Hi everyone!
Welcome back for another review from our very own One Movie Spouse! She was super busy at the end of last year, especially after assembling the troops to save me during Reign of Terror 2019. But she’s back today with a review of LITTLE WOMEN, Greta Gerwig’s follow up to LADY BIRD (Episode #161), which appears to be further cementing Gerwig as one of the best filmmakers of our time. Be sure to check out my review for LADY BIRD, but also check out a few other recent reviews from Amy, including CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? (Episode #594), BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON (Episode #595), and THE FRIGHTENERS (Episode #601).
Before the review, we’ll have a promo from our good friends Aicila and Erik from the Bicurean podcast. Every episode, they explore a different topic, looking for the underlying issues, and finding common ground whenever possible. You can find them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @bicurean, or check them out at bicurean.com. Be sure to like, follow, rate, and subscribe! They’ve been huge supporters of One Movie Punch over the past year, and we cannot recommend them enough!
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Here we go!
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<< BICUREAN PROMO >>
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Hello!
It’s me Amy, AKA one Movie Spouse, back after a several week-long hiatus. I’ve missed y’all! Happy New Year! :MWAH: I wish I had more hours in my day to keep watching and reviewing films. Thank goodness for my winter break from teaching to help me squeeze in a few films. Listen to my review, then catch me on Twitter @OneMovieSpouse to keep the conversation going. Let me know what “wild goals” you might be setting for the new year or goals already in progress. Welcome 2020! Here we go!
Today’s movie is LITTLE WOMEN (2019), the drama written and directed by Greta Gerwig. Gerwig adapts the classic novel and writings of Louisa May Alcott to tell the beloved story of the March sisters - four young women each determined to live life on her own terms in the aftermath of the Civil War.
No spoilers!
LITTLE WOMEN follows the four March sisters: Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh), and Beth (Eliza Scanlen), as they grow older and find their place within society. Each sister has a different vision and different goals for their lives, and how they see themselves when they get older. Even with their distinct personalities and goals, however, these sisters are united in their love for one another. Strong family bonds and service to others are central in this film.
What I loved most about this film is how welcome the viewer feels in the opening scene, and throughout the entire film! You become part of the boisterous March family with all their ups and downs, sometimes identifying with each of the sisters, and sometimes identifying with the excellent supporting cast, including their neighbor Laurie (Timothée Chalamet), Marmee (Laura Dern), and Aunt March (Meryl Streep). The film also has magnificent costumes and sets, creating an authentic and realistic feel. I eagerly watched every scene, waiting for more of the story to unfold, as Gerwig uses a combination of present time for the main story, and flashbacks to provide more details about each sister’s dreams and desires.
I enjoyed how each March sister’s personality was able to shine in the film. As the oldest two sisters, Meg and Jo attend various social events where they are expected to “behave properly” and take their place in society as married women. It is an interesting glimpse into history as Jo questions “her place” not wanting to get married, have a job where she can keep the money earned, and not belong to her husband, should she marry. I applaud Jo’s tenacity and independent spirit. I would have liked to see more backstory about the youngest sister Beth; the film was about two-thirds over before her backstory was featured. I cannot elaborate too much here without spoilers, but I would have liked more scenes with Beth, and less of Amy’s jealousy toward her older sisters, Meg and Jo. I would also like to see it pared down a bit; the 2 hour 15 minute run time felt too long.
LITTLE WOMEN is a coming of age film for the four March sisters. Fans of Louisa May Alcott’s novel and Greta Gerwig’s work are in for a real treat with this incredible follow up to LADY BIRD! This film is infused with love, determination, laughter, and heartache. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy in this film.
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% (CERTIFIED FRESH)
Metacritic: 91 (MUST SEE)
One Movie Punch: 9.0/10
LITTLE WOMEN (2019) is rated PG and is currently playing in theaters.
