Little Women

This Christmas the world delivered a gift to theatres everywhere, the new movie Little Women. It is a film full of family, love, forgiveness and loneliness. It is full of women uplifting women, heartbreak and passions that seem too hard to fight for. Little Women shows the effects social injustice has on growing women and the effects of the Civil War on families, all while adding humor and drama into the mix. 

Released on Dec. 25,, Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters: Jo played by Saoirse Ronan, Beth played by Eliza Scanlen, Meg played by Emma Watson, and Amy played by Florence Pugh. During the aftermath of the Civil War, the four sisters are faced with challenges ranging from unfair stereotypes to finding happiness in the messed-up world of Massachusetts. 

The characters are all sculpted from their own material, each being different than the other. Jo is ambitious and headstrong, trying the follow her passion for writing. Beth is quiet and kind. She plays piano for her family but fears anyone else hearing her talent. Meg is responsible and caring, watching out for her sisters even if it means giving up what she wants. Amy is loud and outgoing, and a hopeless romantic who feels unloved. 

Each one of these characters is played by a strong female actress. The film industry needs more movies with women leads, and Little Women gives us that and so much more. It shows problems with history that we still struggle with today and teaches young girls that they aren’t the only ones facing problems. 

Ronan gives a heart-wrenching performance during a scene where Jo discusses love with her mother. Jo talks about feeling love and giving love and the loneliness that she feels. As you watch the scene play out, you can see the emotion painted across her face and feel the emotion in yourself. When a movie has that strong of an impact on the audience, it’s usually never forgotten. 

As you watch the movie, you may get the urge to go home and hug your family. The March family — first created by Louisa May Alcott in her novel Little Women in 1869 — is made up of members who love each other unconditionally and look out for each other. The love you see between the characters is so strong you can feel it. The sisters are all so different but fit together like a perfect puzzle. It shows how we should celebrate our differences and watch out for one another.

The film uses flashbacks to show how things have changed in the family over time. The audience gets to see the struggles the family goes through and what the overcame.

Even though the movie deals with heavy topics and important lessons, humor is a big part of the film. The sisters are a goofy bunch who puts on plays and tease each other as young kids do. The humor increases the film’s entertainment quality and gives breathing space for the audience between heavy scenes. 

Little Women is a Christmas gift that I will always remember and use throughout my life. The film teaches so many life lessons of family, love, forgiveness and loneliness in a mere two hours and 15 minutes.