Little Women : A Modern Take on a Classic

We all know the story!  Little Women, produced  by Main Dog Productions, is a modern take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. While the names are the same a good bit of the story isn’t the classic that we all remember. This is something that may be difficult for hard core Alcott fans. I admit that I had a little bit of a hard time at the beginning. After all, I love the book fiercely. It was one of my first “big girl” books I can remember reading as a child. The movie opens with a flashback in the March home that happens to be in New York. The book takes place in Concord, Massachusetts so you can see right away the difference between the two.In the flashback we see four homeschooled sisters creating a play  I loved that the sisters love for creating plays wasn’t changed. I think if that had been changed it would have changed the fabric of who they ultimately become as adults. Those plays are an important part of who they are and the lives they lead as they grow up.

Next we are taken to the present day which happens to be 13 years after the flashback. Jo is reading for a panel of editors each of whom pass on her manuscript. Again, similar to the book but changed a bit. There are more than enough similarities between the classic and the movie to  make you get the warm and fuzzies. The girls, of course, befriend Laurie. Who does live on his grandfather’s estate and of course the sisters and Laurie share all of their hopes and dreams. 

There are more flashbacks that were necessary but to be honest I hate flashbacks. one or two, okay, more than that and you sort of lose me. I hate them in books as well.  There are also, very modern, teen parties but rest assured the sisters all remain pure. I think if that had changed at all, their ingrained goodness I would have stopped watching on the stop. Another more modern take is Beth’s illness. She battles cancer in the movie which is something we can all relate to.

All in all this was a wonderful movie. I enjoyed it and will certainly add it to my collection when it comes out on dvd. Although, isn’t appropriate for young children. 

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Sisters—and dreams—are unique in their ability to inspire, encourage and change the world. For 150 years, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has motivated women of all ages to dream together and celebrate family. Coming to theaters for the first time, a modern retelling of LITTLE WOMEN brings a new generation together with their mothers, sisters and friends.

From girls playing in the attic to women living with purpose, the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy—are committed to always supporting each other. Yet, growing up sometimes means growing apart. An aspiring writer, Jo leaves for New York determined to publish a novel. In the wake of rejected draft upon draft, her editor challenges Jo to write about something more interesting—her family. When tragedy brings the sisters back home, sticking together takes on new meaning. As Jo comforts her sick sister, Beth asks for one thing: a story. Jo knows the perfect one … by heart.