MOVIE REVIEW

“Little Women”
RELEASE DATE: December 25, 2019
MPAA RATING: PG (for thematic elements and brief smoking)

Moviegoers received a nice Christmas gift with the theatrical release of Little Women, a film that pleasantly surprised me in its excellent writing and direction by Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) and in its execution by its terrific acting ensemble.

While the story has had various incarnations on the big screen (going back to a silent version in 1917 and releases in 1933 and 1949), this version nicely intertwines elements of the classic novel and other writings of Louisa May Alcott.

Some audience members may find the back-and-forth nature of this cinematic storytelling to be a bit jarring (it is non-linear, to be sure), the result is a moving experience with likeable characters and beautiful cinematography.

The portrayal of the four young March sisters and supporting cast is outstanding. Kudos to Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, and Timothée Chalamet.

Little Women should earn Oscar nods for both Ronan and Gerwig, if not for Best Picture.