Change Your Image
jennekaszmiett
Reviews
Anne with an E (2017)
It could have been so good.....
I was very hopeful.
The first episode was similar to the book. I don't think that cinematic representations of a work of literature have to be exactly the same, as the great Orson Welles said, it can be a separate work of art in itself. I was willing to accept if the show took some liberties as long as it kept to the spirit of the book.
The cinematography was very beautiful and enhanced the feeling of wonder and love of nature that Anne has. The sets and costumes were well done and fit with the times. Marilla and Matthew did a fairly good job portraying their characters.
Okay, that's about all I can say positively about the show. After the first episode it took off in a completely bizarre and overly (sickeningly) melodramatic direction. Anne is a very unlikable (nightmarish) version of the Anne we thought we knew, always SHOUTING and acting disrespectfully to adults. Yes, Anne is independent, strongwilled, has a temper, is ahead of her time, etc. but where is the sweetness and loving, imaginative nature?
Why is her trauma shoved down our throats? Yes, I appreciate what they were trying to do, raising our awareness of the suffering Anne probably did endure, but it's all so overblown and dark. The beauty of the original story is that it is assumed that we are intelligent human beings who don't need everything to be so blasted explicit.
The episode with Anne saving the day during the house fire while all the stupid adults stand around outside??????!!!!!! Ugh, don't get me started. The ridiculous plot when evil robbers come to board at the Cuthberts???!! Anne taking on the Cuthbert's last name (in hyphenated form with her own, gosh so anachronistic) with a blubbering soft heart Marilla and Matthew after only knowing them a few days!! ?? THe point of the Anne-Marilla relationship is that it is slow-burning, and it developes in such a poignant, beautiful way over the years (in the books and previous movie adaptions). Ugh.
I hated it.
Little Women (2017)
A shiny new Little Women
I was a bit dubious coming in, but I should have known with BBC and Heidi Thomas attached to it that it would be good. Mostly in my review I will address some of the complaints I have seen regarding the series, and how I believe they were minor, hopefully to encourage you to watch it! I don't believe you'll be disappointed.
Some of the other reviews have complained that it is very fast-paced and takes out many of the unique, quirky aspects of the March sisters and their lives. But omitting the charm and beauty of nature around them? it does not. The sets and shots of nature are beautiful and draw you into their world. Yes, we may feel that we don't get to know the sisters as well as in the book or in some other movie versions, but I believe the miniseries gives us a lovely glimpse into their lives for its length.
I worried about the acting, but everyone did a very fine job. I especially appreciate Jo, a perfect balance of boyishness and independence without being inappropriate to the time period. Amy, as many viewers has complained, was too old for the part in the beginning, and annoyingly had obviously dyed hair, but I was able to overlook these because I was enjoying the show so much, and believe me, I'm usually pretty picky and distracted by such things. Meg and Beth are my favourite people to play their respective roles.
The story does have a bit more of a modern feel, and as some have complained that carries into their speech, but it doesn't stand out too horribly. I didn't care for how some of the little happenings of their lives were switched around seemingly for no reason, especially how soon Marmee is called away to Father.
So, not perfect, but I enjoyed the 3 episodes very much. I cried several times at the very sad and sweet moments between the family, because, after all, I've read and watched the story ever since I was very small, and have 3 sisters of my own, and have gladly welcomed this new series into my heart. Hope you enjoy it too!