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Little Women - Collector's Edition Customer Reviews (37 - 39 of 43 Reviews)

Capturing the Spirit of a Classic
Little Women was my favorite book as a child, and I still re-read it at least yearly as an adult for the comfort it gives me. I've probably read it 50 times over the last 30 years. I have also seen every filmed version of the book that I could, and was never completely satisfied. I held my breath as this version of the story rolled onto the screen.

I was enchanted. It was all there, from the scenery to the costumes to the characters. Winona Ryder perfectly captured my fiery Jo, Kirsten Dunst the vanity of Amy, and Clair Danes the real depths of Beth, without any of them becoming a caricature. I loved the way Trini Alvarado, an actress new to me, potrayed the earnest, wistful, practical Meg. The passionate, fun-loving yet moody Laurie was perfectly found in Christian Bale, and the only difference between Gabriel Byrne and the professor I've always imagined is that Gabriel Byrne is more handsome. Aunt March had more dimensionality to her than in the book (and what a joy to see Mary Wickes in the role!). But the spirit that Louisa May Alcott gave to her book was caught ethereally in Marmee, as portrayed by Susan Sarandon. She was the real foundation of the film, and expanding her character was the wisest decision Gilllian Armstrong made. Yes, some of the things in the film were not in the book, but they were so consistent with the story, so central to the March family philosophy, that perhaps they should have been! I never thought that my beloved book could be improved upon, but it has been in this film. I also wish to mention the sets, the cinematography and the music, all which added so much to make my imagined world of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy become real. Thank you to everyone who worked on this precious film.

Wonderful!
Louisa May Alcott's Classic novel of sisterly love is brought to life in a truly remarkable motion picture production.Little Women is a vibrant,lavish version of this timeless classic.The costumes,sets and acting are very well done indeed.I feel the films strongest point however is Winona Ryder's engaging portrayal of the storys main character "Jo".It's although Louisa May Alcott had her in mind to play this part when she wrote the story over a hundred years ago.The story of a young woman irevocably engaged in her talent and passion for storytelling and the loved ones around her.An acting triumph for Wynona Ryder!A great family film and also a film to enjoy with whoever you happen to be watching with.A truly inspiring Tale,I loved it!

Gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling!
The most recent screen version of Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women' is definitely worth your time and money. And it simply isn't enough to rent it occasionally; you need it in your personal collection.

The script is faithful to the book: although a few scenes aren't here and some details are a bit different, it doesn't take away from the charm, or the unique satisfaction that comes only from watching a great film. It's clear that everyone involved with creating the picture, both in front of and behind the cameras, gave their best efforts with very fine results.

The plot: The March family live in Massachusetts during the Civil War. Mr. March is away doing his part for the Union, leaving his wife (Susan Sarandon) to mind the roost and the four March sisters: sensible Meg (Trini Alvarado); plucky, tomboyish and brainy Jo (Winona Ryder); sweet, tenderhearted Beth (Claire Danes); and hilariously vain little Amy (Kirsten Dunst and later in the film, Samantha Mathis). The girls go through poignant changes together as well as individually and have some highly amusing spats. There's also some deep heartache (I won't spoil it for those who haven't read the book or seen the movie yet). Regardless of their troubles and circumstances, the March clan stays tightly knit.

Mrs. March takes a light feminist turn in this version of the film, and although it's something I could do without, it doesn't change the tone any. The casting is superb; the actresses playing the sisters compliment each other very well. And the hunk factor is astounding! Eric Stoltz and Christian Bale are just dandy as John Brooke and Theodore "Laurie" Lawrence, but it's Gabriel Byrne who really butters my toast! His Professor Bhaer is one of the best roles I've seen him in, and his scenes with Ms. Ryder are memorable and very sweet.

This movie has the feel and taste of a film from the Golden Age; it's refreshing to see a modern film that's truly entertaining with no sex, violence or bad language, and no flashy special effects to detract from the acting. It's a great movie for all ages without being fluffy or cheesy. You can feel the warmth and charm jumping out of the screen, making it impossible not to love all of the characters you meet, even fussy old Aunt March!

The bottom line: A beautiful little film to watch year-round, alone or with friends and family. Don't miss this one.

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