‘Little Women’ leaves big impact

Jaden Fields
Junior Editor

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson in a scene from “Little Women.” Photo by Wilson Webb/Sony Pictures/TNS

Based on the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott, the 2019 film, directed by Greta Gerwig, “Little Women” took to theaters Dec. 25, bringing in $113.6 million.

Bringing in an estimated $16.5 million its first three days in theaters, and holding a 95 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Little Women” proved itself as a satisfactory film for lovers of the classic and movie goers in general.

Following the lives of four sisters, both through flashbacks and at the current time, the film tells a tale of familial and community unity, showing the hardships that the women must face.

The Oscar nominee for best picture features phenomenal acting, a powerful performance given by all cast members allowing for not a single dull moment on the screen.

The eldest sister, Meg (Emma Watson), is the most responsible of the sisters. She is the sister who seems to best fit the time period, wishing to marry a wonderful man, raise children and live as a housewife.

Beth, (Eliza Scanlen) is more reserved, and blessed with a musical talent.
Amy, (Florence Pugh), is among the most sensitive of the sisters, easy to upset and incredibly dramatic.

Lastly, Jo, (Saorise Ronan) is an intelligent independent writer.

While all the sisters had gone on to lead their own separate lives in different areas, Jo living in New York and Amy living in Paris studying art under the care of their intense great aunt, the family is driven back together through the illness of their sister Beth.

The cast is a who’s who of popular actors in Hollywood. Representing the younger generation is Timothée Chalamet, portraying Laurie Laurence, the dashing rich heir who is in love with Jo. The film also includes popular older actors, like six-time Golden Globe award winner Meryl Streep who portrays Aunt March, and five-time Golden Globe Award winner Laura Dern portraying Mary March, the girls’ mother.

The chemistry all characters display on screen is moving and convincing, creating an accurate portrayal of youth and family. One of the more fun-filled scenes portrays Jo (Ronan) and Laurie (Chalamet), wildly dancing outside a proper ball, showing the innocence and excitement of youth.

Upon talk of the film, fans were rather skeptical of the creation, as there already have been several film adaptations of the novel created.

While this is true, all the major “Little Women” film adaptations seem to take their own unique twist on the movie. They all tend to lean towards issues that are particularly prominent in the world at that time, the 2019 version taking a more feminist approach.

The film is rated PG, and has a runtime of two hours and 15 minutes.