Theatrical poster of the 2019 film "Little Women." (Photo retrieved from Sony Pictures)

Quarantine Picks: ‘Little Women’ as great now as it was more than 130 years ago

This is the first of six mini-reviews of movies and shows perfect for at-home entertainment.

The famed book “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott came out in 1886 but is as relevant today as it was then.

Thus, it’s no wonder that screenwriter and director Greta Gerwig, who was born and raised in Sacramento, released her own film adaptation last December, and it’s now available on Netflix.

The movie mostly follows the book’s retelling of Alcott’s childhood through the life of Jo March (Saoirse Ronan), who reflects back and forth on her life and her three sisters. 

The movie is written and cast well. Gerwig shows the difficulties women faced in the 1800s and, in some cases, face today.

Moreover, the film has something for everyone. Drama, romance and emotion are packed into two hours.

The only downside is the confusing storyline created by frequent cuts between the characters’ childhoods and adulthood.

Overall, if you enjoyed reading the original “Little Women” or watching an earlier movie version, Gerwig’s adaptation about strong, passionate and driven young women will amaze you. But if you are looking for a movie that requires less energy to watch, the time jumps may cause “Little Women” to fall short.

By Emily Asperger

Originally published in the April 28 edition of the Octagon.

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