I feel this SO STRONGLY. I am a person who re-reads all or most of Little Women every year at Christmas and SOBBED at the opening credits of the 2019 version. (Nothing had happened! I was just so happy.) The 2019 version edges out 1994 for me just a bit because 1. Florence Pugh as Amy finally fully realizes the Amy in the book. 2. A closer age difference between Jo and Professor Bhaer. 3. The vibes. (I teach middle school. Apparently it's all about the vibes.) I even loved the split ending in the movie, because it nodded to Louisa May Alcott's real life in such a genuine way while also giving the book purists a happy Jo ending. (Cue me sobbing at the closing credits so much that someone stopped while walking out past my seat to ask if I was okay. My best friend had to speak for me.) I LOVE your analysis and wholeheartedly agree--the two Little Women movies directed by men just don't get it.
The way I stopped everything I was doing and read this in my inbox because this is a conversation I've had (which will soon be online as an episode of my podcast!). That 1994 version is SO, SO formative to me, but 2019 hits all the right beats too. My only disagreement is I can't believe you forgot James Norton as Mr. Brooke (Grantchester fans know), but much like Emma, he's so underused in this.
Anyway, quit writing things I read too quickly. Books, blog posts, all of it. Get outta my head. <3
You definitely need to watch Detective Hot Vicar! I came over here because I'm trying to get through some older newsletter I haven't had time to read and I needed to yell about Detective Hot Vicar!
He is definitely underused but I think I understood that Mr. Brooks and Meg were really in love in the 2019 version in a way that I didn't in the 1994 version. Maybe that's my age difference but I think they really looked at each other in a different way.
I read that exact same edition of Little Women in 3rd grade for all the AR points! The 1994 version is one of my comfort movies too. I made my husband take me to see the 2019 version on Christmas Day and I loved it but haven’t rewatched it since, I think it’s time.
Little Women 1994 is so ingrained on my soul. I watch it every year at Christmas with my sister and my best friend or sometimes just with my sister if my best friend can't visit since she lives out of state. Laurie, Brooke, and Bhaer are all hot potatoes. I do love the Greta Gerwig version though. It's so META and the entire thing at the end where you don't know if Jo really did marry Bhaer or if you are just seeing a scene from the book she wrote is so clever. Did she or didn't she? YOU DO NOT KNOW.
I will also put my two cents in for the 2017 Little Women mini-series that aired on PBS. In that one Maya Hawke plays Jo and she's great. But the jewel of that adaptation is Emily Watson as Marmee. She shows so much anger and passion in her Marmee and I love it. Also, it's a mini-series so the story gets fleshed out more. Oh and Angela Lansbury plays Aunt March and you can't beat that!
" It was about family, and the pain of growing up, knowing that you’re only ever growing away from your siblings and your parents. Even if all of you are still living, you’ll never be together again the way you were as children." -- 🥺😭 excuse me I am going to go stare at a wall for an hour
I also immediately read this as soon as I saw it in my inbox, because it's my favorite book. I have that exact same book version, given to me by my grandparents when I was a little girl. I saw the first movie in the theater with my mom and grandmother. I agree, both versions are superb in their own way. I also really need to defend John Brooke and make everyone understand that the $50 Meg spent on that dress is a LOT of money - like about $1,000 or $2,000 equivalent today (yes, I've googled and can't find an exact answer). But, also, she shoulda gone to Sally Moffat's party and had fun without Laurie shaming her! Hypocrite.
I love your John Brooke defense! In both movies, he seems better than the book version (the whole jam scene!!!). And as a Meg, I feel for Meg. The girl just wants to have a good time!
I feel this SO STRONGLY. I am a person who re-reads all or most of Little Women every year at Christmas and SOBBED at the opening credits of the 2019 version. (Nothing had happened! I was just so happy.) The 2019 version edges out 1994 for me just a bit because 1. Florence Pugh as Amy finally fully realizes the Amy in the book. 2. A closer age difference between Jo and Professor Bhaer. 3. The vibes. (I teach middle school. Apparently it's all about the vibes.) I even loved the split ending in the movie, because it nodded to Louisa May Alcott's real life in such a genuine way while also giving the book purists a happy Jo ending. (Cue me sobbing at the closing credits so much that someone stopped while walking out past my seat to ask if I was okay. My best friend had to speak for me.) I LOVE your analysis and wholeheartedly agree--the two Little Women movies directed by men just don't get it.
Florence Pugh should've received that Oscar simply for rehabilitating Amy!
The way I stopped everything I was doing and read this in my inbox because this is a conversation I've had (which will soon be online as an episode of my podcast!). That 1994 version is SO, SO formative to me, but 2019 hits all the right beats too. My only disagreement is I can't believe you forgot James Norton as Mr. Brooke (Grantchester fans know), but much like Emma, he's so underused in this.
Anyway, quit writing things I read too quickly. Books, blog posts, all of it. Get outta my head. <3
I've never seen Grantchester! Maybe I should...
You definitely need to watch Detective Hot Vicar! I came over here because I'm trying to get through some older newsletter I haven't had time to read and I needed to yell about Detective Hot Vicar!
He is definitely underused but I think I understood that Mr. Brooks and Meg were really in love in the 2019 version in a way that I didn't in the 1994 version. Maybe that's my age difference but I think they really looked at each other in a different way.
I read that exact same edition of Little Women in 3rd grade for all the AR points! The 1994 version is one of my comfort movies too. I made my husband take me to see the 2019 version on Christmas Day and I loved it but haven’t rewatched it since, I think it’s time.
A perfect movie to see on Christmas Day!
Little Women 1994 is so ingrained on my soul. I watch it every year at Christmas with my sister and my best friend or sometimes just with my sister if my best friend can't visit since she lives out of state. Laurie, Brooke, and Bhaer are all hot potatoes. I do love the Greta Gerwig version though. It's so META and the entire thing at the end where you don't know if Jo really did marry Bhaer or if you are just seeing a scene from the book she wrote is so clever. Did she or didn't she? YOU DO NOT KNOW.
I will also put my two cents in for the 2017 Little Women mini-series that aired on PBS. In that one Maya Hawke plays Jo and she's great. But the jewel of that adaptation is Emily Watson as Marmee. She shows so much anger and passion in her Marmee and I love it. Also, it's a mini-series so the story gets fleshed out more. Oh and Angela Lansbury plays Aunt March and you can't beat that!
Oooh, I do love Emily Watson! That sounds great!
" It was about family, and the pain of growing up, knowing that you’re only ever growing away from your siblings and your parents. Even if all of you are still living, you’ll never be together again the way you were as children." -- 🥺😭 excuse me I am going to go stare at a wall for an hour
welcome to...the inside of my brain!!
I also immediately read this as soon as I saw it in my inbox, because it's my favorite book. I have that exact same book version, given to me by my grandparents when I was a little girl. I saw the first movie in the theater with my mom and grandmother. I agree, both versions are superb in their own way. I also really need to defend John Brooke and make everyone understand that the $50 Meg spent on that dress is a LOT of money - like about $1,000 or $2,000 equivalent today (yes, I've googled and can't find an exact answer). But, also, she shoulda gone to Sally Moffat's party and had fun without Laurie shaming her! Hypocrite.
I love your John Brooke defense! In both movies, he seems better than the book version (the whole jam scene!!!). And as a Meg, I feel for Meg. The girl just wants to have a good time!
I haven't seen 1994 version, but this made me want to! I do think Wynona makes total sense as a Jo.