Little Women (1994)

"The best family movie of the year!  John Anderson, Newsday
"A classic comes to life with humor, passion, beauty and intelligence.  Joy Browne, WOR Radio

Editor's Note The fourth screen adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic 1869 novel, LITTLE WOMEN, is given a realistic and rounded treatment by screenwriter Jo Swicord and Australian director Gillian Armstrong, whose perspective emphasizes a feminist tone. The story chronicles the lives of a mother and four daughters and their daily toils during the Civil War in the absence of their father, a Union army chaplain. Winona Ryder (in an Oscar-nominated performance) is vibrant as Jo, the least conventional of the sisters. Christian Bale captures the ebullience of their neighbor, Laurie, whose company Jo enjoys so much it seems inevitable that they will end up together. Kirsten Dunst (at age 12) gives a fiery performance as the younger Amy, proving even more willful than Jo; Claire Danes brings a mysterious otherworldliness to Beth. LITTLE WOMEN, touchingly rendered, has many subtle moments and an appropriately moving visual sense to accompany the narrative. Susan Sarandon and Gabriel Byrne also star in this well-crafted film.

	Claire Danes
	Eric Stoltz
	Gabriel Byrne
	Kirsten Dunst
	Samantha Mathis
	Susan Sarandon
	Winona Ryder
	Louisa May Alcott - Based On Novel By
	Geoffrey Simpson - Cinematographer
	Gillian Armstrong - Director
	Thomas Newman - Musical Score
	Denise Di Novi - Producer
	Robin Swicord - Screenplay

LITTLE WOMEN is based on Louisa May Alcott's classic 1869 novel about a family's struggles during the Civil War while the father, a Union army chaplain, is away. Together, the mother (Susan Sarandon) and her four daughters face hardships, love, and grief while helping each other realize their hopes and dreams. The fourth, latest cinematic version of the much-loved book follows the adventures and romances of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March as they grow up and become young women. Winona Ryder was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Jo; other supporting players include Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Bale, and Gabriel Byrne. New York Times
"...Armstrong's enchantingly pretty film is so potent that it prompts a rush of recognition from the opening frame....[Ryder] plays Jo with spark and confidence..." 12/21/1994 p.C13

USA Today
"...Winona Ryder is a delightfully rompish Jo..." -- 4 out of 4 stars 02/17/1995 p.4D

Entertainment Weekly
"...[A] glowing new adaptation....Accessibly, appealingly contemporary..." -- Rating: A 01/13/1995 p.41

Los Angeles Times
"...Beguiling....LITTLE WOMEN brings alive the past so vividly but perceives it through a contemporary sensibility so acute that you have the feeling that you're watching life unfolding before you..." 12/21/1994 p.F1

Chicago Sun-Times
"...[The actresses create] the warmth and familiarity of a real family..." 12/21/1994 p.45

Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide 9 of 10
Exquisite rendering of Louisa May Alcott's Civil War-era classic about four devoted sisters who eventually have to leave their New England nest. A perfect cast is led by Ryder as the headstrong Jo, with Sarandon as that tower of strength, Marmee. Not a false moment or false move in the entire film, though purists may object to Marmee mouthing 1990s-style feminist doctrine. Veteran character actress Wickes threatens to steal every scene she's in, as crotchety Aunt March.

James Berardinelli's ReelViews 7 of 10
With rich, colorful cinematography (the Autumn scenes are especially vibrant) and a fine score by Thomas Newman, Little Women is technically accomplished. It's the performances, however, that make this movie special. Winona Ryder fashions a near-perfect Jo, Alcott's headstrong alter-ego in the fictional autobiography. Had it been demanded of her, the actress undoubtedly could have carried the entire film. However, this version allows the other sisters some development independent of Jo, and all the actresses hold their own.