The Little Women- A Beautiful Tale

How many hours do you spend mindlessly scrolling past the endless selection of films displayed on the vibrant screen before you? In my case, it would be a great deal and it’s not something I’m very delighted about. In the same way, it was just another day of making an effort to find that one well-crafted or rather expressive movie until I caught sight of a poster shining in all its glory. Put on view were 4 rather attractive ladies and a bold title,” The Little Women.”

Set in the 1800s, The Little Women sits us by the fire at the 4 March sisters' small cottage hut in Massachusetts. For Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg there hasn’t ever been anything more important than a happy and loving family after their father set off for battle. It was pure bliss encountering this film as the portrayal of sisterhood was magnificent and really got me hooked to the screen. Living in times where the only role of a woman was supposedly marriage, it was not easy for the sisters to follow what they were passionate about. Writing a book, playing harmonious melodies, bringing colours to life, and acting one’s heart out was what they desired to do.

Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault.

Furthermore, the rich and enhanced details of the set and costuming took the realism ten steps ahead. Greta Gerwig, the director, bought together two parallel narratives into one to showcase how the sisters have grown through hardships. The best on-screen chemistry was most probably seen between Jo and Laurie - The March's neighbour- with such innocent and passionate love, bringing heart and swagger together. Although the film had some pacing problems as multiple scenes could have numerous intricate endpoints, it's really enjoyable for watchers to feel the message portrayed during the two-hour screen time.

The film also showcases selflessness and perseverance during times of desperate need and hunger; to aid those who might be in greater need. The sisters preparing feasts for the small children nearby while saving up for morsels to have on their plates shows that no matter how much one has, there is always some to grant to others. Throughout the movie, the sisters go places to find where they belong, and Jo finally makes her escape to New York to find her creative voice. However, it's not their departure that helped them realize what they aspired to be, it's their return back to the heart of their home that worked its magic.

Moreover, rather than just bringing us back to times of Christmas wartime where Alcott started her book, Gerwig introduces us to Jo seven years later; a wordsmith trying to get her words on paper in New York. The reshuffling of the plot makes The Little Women representational without the use of unnecessary acts or gimmicks. Throughout the movie up till the end, having a look at the March family reunited and accomplished sparks a fire in my heart and surely it will do so to you too.

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

-Amy March