fictional characters.
The character of Jo has influenced me a lot, and I adore her, Winona Ryder did the best performance of his career, Christian Bale is the best Laurie I`ve ever seen, he did it great, he was so credible, it is difficult to understand why Jo refuses his marriage proposals, he was her perfect husband.
Susan Sarandon was brilliant like Marmee, and I think Claire Danes does an inolvidable performance, a bit ignored after the movie was realised.
Trini Alvarado  is excellent like Meg. Not only the performances, but all the team that worked in the movie did a great job, the costumes were beautifully designed, the cinematography was brilliant.
at least, what I have to say is that this movie has influenced me a lot, all the characters were lovely , the strength of Jo, her dreams of being a writter(I want to be a writer too), her way of think, her beauty,her power.
The rest of you .....don't miss it.If there are 10 things you have to do before you die reading the book and watching the film must be on that list.The title LITTLE WOMEN is nice but gives you the wrong idea.
And there's a lot of snow in "Little Women", but it is not a film about Christmas or snowy weathers; it is about five women and how each of them face that exhilarating journey called life.The letter mentioned above comes from the girls' father, who is in War. At that time, daughters weren't used to say "dad"; "father", they called him.
"I wish I didn't have to work for great aunt March", Jo (Winona Ryder) complained.Beth (Claire Danes), talented, quiet and always uninspiring, is asked: "What is your wish for Christmas?".
When they first kiss, you can tell that Jo wants it, and you instantly feel bad for Laurie, because you think he is Jo's fate; but many of the girls' fate is betrayed and things don't always turn out right at the end of the road.Tragedies and moments of great happiness follow in the life of the Marches; uncertainties and twists.
However, screenwriter Robin Swicord adapted the story so it could look general and Gillian Armstrong directed it with no focus on any specified character in this wonderful, marvelous movie.Nevertheless, it was Winona Ryder's name the only one before the film's title in the credits, and it was her performance the one that shocked everyone the most.
It is handsomely mounted if a little dull.Set in Massachusetts, the film follows the lives and loves of the four March sisters during and after the Civil war.Susan Sarandon plays their strong willed mother.Christian Bale shines as neighbour Laurie who has a torch for Jo (Winona Ryder) but she rejects his marriage proposal.
In later years he falls for and marries the younger sister Amy.Meanwhile Jo becomes a writer in New York and falls for a German professor Friedrich Bhaer played by Gabriel Byrne who seemed to have arrived in America having spent some time in Dublin judging by the accent.Gillian Armstrong has made a leisurely paced elegant film with a modern, feminist spin.
The only reason this dreadful version of a much loved book even garnered a four from me is because the scenery itself was beautiful, and the actual Orchard House where the Alcotts lived was incorporated into the filming.This in no way touches on the depth of character from Louisa May Alcott's book, in fact it's so bad that when certain important events occur...don't want to give anything away here concerning the plot...one is left wondering why they should care.
The acting itself was wooden--Winona Ryder makes a horrible Jo, and Claire Danes as Beth was truly pitiful--the script did not flow or introduce any of the wonderful aspects of character that was found in the book, or the movie version starring Margaret O'Brien, Elizabeth Taylor, and June Allyson.
Watching this film, one does not know that Meg pines away for riches because the family used to be wealthy, and she has never forgotten having the "little luxuries." One does not know that Beth spent a great deal of her time next door at the Lawrence's and was such a beautiful piano player.
In general, I don't like film remakes of books, but this is a great exception, because this movie is a complete masterpiece.
It follows the March girls - Amy, Beth, Meg, and Jo - through their lives and loves.Kirsten Dunst's performance at a young age was brilliant for someone so young, and she was perfect to play Amy. She was a clever and funny girl in the book, and this came across really well in Kirsten's acting.
It was so heart-wrenching, and I feel that the petals on the bed were a good touch to it.The whole story of Little Women - whether it be film or literary - is a masterpiece..
In Little Women the March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy move through their lives in post Civil War Concord to coming out parties, New York City, Europe, marriage, and the great hereafter.
This movie is a beauty.With Winona Ryder as Jo March, Trini Alvarado as Meg March, Claire Danes as Beth March, Kirsten Dunst as the younger Amy March, Samantha Mathis as the older Amy March, Susan Sarandon as Marmee and Florence Patterson as Hannah.
I think it was hard making this movie because most of the movies what are books retold in to movie are very hard to make and they are usually bad like when I saw Little Women I was like well look at the next bad movie in the world but then I watched it and I loved it I told all my friends about it and they liked it too.
Sarandon(marmy), claire danes(beth), and ericstoltz(john brooke) do an admirable job here, but I believe the true stars that make this a classic are first winona ryder(jo) who here plays her characterunlike any I have ever seen her play.
A little girl longing to fall in love and she does it with a grace and ability not very often seen in movies.Christian Bale(Laurie) does almost as great a job as winona ryder as hischaracter is one searching for purpose in life and love as well.
The magic of it lives on through these actors and children who never heard of it will hear of the name Little Women and maybejust maybe will be compelled to read the book after seeing the movie..
I have been a Winona Ryder fan for many years and think this is her best performance, she persists with the character with great dedication, Jo March is one of literature's most famous heroine's and you get the idea that Ryder knows that fact very well.
Trini Alvarado, Claire Danes and Kirsten Dunst are admirable as Meg,Beth and Amy - Alvarado in particular giving grace and elegance to the responsible Meg. The score alone should be praised to high heaven because it's as beautiful and heart-warming as the film itself, Thomas Newman's 'Orchard House' is like listening to a brass band in a shopping mall at Christmas!
I love all types of movies but where would we be without an occasional heartwarming, uplifting(at times) classic like this?Everyone was flawless in this but I must single out Danes, Sarrandon and one of my favorites Ms Winona!
My one gripe is the tad too cute acting of the angelic looking Kirsten Dunst as the younger Amy ; It's a respectable performance but it suffers at times from a tendency to ape the precious mannerisms of the 40's child actress Margaret O'Brien [ who ironically played the older Beth in the '49 release!
This was by far the best movie or TV version of "Little Women" I have seen.
And the life of Louisa May Alcott is a wonderful story in itself, worthy of an original movie, about life with her quirky father and their residence in the experimental community Fruitlands, relationships with her literary neighbors in Concord, service as a nurse in the Civil War, and her writing career--which involved much more than children's books.
If you ask me, the March women (Winona Ryder, Trini Alvarado, Samantha Mathis, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Mary Wickes, and Susan Sarandon) did a good job of doing just that.
Overview: Plot: Excellent Characters: Excellent Reasons to Watch: Louisa May Alcott's Greatest treasure was Little Women, even though she declined writing the book at first.
This film is a great treasure, beautifully done with an all star cast featuring academy award winner Susan Sarandon, Wynona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes and Christian Bale.Basic Plot: During Civil War America, Abigail "Marmee" March (Sarandon) and her four Daughters, Passionate Meg (Trini Alvarado), Spirited writer Jo (Ryder), fragile musician Beth (Danes) and Romantic artist Amy (Dunst and Samantha Mathis) try to get by while learning the lessons of life's agony and love's magic.Favorite Character: Jo (Wynona Ryder), because she is an independent writer who is never afraid to speak her mind.10/10.
Based on the novel by  Louisa May Alcott," Little Women" is of  my favorite stories and movies.
It is also slightly messier after the first hour, but all in all - the film is great and you go through a lot of emotions watching it, I love all the characters (just not overly excited about the professor and grown up Amy).
I had seen a few bits of this movie on TV recently so decided to get the DVD from my public library.The story is semi-autobiographical and in fact at the end Jo has published her book titled "Little Women".
Their dad is still in the military in Civil War times, their mother, played by Susan Sarandon, runs the household.The oldest sister is Trini Alvarado as Meg March, 11-yr-old Kirsten Dunst is Amy March.
There is a great sense of family and belonging.Great performances by an all-star cast (just some of them weren't stars yet): Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Claire Danes (14 years old at the time), Kirsten Dunst (11 years old), Christian Bale, Eric Stoltz and Gabriel Byrne plus Samantha Mathis and Trini Alvarado.
One of the films that simply grab your heart's attention.Starring: Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Christian Bale, Clare Danes, Kristen Dunst...
I've read all the 'Little Women' books, a few times, and I really loved this adaptation.I can't fault it, as if I would really want to!Winona Ryder makes a wonderful Jo, even though she's not that tomboyish.
Sarandon, Alvarado, Danes, Dunst, Mathis and Bale are terrific and make the film a treat to watch.But I'd really like to focus my attention on Gabriel Byrne as the professor for a minute.
This is the third movie version of Little Women that I've seen and it does nothing to break the Hollyood rule  re-makes are never as good!
Before seeing the movie I thought the pretty, delicate Winona Ryder was an odd choice to play Jo, but the character's strength, fiery temper and independent spirit came across perfectly in her acting.
In a film with so many great roles for girls and women it would be easy for the men to be overshadowed, but Christian Bale as Laurie and Gabriel Byrne as Professor Bhaer were just wonderful.
I had a hard time understanding how on earth Jo could refuse to marry Laurie, but I had no trouble at all understanding her falling in love with the professor, despite the age difference (OK, I admit, that may have something to do with my finding Gabriel Byrne incredibly attractive.) The only thing I thought was rather jarring about the movie was Eric Stoltz as John Brooke.
A young Christian Bale plays Laurie, the boy next store.This is a beautiful movie which the entire family will enjoy especially at Christmas..
Winona Ryder was excellent as the beautiful and high-spirited Jo. The story was a portmanteau: there were three different love affairs which were resolved at the end of the movie.
Winona Ryder shines as Jo, Trini Alvarado is demure and beautiful as Meg, Claire Danes breaks your heart as Beth while Kirsten Dunst is a star in her own right as mischievous Amy. Susan Sarandon makes us all wish she was our mother with her heartwarming portrayal of Marmee.From sisterly fights as girls to family bonds as women, this movie will make you laugh, cry and every other cliché in the world.
The performances, particularly those of the wonderfully spirited Winona Ryder and the adorable Christian Bale, are nothing short of stunning and I found a great joy in watching the sisters with their Pickwick meetings, much so that my friends and I have enjoyed our time making Pickwick meetings of our own.
If absolutely nothing else, "Little Women" is a very good spot in the filmography of Winona Ryder, Gabriel Byrne, Trini Alvarado, Samantha Mathis, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Christian Bale, Eric Stoltz, John Neville and Susan Sarandon.
Gillian Armstrong, the director, based this movie on the novel "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott.
A moving film, if not a little bland at times, this is a kind of movie, that makes you wanna go AAAAAH AAAAAH, all the time because of its sweetness, a brilliant performance from Winona Ryder, but not enough of Susan Sarandon, she was cast as the mother a fantastic role, but really didn't have enough storyline to carry it through, most of the time she was just carrying logs or hovering in the background, but the fine acting and moving storyline about a group of sisters growing up during the civil war was enough to rate it 7/10..
The only exception so far has been "The Age of Innocence;" in "The Crucible" she was almost painful to watch.Claire Danes' performance as the angelic Beth is probably the best in the film, believable and endearing, actually somewhat better than Susan Sarandon as Marmie.
"Little Women" is one of those stories that movie makers are drawn to film anew after some time with a cast of modern actors.
The four sisters (Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Trini Alvarado, Samantha Mathis as older Amy) struggle to find love and their way in the world.There are some great actors here.
Little WomenThe key to raising daughters is ensuring you find a nanny who lost a daughter of her own to raise them.However, the sisters in this drama will have to settle for their own mother's nurturing.Amid the turmoil of the Civil War, the March Sisters - Meg (Trini Alvarado), Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes), and Amy (Kirsten Dunst/Samantha Mathis) - learn lessons in love from their many suitors (Eric Stoltz, Gabriel Byrne, Christian Bale).As Jo, Meg and Amy pursue their fancies, Beth remains at home with Marmee (Susan Sarandon).The sisters grow so distant that it takes a great loss to bring them back to Massachusetts.Although their lives unfold over years, this fifth and first-rate adaptation of the novel has a holiday spirit that rings throughout its family-centric plot-line.Incidentally, the highlight of the 19th century holiday season was always the annual ugly Christmas petticoat ball.Green Lightvidiotreviews.blogspot.ca.
Christian Bale is dashing and handsome as Laurie, and Trini Alvarado is a beautiful Meg. Claire Danes is a touching and compassionate Beth, while Kirsten Dunst is great as young Amy, likewise with Samantha Mathis as her older self.
I've also seen two other film versions; this one is really a superb adaptation of Little Women and Good Wives.