Little Women Review (2019) - A 19th century roller-coaster of dreams, corsets, feminist sass and a dash through time!
Hello readers! We are finally leaving Stars Hollow behind us and we are venturing into the captivating realm of 2019’s "Little Women," one cannot help but be enraptured by this beautiful film! The adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic is a poignant exploration of sisterhood, dreams, and societal expectations. "Little Women," directed by Greta Gerwig, is a heartfelt period drama that delves into the lives of the March sisters, exploring themes of family, love, and personal growth. As we all should know by now, us potatoes love films like this!
We want to be candid and let you know that we have never watched the older film, nor any other media about this story, nor have we read the book! We went into this with completely fresh eyes and we were charmed by what we saw! The writing is wonderful! Louisa May Alcott's classic tale got a 21st-century makeover, and it shines. The narrative dances between past and present, weaving the lives of the March sisters in a way that's intricate and compelling. It can be a tad jarring initially, but you acclimate quickly to it.
Nonetheless, it is important to be aware of certain sensitive content in the film. Topics such as illness, specifically the death of a major character, which could be distressing for some audiences. Additionally, there are depictions of societal expectations and gender roles that might be triggering. The film also touches on the emotional challenges of pursuing one's dreams and the sacrifices that can come with such pursuits. Approach the film with caution, especially if sensitive to themes of loss, societal pressures, and the complexities of familial relationships.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Civil War, focusing on the lives of the four March sisters and their dreams, struggles, and aspirations. Let's dive into the delightful whirlwind that is “Little Women!” We will do everything we can to not give too many spoilers in this review but there are likely to be some, so please take that into consideration and read cautiously.
We open with Jo March (Saoirse Ronan), standing outside what appears to be a publishing house. She walks in and speaks with the owner about a story that a “friend” wrote that he may consider publishing. He is not fooled by the “friend” story, but he is willing to read her story, and decides that, with some cuts and edits, he is willing to publish it.
Excited and relieved, Jo runs back through the streets of New York to the boarding house where she stays. She immediately goes to the fireplace with her notebook and starts writing down a note. Her dress catches fire! But with the help of a fellow boarder, Frederic, she manages to put out the flames on her dress.
The owner of the boarding house has two daughters that Jo tutors, and she urges her to get on with it as the children are waiting. Frederic comments that she is always working, and she tells him simply that it is up to her to keep the family afloat at this time, so making money is the goal.
The film has a rather non-linear structure, it weaves between the past, the present, and between the various sisters. We cut to Amy March (Florence Pugh) in Paris, France practicing her painting. We personally think her paintings are lovely, and that she has a lot of talent, but she is dissatisfied with her work. Not stylized enough? We think that if she spent more time on it that she would develop well as an artist, but Amy is impatient.
Cut to a scene in a park, she and her Aunt March (Meryl Streep) are in a carriage being driven through the park. Amy is reading a letter from home, and again seems unsatisfied. She is concerned with the lack of information on her youngest sister Beth (Eliza Scanlen) who is ill with scarlet fever.
Amy is concerned, and expresses that she feels that she should go home, but Aunt March dislikes the idea. She reminds Amy that, “Beth is ill, not lonely.” She also reminds Amy that she must become engaged to someone wealthy before she returns home as well. Amy lets it go as she seems a bit weary of the conversation, and while she casually peruses the park she notices someone!
She demands the carriage stop, leaps from the carriage and runs up to a young man! She hugs him while yelling what has to be his name, “Laurie!” Laurie (Timothee Chalamet) embraces her and they have a brief conversation. Amy invites him to a New Year’s Eve party! She tells him that she will wait for his escort, and to wear his best clothes!
Aunt March looks at her disapprovingly, but acquiesces because it is “Laurie.”
We potatoes have to admit, (we cannot speak for the book), but the character Laurie is not one that we loved. We found him to be a rude, insufferable, overly privileged young man that thinks far too highly of himself while selling himself short all at the same time. But we digress!
We cut back to New York, Jo, and the present! She goes to a play, and joins an after party? Having watched the film several times, we are still unsure of the purpose of this scene. It’s cute and all, but it feels a bit random. Is it in the book? Let us know in the comments if you know!
We go back to the past! The party where Jo and Laurie met for the first time. Jo’s older sister Meg (Emma Watson) brought Jo along but because Jo scorched her dress Meg has urged her to avoid dancing so no one will notice the burnt hem.
Avoiding the party, Jo meets Laurie avoiding the party as well in a back room. They proceed to dance together on the outside porch area. It is sweet, but feels more like two friends frolicking than anything deeper…does Laurie get that though…we are not sure.
Alas they have to leave the party early! Meg had twisted her ankle while dancing, and Laurie offers his carriage to get them home. As a result, once they get to the house he meets the rest of the family aside from their father! Their mother Marmee (Laura Dern), offers him a warm welcome, as everyone bands around Meg to make sure that she is taken care of. It is a heartwarming scene that feels full of love, and kindness.
We are going to wrap things up from here! The March family home is filled with warmth and love despite their financial struggles. We witness the sisters' camaraderie, genuine love, playfulness, and their individual personalities taking shape. Jo emerges as the spirited and ambitious writer, Meg dreams of a traditional life with love, stability and family, Amy aspires to be an artist, and gentle Beth finds solace in playing piano. The absence of their father, Mr. March (Bob Odenkirk), who is away at war, looms over them, adding a layer of melancholy to the endearing, and sweet household.
Their mother Marmee, is a pillar of strength, providing guidance and instilling values of kindness and generosity in her daughters. However, Marmee, radiates an unrealistically saintly aura. This portrayal can be painful to watch as it speaks to the conventional expectations imposed on women not only during that period but that are still imposed today. The concept that in order to be a good person, especially if you are female, that you have to be all sacrificing, and completely selfless is a complete and utter falsehood.
Marmee is a wonderful person, but this level of destructive selflessness is not actually a realistic, or fair expectation to not only have on women in a general sense, but to impose on your daughters. It teaches the narrative that you have to be the put upon woman giving all of yourself to everyone else, especially men…leaving nothing left for you. There is nothing wrong with being a giving person, as chronic people pleasers, we potatoes cannot cast stones at anyone who is excessively giving or selfless. But, we can speak to the ramifications.
One of the main drawbacks to this is the risk of neglecting your own needs and well-being. Constantly prioritizing others over yourself can lead to burnout, resentment, and a decline in mental and physical health. It can be challenging to establish and maintain healthy boundaries, leading to overwhelm and exhaustion. When we consistently put others first, we can lose sight of our own goals, desires, and aspirations. This can lead to a sense of emptiness and unfulfilled potential, as personal growth and self-discovery always takes a back seat to the needs of others.
There is also the potential for being taken advantage of which we potatoes are all too familiar with! There will always be those who are willing to exploit selfless and people pleasing individuals, which often leads to unbalanced and unhealthy relationships. This pattern can perpetuate a cycle of dependence and manipulation, causing you to feeling obligated to continue giving, even at your own expense.
Acts of selflessness are truly admirable! Being a kind and giving person is admirable! Marmee’s cause is extremely important and we support it! But, it is so crucial to strike a balance that also encompasses your needs, self-care, personal growth, and the pursuit of your individual happiness and peace. Far easier said than done we know, but it is worth the effort.
Another good example of this aside from Marmee, is Jo's sacrificial choices! It mirrors the societal expectations that demand women relinquish themselves, and their dreams for the sake of family! Jo's journey might make her a martyr but it doesn’t save the day and it is not her fault. It is painful to watch Jo give up on herself trying to fix something that she cannot fix. We understand completely and we feel deeply for Jo.
Lastly there is Laurie. Oh, Laurie, the boy-next-door with a penchant for drama and self-absorption. His actions and behaviors are highly contradictory. One moment he is so rude, selfish and privileged that he is insufferable, and another he is goofy and kind. He is unpredictable and all over the place, making him a rather obnoxious young man overall. He struggles with boundaries, and understanding the difference between the love one feels for a friend and romantic love…and he makes this other people’s problem…sigh. We will say no more so as to not give any more spoilers! Moving on!
“Little Women” stands as a cinematic triumph! The acting is phenomenal, and the writing is fantastic weaving a tale that transcends time! Its veneer of familial warmth and sisterly camaraderie, hides a lot more depth than meets the eye. The film subtly raises questions about societal norms and gender roles. It prompts us to reevaluate the virtues of selflessness and challenges the conventional expectations placed upon women. It is a film that not only tugs at your heartstrings but also encourages us to think about intricacies of family and societal dynamics.
Overall “Little Women” is a fun ride and a feast for the senses! We enjoyed the film greatly and highly recommend it! It's got heart, humor, and enough sisterly love to keep you warm during these cold months. If you are someone that enjoys stories of love, loss, sisterly camaraderie and the quest for self-discovery then this is the movie for you! Cheers to “Little Women” and most importantly cheers to you!
We give Little Women 4 out of 5 glasses of Holiday Punch!
The Little Women (2019) Drinking Game
Take a sip anytime:
1. Anyone mentions Marriage
2. Anyone says the word "married", unmarried, engaged, engagement, etc.
3. Amy paints, draws or mentions being an artist
4. The March sisters share a heartfelt moment
5. The March sisters bicker or fight
6. Mr. March, “Father” is mentioned
7. Beth talks about music
8. Jo writes or mentions writing
9. Meg expresses concern about finances
10. Laurie's unrequited love for Jo is evident or annoying
11. Marmee gently chides her daughters
12. There’s a family gathering or celebration
13. There's a scene in the attic
14. There's a time jump
15. There's a scene in the attic
What did you think? Did you like the movie? Did you hate it? What movies should we watch? Any and all thoughts are welcome! Let us know here in the comments and always remember to be safe and drink responsibly!