If actor-turned-filmmaker, Greta Gerwig, didn't put herself on the map back in 2017 with her directorial debut 'LadyBird', she certainly did so with her 2019 re-imagination of Louisa May Alcott's classic 'Little Women'.
It goes without saying that gerwig was handed a much bigger and better production budget for this movie, compared to the tools she had to work with on 'LadyBird'. From the magnificent all-star cast all the way to the impressive period piece wardrobe selection, every small aspect in this movie comes together to form a modern classic.
For those who are yet to see any retelling of Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women' or even read the original novel, you will be clueless as to what the story actually entails. The more gullible percentage of the audience may even assume that the story is in fact about women who are unusually small, and although that would make an enticing synopsis, that unfortunately isn't the case.
'Little Women' follows the story of 4 sisters living their lives throughout the American Civil War as they all enter the threshold of womanhood and the tasks that come with it. The sisters face a number of ups and downs throughout their journeys and are forced to make numerous decisions that are destined to change their lives.
The protagonist in this movie is Jo March, played by Saoirse Ronan, who could be described as a fictional representation of 'Little Women' author, Louisa May Alcott. As a child, Jo is fascinated with reading books and expanding her knowledge further. And as she grows older, becomes a writer herself, in attempt to have one of her pieces of work officially published.
Saoirse Ronan is excellent as the protagonist in this film, but not without the help of her supporting cast surrounding her. Florence Pugh plays an exceptional part in this film, as Amy March, the youngest and arguably most dislikable sister out of the four. The pair both received Academy Award nominations for their work in this film.
Elsewhere, Timothee Chalamet is at the top of his game in this movie. Stealing the show as Laurie (previously played by Christian Bale), the supposed love interest to Saoirse Ronan's Jo March. It seems that Greta Gerwig has a tendency to pair Ronan and Chalamet as opposing love interests in her films.
For anyone who feels as though they aren't intrigued by the synopsis or short insight into this film, you would be wrong not to give it a chance. I, for one, am no fan of period pieces as a genre itself.
But what Gerwig manages to do so well in this film, is direct it to a point where it doesn't feel like a period piece at all, in that the dialogue and rhythm of the movie are much easier to follow, as opposed to most period pieces.
From the outside looking in, 'Little Women' may just seem a story about four sisters and the challenges they face in every day life during the American Civil War. But there are deeper layers to this movie that ask questions about chasing your dreams and always trying to be the best that you can be in any given field.
Jo March says it herself in the movie: "I want to be great, or nothing".
Not only is this movie fun and enjoyable to watch, but inspirational to any younger audiences out there who are going through difficult times and need something to urge them on to be great at what they do.