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Little Women (PG) ★★★★

Saoirse Ronan in Greta Gerwig’s LITTLE WOMEN.

Little Women (PG) Based on the book by Louise Mae Alcott Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

An American coming-of-age period drama written and directed by Greta Gerwig. It is the eighth film adaptation of the 1868 novel. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts and Meryl Streep.

The story is set in New England during and immediately after the Civil War. The primary focus is upon Jo, (Saoirse Ronan) a budding writer of adventure and crime stories, her mentor is played by Tracy Letts. As the seasons turn and years pass the close girls grow up in a loving and nurturing family. Meg, (Emma Watson) marries her former tutor Brooke, Beth (Eliza Scanlen) is bed-ridden with scarlet fever, and Jo, (Florence Pu) rejects Laurie’s (Timothée Chalamet) proposal. Marmee (Laura Dern) advises Jo to celebrate her independence. She moves to New York where she becomes a novelist under the pen name “Joseph,” and she meets Friedrich Bhaer a German philosophy professor whom she has an instant attraction. Jo eventually changes her writing style and becomes Louisa May Alcott.

The Bottom-line: There’s so much to champion in this beautiful film, for starters the fresh script and the acting performances of the cast. Saoirse Ronan is a standout, although her supporting cast is excellent. I must warn you, there’s a very sad part as in the novel, of which I won’t spoil the story here, just know that going in. Let’s just say I’ve seen the film twice as shed a tear both times. It’s a film for the entire family to enjoy during and after the holidays!

Check out my interview with Tracy Letts: https://www.sarahsbackstagepass.com/tracy-letts-interview-ford-v-ferrari-and-little-women-tiff/