Little Women movie

Sara, I agree with you about Amy, I found her bit too mature, physically.

It is strange how a version of a classical book like this can play ducks and drakes with so many aspects of the original, but get the essence of the book so right. The Muppet Christmas Carol, has the same effect, a travesty of the book, hits the essence of it spot on.

When we saw Little Women there was a trailer for a new film of Jane Austens's 'Emma. It looked meticulously correct, except she is shown as living in a grand stately home, the kind you inherit - which shows a complete misunderstanding of her father and his background, and the actor playing Mr Knightley looked the same age as her with Byronic good looks, when in the book he is 20 years her senior - and this is referred to this several times in the book. Superficial accuracy can actually hide a deep incomprehension of the essence of the book.

Just seen it and enjoyed it, although agree time line jumps around and it helps to know the book(s) well to keep on top of it. Thought Laurie much too puny and Jo’s husband too young by about 20 years. Nevertheless it was a lovely way to spend a cold and damp morning.

I loved it. I could only vaguely remember the book so I think that helps. The scenery, settings and costumes were a joy to behold.

We’ve just been to see Cats and saw the trailers for Little Women, Emma and Great Expectations. All three are now on our must see list.

I'm looking forward to seeing it.
One of my favourite books when growing up.
Which of the sisters would you like to be?
I think Jo, but ended up like Meg.

Loved this film! Great characterisation, superb cast, wonderful photography too - every outdoor scene was like a painting.
Totally feel-good film

Fennel

I expect most of us would say Jo, but I’m afraid I was probably more of an Amy.

My dd2 and I saw LW this afternoon and loved it! They’ve wrung so much out of the book in order to made the characters more three dimensional. The time hops make it fresh and new and although I got muddled a couple of times, it soon became clear where we were.

I agree that Amy did seem a bit too mature (although she’s only 23 in real life) but her fleshed out character was wonderful. Timothee Chalamet is rather weedy physically but I thought you could see every emotion playing across his face - marvellous. The professor was a bit too young though I didn’t mind looking at him.

It’s a winner as far as we’re concerned.

I must try and see it. I really liked the Winona Ryder one. Susan Sarandon was perfect as Marmee. Can't believe there's another version of Emma coming out. I've only just been rewatching the Gwyneth Paltrow one.

Glad you enjoyed it MawB. I thought it far and away the best version I have ever seen. Did you need the tissues? Were you at the Errol Flynn?

Loved the film. Very different from the book as I remember and I was confused near the beginning when it jumped about a lot. However, well worth going to see.

Just seen the film tonight. Did enjoy it but would have preferred chronological order of book. It has inspired DGD to read book-when her finals are over!

I liked the BBC adaption the Christmas before last, I bought the DVD of that and watched it over three nights with one of my granddaughters, I may dig it out and watch it again.

It was beautifully filmed but I was disappointed. Why change things that were perfect in the books? For me the casting was off; Timothee Chalamet was not right as Laurie and why did Professor Bhaer acquire a French accent and lose about 20 years? The jumping backwards and forwards was confusing partly because all the girls looked the same age whether in the present or 7 years previously! So - sadly - it really wasn't for me. But it was sumptuous to look at and I think if you didn't love the books you would enjoy it.

Just been to see it, and really enjoyed it. I read the books 50+ years ago, and never ever felt tempted to re-read them. I thought the female casting was excellent but agree that Laurie and the Professor were not spot on. The time jumps worked for me, I think it might have been boring otherwise. The cinematography was superb. And yes, I did need tissues, more than once.

I really enjoyed it, but agree that it did bounce about too much, without indicating dates/locations, which was confusing. Really liked Jo, Amy and Laurie, although thought Beth looked too healthy . My sister didn't enjoy it and thought it was too long. However, she did like 'Cats'.

On looks I thought Meg and Jo could have swopped over!!

Saw this film last week and was confused to start with. Once i had sorted out what was happening with the flashbacks i enjoyed it. Pretty much true to the original story. Loved the portrayal of publisher of the book. After all, we have him to thank for this enjoyable story.

Saw it last night and was very disappointed. As others have said, the constant switching backwards and forwards in timeline was confusing and it was sometimes difficult to distinguish what was supposed to be a dream sequence and what was "real time". The characters never seemed to age from childhood to adult and Timothee Chalamet was just not right as Laurie imo!

Nice scenery though.

I went to see this today. I was very confused by the beginning and it took me a while to figure out which time frame I was in. The film was beautifully shot and I absolutely loved the costumes. I do agree with others here re the casting of Laurie and the professor. On the whole the film was a very pleasant watch and a nice way to spend a very cold afternoon. Interestingly a male relative of mine did not like the film. I must ask why when next I see him.

I hated it. Overly sentimental.

I saw it with my sister and loved it.

Given all the good reviews, I was surprised that I was disappointed. Too sentimental as GagaJo says.

I thought it was far less sentimental than other versions. Jo is a clear-headed woman trying to mark her way in a man’s world, aunt March knows exactly what’s what, Meg understands how her life will be but decides she’ll do it anyway and Amy is told it’s incumbent on her to ‘save’ the family by marrying money. That’s far from sentimental.

I always hope for a better ending for poor Beth, though!

I went Tuesday evening with both daughters. We all really enjoyed it. I did think the professor was too young and I thought from the book he was German not French. It did jump about but I remember the books well and kept up. It was quite long . DD1 cried all the way through!