“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Amy March, Chapter 44, “Little Women”
Debuting in theaters on Christmas Day, “Little Woman” is the seventh film or TV adaptation of the classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott and first published in 1868. Directed by Greta Gerwig, “Little Women” is a coming of age narrative that expands the setting to both the past and the present to give more light to the actions of the March family.
Set during the Civil War, the four sisters Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh) and Beth March (Eliza Scanlen) have adventures that show their views of the world, ones that are different than the average woman. This tale centers around how the four March sisters grow through hardship.
Jo March, the teller of her own tale, expresses her fight through writing in love, in acceptance and in death. As the story transitions from the past to the present, Jo is better able to illustrate her emotions and finding out who she is as a person by the end of the story. Without pain in her life, there would be no growth in it.
Jo’s ability to take rejection, but not let it control her, illustrates her growth throughout the film. Wanting to give up when all seems lost, Jo is set back on track when she puts herself back into her writing.
Since Gerwig chose to tell the story jumping back and forth in time, I was obviously confused with the plot, due to the odd introduction of the characters and transitions. However, by the end of the movie, I believe this storytelling technique helped to increase the emotional appeal of Jo, and how she functioned as a person.
Watching the past of Jo’s hardships of loss, enjoyment in writing, interactions between friends and families, I felt empathy towards her.
Unlike other movies, “Little Women” made me cry and question whether I had lost sight of who I was.
This movie is a must-see for any audience that needs hope and reassurance that there is light ahead. Throughout “Little Women,” Jo taught me lessons about life.
Olivia Durr, 18, attends North Atlanta High School and enjoys learning more about life and others.
Check out VOX ATL staffer Noel Greene’s latest “Big G” podcast episode dedicated to the new film adaptation of “Little Women” here.
