Little Women : An Exuding Beauty to Classical Literature

I remember watching Little Women as a seventeen years old. It was a very gloomy day in the midst of pandemic. I was searching for a new film with Emma Watson as a cast and I stumbled upon the story. She's my childhood crush ever since Harry Potter series so I never think twice to watch. I will be talking about the both version, 1994 that was directed by Gillian Armstrong and 2019 directed and written by Greta Gerwig. I would love to emphasize everything that I like about the two adaptations specially the dialogues and potrayal of the scenes. It was a magical experience to witness.

American novelist Louisa May Alcott wrote and published " Little Women " as a coming of age book. It revolves around the March ( their surname ) Sisters; Meg the oldest among the siblings, the prettiest and sweet natured women, who set aside all her monetary temptations and married for love regardless of poverty she would faced. Jo who is outspoken, strong minded and career focused women that dreams to become a successful author, the most independent and boyish among them. Follows by Beth, who is shy, gentle and the peacemaker of the family. She loves to play piano and dolls. Lastly was the youngest Amy who is ambitious and loves to be the center of attention as she is pampered as a child. She dreamed to become a great painter.

Marmee was their mother, the head of the household as her husband was away to fight during the civil war. She is a loving parent that guides her girls about morals and do charitable works with them. Then Theodore Laurence ( Laurie ) their neighbor, grew up with wealth. A smart, well mannered boy that sometimes can be selfish and spoiled. Lastly was Friedrich Bhaer a language professor in New York City that met Jo at Mrs. Kirke's boarding house. They are the characters that will make the story lovable, entertaining and will give new outlook about life. 

Little Women 1994 directed by Gillian Armstrong

It gives a great interpretation about the scenes and what the story is telling. I  was amazed because this was played with a good flow. The timeline of the story was well presented and show justification with the characters portrayal. It let the viewers see the different personalities of the siblings and their dynamics as a family. This version was played by Susan Sarandon as their mother Marmee, Winona Ryder as Jo, Trini Alvarado as Meg, Kirsten Dunst and Samantha Mathis as the younger and older Amy and Claire Danes as Beth make up an excellent cast. Christian Bale as Laurie and his tutor Eric Stoltz as John and the German professor Gabriel Byrne as Friedrich Bhaer, the film accurately depicts Alcott's perspective of how life appears to be endless when we are young and how we narrow down our path through a series of decisions as we grow old. 

The story was set at Concord, it was winter and snowy time for the family where they experience various scarce because of the Civil War where their father was volunteering. They experience poverty through the time but that did not hinder the family to become generous enough to share their foods with the other family ( The Hummels ) where they took care of. The siblings dynamics was shown off beautifully where they would do threathical plays and each one of them was expected to play. As the film focus on a life of being a women it doesn't hide the fact that they talk about fashion, their dreams and beliefs with their destiny about marriage. 

This scene where Marmee wrote a letter to Amy's teacher for hitting her hand speaks a lot. This version shows how outspoken the mother character was which the 2019 version failed to do so. " if you hit and humiliate a child, the only lesson she will learn is to hit and humiliate " this line is not just talking about the hitting and humiliating. This would like to tell more, that whatever action we show to the innocent childs. It is something they could adapt and think to be right in many ways.  This also show how Jo think about the situation on the later part of the story, she unintentionally do violence which  her mother tell her not to choose as it can never resolve anything. There are so many scenes that gives a great portrayal about Marmee's character. 

I cried at this scene, Claire Danes as Beth. I love how this version let her speak her truth. On who she is and what she wanted. Beth is a child who feel contented with her family, with her ways and in playing a piano. The dialogue she said “ Why does everyone want to go away? I love being home, but I don't like being left behind. Now I'm the one going ahead, No one can stop God if He wants me, But I'm afraid I shall be homesick for you... even in heaven.”. heartbreaking . She potray the dying character well. The scene where Jo just look away for a minute and when she came back to look at Beth she is already gone. I love how their closeness was presented and how Beth waited for Jo to comeback before passing away.  

I was momentarily plagued by the realization that Jo actually had a valid reason for turning Laurie down. She was right about everything she felt, even if she was considering Laurie to be his best friend. I can see how Amy and Laurie's relationship makes sense as the tale goes on. I adore that this version uses two actresses to portray Amy since it makes the age gap more realistic. Just like this scene, Amy's maturation is demonstrated by the fact that, despite her immaturity as a child, she is now focused on her goals and hasn't hesitated to confront Laurie about his flaws and the many opportunities and abilities he has wasted in his life. Amy was the person Laurie needed to slap him back to reality.

They complement one another. She brought out the best in him, fulfilling his need to grow. She managed to push him out of his visions. She helps him stay grounded and focused. Jo brings out the child in him, while Amy brings out the man in Laurie. Their aspirations and sensitivities were similar in terms of painting for Amy and music to Laurie. I found their courtship adorable and endearing. Throughout the story Laurie eventually brought out Amy's greatest qualities. She was starting to grow up and understand that having money was not enough. She needed genuine affection and a purposeful love in her life. 

" Reading your book was like opening a window into your heart " what a line !!! red cheeks and hard strikes against my pillow was happening on this scene and " Will you have me " is such a romantic words to say in a proposal. Its friedrich who offers himself to Jo. With this version love between them really resonate. They quarrel and have misunderstanding but at the end their love conquers it all. Honestly I love how bold friedrich, with her critics to Jo works. It makes her write something more from her heart. I fully understand why Jo chooses Bhaer as her only love. It clearly shows how her eyes light up whenever they talk about a topic they got both interest. They complete each other. 

In this version, Mr. Bhaer is accurately portrayed as being in his 40s when he first met Jo. She was perfect for Professor Bhaer, they seemed to be intellectual and emotional soulmates and he brought out the best in her. I can really say that everything about this umbrella scene is my favorite. Their dialogues are so romantic. This version gives justice to their love unlike the 2019 version ( but the both are great tho ) . Another thing on the story was when Mr Bhaer said " I have nothing to give you my hands are empty " doesn't literally mean his hands is empty , it meant that he doesn't have wealth or riches to offer but Jo grabbing Bhaer hands and saying " its not empty now " means that as long as she have him, she will be alright and that's all she needs. 

Little Women 2019 directed by Greta Gerwig

By fostering a reflective sense of nostalgia in the dialogue between this film version. It depicts into two timelines. Unlike the 1994 version where the chronology is at rest this one plays on a two paced timeline in regards with Gerwig's bold idea. Her well-structured sequence of flashbacks and present scenes makes the viewers watched the film in much focus manner. Gerwig rewrites the narrative and switches between two timelines , that one with the four girls as teenagers and the other as their own lives as young women. The movie is heartwarming and full of love but it also highlights the barriers that women face in achieving their goals and the legal restrictions that marriage places on them. With a strong emphasis on the lead character Jo March, Gerwig's film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel effectively combines with modernity. 

The movie was successful in letting viewers follow the characters as they traveled through time and it flowed extremely naturally. The retelling of the tale demonstrates Gerwig's skill as director and film adaptor, offering viewers a fresh perspective on literary characters and provoking on women's marriage and pursuit. I was amazed by how different feeling this film gives. The character on this version was played by March Sisters; Meg by Emma Watson, Jo by Saiorse Ronan, Beth by Eliza Scanlen, Amy by Florence Pugh. With their mother Marmee played by Laura Dern. Theodore Laurence ( Laurie/Teddy ) by Timothe Chalamet, John by James Norton and Lastly Louis Garrel as Friedrich Bhaer. 

Meg realistically chooses marriage throughout the story and married John Brooke who is not a rich man. Where in this time everyone is dying to marry someone who is rich. Meg is truly a brave one. I also love her conversation with Jo where she said " Just because my dreams are different than yours it doesn't mean they're unimportant " this line speaks to my heart a lot. I can really understand where Jo is coming from, they grew up together and the thought of seeing her sister getting married is actually sad and a happy moment for her. Jo saying " I can't believe childhood is over " is a slap of reality that the life as teenage girl will end because of marriage as they will now focus on becoming a mother and a wife to their husbands sacrificing everything they could ever have for. 

" I want a home and a family and I'm willing to work and struggle but I want to do it with John " I love how ready she is to conquer everything as long as she have John they get married and have a child name Daisy and Demi. On this scene Meg was explaining that she bought an expensive fabric for a dress when what she really meant was to buy her husband a winter coat this cause a small quarrel which led John to say " And I really am very sorry that you've had to do without so many beautiful things and that you're married to someone who can't give them to you " . Heartbreaking as he said but I love how their marriage let them conversing over matter. I love John throughout the story he did his best to provide every support he could give to Meg and her family specially on those times where Beth is sick and their father is injured from war. I know he wanted to give everything beautiful to his wife and their children. I really like that this version let the viewers see a glimpse of their married life and how they solve problems they face together. 

This scene is beautifully captured and portrayed. The two actors show the emotions with justice. This is probably one of my favorite scene among the other films I like, despite the frustrations, the hurtful words of rejection to Laurie. I still love how honest Jo in turning him down and explaining he should have find someone better. The confession scene was well depicted on this unlike the 1994 version. When Jo said " You'll find some lovely accomplished girl who will adore you and make a fine mistress to your fine house. I wouldn't, I'm homely and awkward and odd and you'd be ashamed of me and we would quarrel, we can't help it even now . I'd hate elegant society and you'd hate my scribbling and we would be unhappy and we wish we hadnt done it and everything will be horrid " is well explained. I love she spoken what she felt even though Laurie was being hurt but on the other side it breaks my heart when Laurie said " I'd figured out you love me Jo " because the truth is she didn't in any romantic way. 

The scene's bittersweetness. I can't place the blame on any of them, but it makes me feel something, like heartbreak. for feeling sorry for Laurie while also acknowledging Jo's perspective. It's understanding that Laurie was utterly enamored with the girl who appeared to be his perfect match and that he would be content with her, is willing to marry her and be happy with her. However, Jo just can't reciprocate any of that feelings " I am happy as I am and I love my liberty too well to be in any hurry to give it up " . It's the innocence of the moment, the impending hurt, love, and loneliness. Its beauty is enhanced by the way they speak over one another, the rapid escalation of movement, the frustration in their voice, and the surroundings adds up to its beauty. How Laurie say " I love you, Jo " when she is listing everything she felt wrong about her is so devastating, that scene kills me everytime. The way these lines were delivered was really polished. The chemistry between Timothee and Saiorse is undeniable. Lastly with this " You will care for somebody, and you'll love him tremendously, and live and die for him. I know you will, its your way, and you will and I'' watch " which Jo really did and it happened thats how well Laurie knows her. Overall this scene is both heartbreaking and empowering. 

This specific scene has been tattoed in my mind eversince I watched it. A goosebumps, a sense of womanhood strikes to my bones the moment Saiorse Ronan said this line. I adore her artistry so much and that adds up my love for this scene of Jo. However, the line was extracted from another novel of Louisa May Alcott titled " Rose in Bloom " as this 2019 version was revisibly written by Greta Gerwig but still I couldn't hide the fact that it perfectly fit Jo's character. The frustration and the angst of her saying the line of this scene is impeccable. “Women, they have minds and they have souls, as well as just hearts. They’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, just as well as beauty. And I’m so sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for. I’m so sick of it. But I’m so lonely” . She is saying it to her mother Marmee in their attic, as her eyes starts to form tears, saying it wholeheartedly and passionately. You can really feel what she is telling about and Jo is hundred percent right about that. 

Jo had always wanted to write and be an author. When she came to New York to follow her ambition, she was met with the harsh reality that all women in the 19th century had to face: finding a husband, getting married, and starting a family. It comes as no surprise that she never thought a woman should settle for that kind of existence, which allowed her to speak the words "but I'm so lonely." I can really relate to Jo, thus I can never blame her. Blurting out those words and revealing how tightly she's held her sentiments to finally acknowledge and utter them. Many people read Jo's statement about being lonely as an indication that she is looking for love, but in reality, what she is really feeling is that she misses the time she spent with her sister, and in an instant, it's all gone since they got married, moved far away, or passed away. She felt behind. The toughest thing Jo ever did was express how lonely she felt. It was more difficult than losing her manuscript, rejecting Laurie, or having her works criticized. Greater than all of it. I feel so deeply this scene because just like Jo, I believe in freedom, I love my liberty too well just to turn it down for any man and that love and marriage is something that every women should aim for, I'm deeply against it but we all now in this modern world how lonely it is to narrow down the expectations of the society vs. what you truly want. 

I could talk about this book and its adaptation for a very long time without becoming bored. I have the utmost respect for Louisa May Alcott's literary works and the skill with which each director tells the story with beauty and justice. I will always adore the actors who portrayed the roles since they were perfect for each representation. I am genuinely delighted about everything about these movies.  The background music, the way they act, the backdrop, the revised monologues, and the photography are all excellent. The narrative itself conveys messages about friendship, limits, beliefs, family, womanhood, sisterhood, artistry, romantic and platonic love, boundaries, nurture, happiness, nostalgia, kindness, respect, and self-love. It truly feels like a warm hug. I might sound exaggerating but that's my reality, its comforting and truly gives an endearing sense to the beauty of Classical Literature and even tho the story as many tells is a bit old fashioned knowing about written in the societal situations of the centuries ago. It still contains timeless lessons about life and the journey a woman takes to become an adult. Little Women fills my heart to the brim.