Little Women

Greta Gerwig is a truly amazing narrator. Though the division of the plot into emotionally connected episodes prevented me from living the story of the characters as intensively and clearly as I would have wanted given the scope and the protagonists, it is actually thanks to that episodic arrangement and the time jumps that this intellectually demanding material never gets boring or suffers from narrative sterility. I must admit that at least once I didn’t know whom they were talking about, but otherwise I was thrilled with the natural heroines and their personal vicissitudes, the tasteful humour, the always brilliant Alexandre Desplat and the precise direction, which perfectly leads not only the actors, but also the tempo and the changes in character and motivational perspectives. And this is not about men as evil rulers of the world, it’s about the desire for self-expression in a world where men have the last word and are as indispensable as their own dreams and families. A funny and distinctive script, a wonderful Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh. 85% (03/14/2020)

I went to the cinema to see the advanced premiere of Little Women and I can honestly say that I couldn't have picked a better movie for the last day of the year. I’m not familiar with the book, but I've always loved historical costume dramas, and when I saw everyone who was going to be in this film, I couldn't wait to see it on the big screen. Little Women impresses with a strong story that may smack a little of romance at times, but it is so believably written and above all superbly acted that you can safely ignore that and lets yourself ride the waves of a story about four sisters who couldn't be more different. All the actors played their parts to perfection and in a convincing manner, whether they were main or supporting roles. In addition, I must not forget the beautiful sets, the costumes and Alexandre Desplat's unmistakable music. Little Women mixes elements of drama, romance and humour in an artful and unforced way. I applaud and give it both thumbs up! (12/31/2019)

This film’s greatest asset is the excellent casting of young, talented actresses who don’t yet cost as much as Scarlett Johansson, but can achieve at least the same girl-power when they work as a team. And, representing the older generation, Laura Dern and Meryl complement them nicely. It is literally a pleasure to watch all of these young ladies enjoying their characters and the beloved “girlish” material. They are just glad that they can be a part of it. I suppose Greta Gerwig also deserves credit for that, as she loves actors and has a talent for this kind of emotional storytelling. I actually dreaded it, and thus I was touched by it all the more. This is pure cinematic romanticism with an open heart. The chronological jumps in the story were confusing in places, but that didn’t have any effect on the emotional experience. Supporting actor Tracy Letts has had a great year, with his portrayal of a book publisher here to go along with the glowing role of Henry Ford II in Ford v Ferrari. (02/02/2020)

Through the avalanche of girls chirping and shouting, Little Women shot for sincere deeds, plot twists, or surprised tears. I sensed that the sought-after adaptation might enchant me, but that it would be a versatile spectacle that would soften the hearts of even the most hardened is a surprise of the most pleasant kind. Moreover, the entire cast is perfectly cast, and I would love to see them in all the upcoming costume dramas. This is, after all, a mutual chemistry that comes along once in a generation. (02/07/2020)

This story of four sisters coming of age in the mid-nineteenth century and figuring out what they want out of life is surprisingly relevant in the twenty-first century. In it, Greta Gerwig gives space to the actresses in particular, who certainly don't let her down, and she handles the touching and funny scenes with complete ease. An honest and entertaining modern adaptation of a literary classic. It's just a pity that it is perhaps unnecessarily cold and aloof in its first half. (01/30/2020)