Sisterhood

Little Women (1994)

This movie took me by surprise. I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. For a start, the story is prefabricated from Louisa May Alcott's 1868 coming of age novel of the same title. Inspired by familial events, Alcott conjured up a poignant story which defined the lives of many young girls. But not mine. I started this book twice and both times felt the pace was too lackadaisical. The characters didn't seem to have depth as their wholly selfless attitude was unfamiliar. I didn't care much for their opinions on social attitudes to their dress. Conversations like these were too refined and the sisters (except Jo) didn't seem to have much temerity.

I sound quite damning on the book, which is unusual for me. However, I am very glad I watched this interpretation of the movie as I feel that Gillian Armstrong updated the story, enliving the drama (without it becoming silly) and giving a certain boldness and frivolity into the girls.

The close knit community of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March is enviable as they delight the screen with their childish playfulness. Games like play-acting have been forgotten with introduction of technologies as a rememdy to imagination out of boredom. Portrayed by some of the 90's most promising - or already estabilished girl actresses (its so nice to see them together in one film); Winona, Kirsten, and Clare and lesser known Trini Alvarado have a dynamic relationship which like all, takes on many forms (friendship, jealousy, hatred, admiration). The story seems more able to be transposed onto our contemporary society than when reading the book. The characters are more relatable and I feel there is less of the facade of the 'Little Women' being upheld. Only later do they begin to conform to their roles as females yet this is subtle as they are more impactful during their vivacious lives as children.

I also must mention that Christian Bale :o plays Laurie, whom to me, in the books seemed more of a brother. Instead, in the film he takes on the role as this flirtatious but charming boy (next-door) who really is just a bit of a lad. Again - more relatable. Similar to Laurie, the audience is the extra member to the March family. Their events and opinions on experiences are related to us and Laurie. He makes coincedental cameos at parties in order to witness their lives, and give excuse for him to  embody the audiences' thoughts and feelings. His passions for musical composition and theatre helps to intensify the story as the (extended) family do have strong interests in intellegent things. Alcott promotes learning, thinking and imagination in a warm, nurturing way, as if it is the deliverer of inner wealth and a good-natured and mature personality.

As a historical recount, it is interesting to compare films of the civil war from the Southern perspective to Little Women's Northern perspective. This being a children's story we are cushioned from the images of horrific war. Moreover, the absent father who is away fighting, is illuminated as a hero, which is fair enough seeing as the North were protecting Afro-American freedom. This idea of liberty deepens the book - as repeatedly the most prominent sister Jo is defiant against the idea of marriage, and she wants to contradict the stereotype of the feeble woman which impedes females from becoming their idea occupation - in her case, a writer. Beth, the more frail sister is free to be herself and not have to live up to the social expectations, she is encouraged to stay more reserved and play the piano if she so wishes.

This film is successful as an indirect reminder that femenism has existed since the 1800s and before. Moderninty is also captured when Jo embarks to New York City at the commencement of its role as a bustling city of oportunity. I would say also that the American idea of the pursuit of happiness is discussed. Frequently the girls strive for ways to make their situation or the atmosphere in the area the happiest or at least most positive they can. This gives them some direction and proactivity to try do this. It is inspiring to the audience who may take their contentment for granted or on the other hand, too lazy to rise out of self-pity.

This film is genuinely sincerce, and uplifting. At times surprisingly sombre. It also has a perfect cast.

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