Movie Review: “Little Women”

“Little Women”

Release Date: December 25, 2019

Runtime: 135 mins

Directed by: Greta Gerwig

Starring: Saoirse Ronan

 Timothée Chalamet

 Florence Pugh

Emma Watson

A disappointingly large amount of movies which take place about 100 years ago or more tend to present themselves in a way which many audiences see, often not without reason, as boring and pretentious. Watching some of these movies, it might seem as if people in centuries past were in a way separated from us living today. Sometimes it can be difficult to connect with these characters on a human level. 

Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic of American literature, “Little Women,” definitely does not have this problem. Of course, there is no misunderstanding regarding when the story takes place. We are clearly told we are in Massachusetts during and directly after the American Civil War. What I mean is this setting does not in any way obscure the humanity of the characters. I am not quite sure how to describe it, but it felt so real and relatable to me. It depicts the misguided jealousy, semi-playful rivalry and unconditional love which come with a bond between siblings so truthfully. Even though I have one brother and one sister, not four sisters like in the movie, I still could not help but to completely empathize with these characters. Even beyond the sibling relationship I have been emphasizing, there are so many things to like about and identify with in these characters. 

Though I have not read the novel, I can tell this is a loving and respectful adaptation. It is plainly obvious Gerwig cares deeply about these characters and knows them almost on a personal level. This is her second time working solo behind the camera, and she is definitely gaining more confidence and mastery. Her directorial debut, 2017’s “Lady Bird,” was equal in the deep resonance and relatability of its story, but “Little Women” seems to have more going on visually. 

The performances also work wonders to make the movie work as well as it does. Saoirse Ronin gives yet another outstanding performance as lead protagonist Jo March. Florence Pugh proves her range in her second standout role of 2019, after “Midsommar.” Meryl Streep is great despite limited screen time, though that should probably go without saying. I could list off essentially every member of the cast and praise them for their fabulous work, but for the sake of brevity, I will simply praise everyone else collectively here. 

If there is one issue I have with “Little Women,” I have to say it does stay a little past its welcome in the last 15 or so minutes. I cannot say there was any specific part which I felt could have been taken out, but there did seem to be a trip in pacing towards the very end. Other than that, I cannot think of anything else which particularly bothered me. 

“Little Women” is definitely in my top five movies of 2019. I would feel very comfortable recommending it to anyone and everyone over the age of eight or so. 

Drew Eckhart is a junior history and pre-law major from Edmond, OK. He has loved movies for as long as he can remember but thinks his passion really began when he watched “The Dark Knight” for the first time. His favorite type of movie blends comedy and drama seamlessly, and he loves great action films.  His favorite movie is “The Graduate.”

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