By Amanda Murthy
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has motivated women of all ages to dream together and celebrate family for 150 years.
Coming to cinemas for the first time, Clare Niederpreum directs 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 movie begins with the March sisters – Margaret (Meg), Josephine (Jo), Elizabeth (Beth), and Amy – swearing “under oath” to “always help each other reach our castles, wherever they may be”, even if they may own completely different characteristics and may not necessarily share the same definition of success.
Fearless and empowered in their own right, the girls never fail to champion through the challenges life throws at them with empathy, love and kindness – with the support of their loving parents and sisterhood bond.
Jo, is a passionate and aspiring writer who wants to make it big sooner rather than later so that she can buy a big enough house in the city – “to live comfortably with her sisters, eat out every meal, visit every country in the world, see every play, musical, and opera ever written”.
Amy longs for fame and freedom, Meg’s dream is to have a family of her own and to be happy and Beth’s wish is simple – to always be wherever her sisters are.
Yet, growing up sometimes means growing apart. 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.
Starring Lea Thompson as Marmee and featuring a talented cast, including Lucas Grabeel, Ian Bohen, Sarah Davenport, and Allie Jennings.
A heart-warming tale about loyalty, hope, pushing forward, overcoming grief and the importance of family will serve as an eye-opener or a gentle reminder about living life to the fullest.
Even though the plot remains true to the original heart of the story, the ultimate message of Little Women will guarantee to tug at a few heartstrings (in the fondest way possible) as it delivers a stunning performance.
You may even call a loved one when this is over.
The Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) rating is PG-13 for some thematic elements and teen drinking.