46. Little Women (Not available to stream on Netflix – available to buy and rent digitally on Amazon Instant Video)
Here is the trailer for Little Women.
Spoiler alert! Little Women is the 1994 film version of the book by Louisa May Alcott – a number of other films had been created over time. The story revolves around the 4 March sisters – Meg (Trini Alvarado), Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes) and Amy (Kirsten Dunst plays the young Amy, Samantha Mathis takes over when Amy grows up). Meg is the pretty one, Jo is the tomboy, Beth is the quiet one, and Amy is a romantic who is very interested in being rich (as the family is not). Their early struggles are tied into being poor while their father is off fighting in the Civil War. Their mother, played by Susan Sarandon, is an early feminist, raising her daughters to be strong and independent, and not to be what is “expected,” but what will make them happy.
The titular Little Women and their mother.
As the story progresses, they meet the mysterious boy next door, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, the grandson of the rich Mr. Laurence who owns the house next door. Laurie is played by a young Christian Bale, who is very cute in this movie.
Laurie first falls in love with Jo, and later falls for and marries Amy.
The family splits apart a bit as time goes on, and eventually end up together again, back at the starting place. The film is very true to the book, which I had read when I was younger, and I’ve seen this movie at least 10 times. As with many movies, I’m not sure when I first saw it, but I always end up watching it when I catch it on TV.
I really love this movie and highly recommend it. I think the messages, told especially through the character of Jo, are strong messages for girls to not take on traditional roles just because they are the tradition. I can see myself wanting to share the story of Little Women with any future daughter I might have. Of course, I expect to make her read the book first.
Little Women is available on DVD from Amazon for $7.49.
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