2018 marks the 150th anniversary of Little Women by Lousia May Alcott. I have loved this book since the first time I read it! I have also thoroughly enjoy watching every Little Women movie that has been made. Several times! lol
Now there is a new Little Women movie!
Sisters—and dreams—are unique in their ability to inspire, encourage and change the world. For 150 years, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has motivated women of all ages to dream together and celebrate family. Coming to theaters for the first time, a modern retelling of LITTLE WOMEN brings a new generation together with their mothers, sisters and friends.
From girls playing in the attic to women living with purpose, the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy—are committed to always supporting each other. Yet, growing up sometimes means growing apart. An aspiring writer, Jo leaves for New York determined to publish a novel. In the wake of rejected draft upon draft, her editor challenges Jo to write about something more interesting—her family. When tragedy brings the sisters back home, sticking together takes on new meaning. As Jo comforts her sick sister, Beth asks for one thing: a story. Jo knows the perfect one … by heart.
Little Women: A Modern Retelling Official Trailer
The New Little Women Movie Review
Since I am a big fan of Little Women, I noticed a few things that bothered me about this new movie.
It is supposed to be set in harsh times, but they don’t seem to have it that bad off. I really noticed no representation of harsh times in the movie.
In previous versions, Marmie and the girls are shown repeatedly doing their part to help others. In this version, volunteering is mentioned, once that I noticed, but there is nothing shown of the girls and Marmie doing anything to help others. That was such a big part of the original, and subsequent versions, that it is noticeably absent. The girls seem wrapped up in themselves instead of caring for others.
In previous versions, Marmie was home every night, and there a was family life. When she wasn’t there, there was a housekeeper to take care of the girls. In this version, Marmie isn’t seen very much. She certainly isn’t shown with the girls every day. With no housekeeper, it seems like the girls are just on their own most of the time.
Another thing that was changed was Beth’s illness. Jo cut her hair, her one beauty, in solidarity to her sister Beth who was diagnosed with leukemia. Jo sold her hair to pay for the gumball machine she broke when leaving the hospital in a fit of rage after Beth was diagnosed.
There are significant differences between this movie and previous movies, and the book. I hope it doesn’t seem like I am picking this movie apart. When you’ve read the book and seen other versions of a movie, you notice differences. I don’t think that diminishes this movie, though.
Overall, I enjoyed this new Little Women movie. It’s an entertaining movie about family, friendship, love, and purpose.
Here, Clare Niederpruem, the writer and director, joins the cast to talk about this modern retelling of Little Women.
Little Women has a PG-13 rating for some thematic elements and teen drinking.
Little Women releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 28th, 2018.
For more information about Little Women, visit the official Little Women website. Follow Little Women on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
*Disclosure: I watched an online screener version of this movie for free in order to write this review. My opinions are my own.