Little Women

"Little Women" seems boldly untrendy in a film industry dominated by violent masculine fantasies, Louisa. M. Alcott, in the era of Sharon Stone and Courtney Love? Fortunately, director Gillian Armstrong and writer Robin Swicord seem rather unfazed. They introduced the March sisters to the 1990s audience, keeping all the graces of vanities of nineteenth-century New England intact.

This gorgeous "Little Women" movie adaptation graciously depicts the domestic routines of the March household. It paid careful attention to the smallest details, ensuring that the story about these four sisters and their self-discoveries would beguile us once again.

Actress Winona Ryder (as Jo) is enthralling — to the point that she knocked off the emotional balance. She is more seductive and fragile than the strong Jo we are so used to in the book. The sequence in which Jo declines the marriage proposal from her closest friend Laurie (by Christian Bale) is equally memorable. Most viewers are taken aback by her choice, since Bale and Ryder seem to be a perfect match. However, our disappointment proves that the film can withstand the test of time: the directors have integrated us into the March family and turned us into a member. We care about the characters, and we want to discuss their love decisions for the sake of their happiness.

Release year: 1994

IMDB Score: 7.3/10

Metascore: 87/100