The review:
Gillian Armstrong’s Little Women is my generation’s Little Women and it’s full of great performances and too much moralizing.* While everyone is batting a thousand, Claire Danes goes the extra mile, not only ugly crying, but also killing it in her deathbed scene.** I’ve never liked the bones of the story***, but this is still fun to watch.
The verdict: Good
Cost: Netflix monthly fee ($8.99)
Where watched: at home, in preparation for the Greta Gerwig version
Consider also watching:
- In Her Shoes
- The Virgin Suicides
- Frozen
- Sense & Sensibility
Further sentences:
*I mean, geez, I know how progressive Louisa May Alcott and her family were, but it seems like every time Marmee opens her mouth it’s to provide a mini-lecture about their advanced beliefs. My eyes were rolling.
**Pun intended. Simple words said beautifully, and the waterworks start.
***Amy. Brat with few redeeming qualities. Jo. Belongs with Laurie. Or at least a single writer. Anyone but that old guy.
Favorite IMDB trivia item:
While filming, Claire Danes was carrying a candle up the stairs and her hair caught on fire.
Update: an oral history of this film’s production, provided by the New York Times. Worth reading!
