Little Women: A Parent’s Movie Review

If you’re looking for a family friendly movie to watch in the movie theaters, I highly recommend the 2019 adaptation of Little Women. Writer/Director Greta Gerwig surprised me with her fresh take on a classic film that has been remade several times over the years. This is a remake that I didn’t think that movie goers - and fans of Louisa Alcott and Little Women - needed. But, it turned out I was wrong. Keep reading to find out why I think it’s a family friendly movie that shouldn’t be overlooked at the movie theaters!

Little Women: A Parent Movie Review

When I first heard that Little Women was being remade - again - I was a bit skeptical. It’s one of my favorite books of all time, and Jo March is one of my favorite fictional characters (although the argument could be made that she’s loosely based on Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women). I was worried that this new adaptation would be no match for its predecessors. But as I left the theater, I thought that its predecessors were no match for this 2019 adaptation! And that’s saying a lot since I absolutely love the other adaptations.

What is Little Women about?

The book - and the movie - is mostly a coming-of-age story during the Civil War about the March sisters (Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth). While the 2019 version of Little Women remains true to the original story, Greta Gerwig, and the cast, add their own unique style to the storyline, and to their characters. For example, there are several flashbacks throughout the movie, which may be confusing to some. However, I didn’t find it to be confusing at all. I thought the flashbacks added depth to the storyline. I also thought that the characters were more developed in this adaptation. For example, Amy (played by Florence Pugh) is a more likable character. With that being said, if there was one role that didn’t completely convince me, it was Timothee Chalamet as Laurie, the March’s neighbor. He’s a very good actor, but he just didn’t seem convincing as Laurie.

Is Little Women Kid Friendly?

Yes. The movie is rated PG and there are not any violent scenes. I also did not notice any bad language. And other than a few kissing scenes, there was not any sexually suggestive scenes. However, those familiar with the storyline also know that death does occur in the movie. Parents will definitely want to take this into account before taking their kids to see this movie, especially if this is a sensitive subject for them. The movie is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, so it might be difficult for younger kids to sit through it.

At 7 years old, I think my son would have a difficult time sitting through the movie. When I went to see Little Women, my husband took our son to see Spies in Disguise, which was more his pace. However, the overall message of the 2019 adaptation of Little Women is one that young girls can especially benefit from. The March sisters aren’t perfect, but that’s one of the reasons I love the storyline so much.

Overall Thoughts

This is the last movie I will have seen for the year, especially since we will be ringing in a new year in a couple of days. And I have to say, Greta Gerwig saved the best for last. Just make sure you bring kleenex. I had a hard time containing my tears, and judging by the sound of it, so did other movie goers. And even if you aren’t a fan of Little Women, the costume designs alone should win you over.

If you’re looking for more family friendly movies to watch, click here for my review for Frozen 2 and here for my review for Togo.