Comparison of Four Versions of "Little Women"

Lola 2021-12-02 08:01:25

As an audience who is very curious about storytelling, one of my hobbies of watching movies is watching different versions of the same story. Everyone is a chicken at the beginning. Who can make a chicken in the full banquet... is very interesting. one thing. It just so happened that this year "Little Women" was nominated for an Oscar. The original book and several films are very easy to find, so I watched them all while it was hot:

original

Little lady
8.4
(United States) Louisa May Alcott / 2004 / Yilin Publishing House

1949 film version

Little Women (1949)
8.2
1949 / United States / Drama Family Romance / Melvin Leroy / Joan Allison Peter Lawford

1994 film

Little Women (1994)
8.5
1994 / USA, Canada / Family Love Story / Gillian Armstrong / Winona Reid, Gabriel Byrne

2017BBC British TV series

Little Women (2017)
8.0
2017 / United Kingdom / Drama / Vanessa Caswell / Maya Hawke, Katherine Newton

2019 film version

Little Women (2019)
8.0
2019 / United States / Drama Romance / Greta Gerweger / Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson

Written here by the way, I have been addicted to the layman's jury.

Original book: To be honest, it may be because I was too old when I read it, so I can’t like the original book. The content of preaching is really unnecessary. Reading it is almost like watching Washington cutting the cherry tree, the story and the characters. They are all minutiae. The author is to educate people. From this perspective, because all film and television drama versions naturally cut unnecessary verbal truths and replace them with behaviors. In my opinion, each one is better than the original. Better.

So, we will start the competition, and pull out the various characters of each version to come to Hong Kong:

FBI warning: spoiler warning!

Jo

The second child Jo, the author’s incarnation, unrestrained and cheerful, boyish, with rebellious spirit, most suitable for modern people’s spleen and stomach, when I was a child watching the animation "The Four Sisters of Wakakusa", I was unmistakably favorite Jo, but now he has grown up I also feel that Jo is a bit aggressive, with a bad temper, and doesn't know how to be considerate and tolerant of others. There is not only one choice in the world that is right. I can't help mentioning the feminist issue that will cause controversy when I mention it, long time ago Women’s rights often say that girls should work and should not be bound by marriage. Now a more enlightened view is that girls should have the same right to choose. Those who like work can work without discrimination. Of course, if you like married life, you should be bold to get married, so Jo If you interfere with the choices of others, you were radical and bold in the past, but now it seems that you are a bit behind the times.

But then again [Yes, I have so many turning points]. At that time, it was great to be able to be yourself so much. I didn’t accept the discipline of my aunt March, who I didn’t like, and didn’t accept the restraint of my kind sister. What is rare is that even the boy who grew up with his childhood sweetheart has to refuse to show love. Jo does not say that it is love to Laurie, at least he has a good impression, but these can't tie her up. Looking back, if the four sisters want me to choose one, I definitely want to be Jo.

The four versions of Jo are 1949 [ Joan Allison ], 1994 [ Winona Reid ], 2017 [ Maya Hawke ], and 2019 [ Saoirsa Ronan ].

1949-1994-2017-2019

There was no miss in the casting, everyone was very suitable, the acting may be a bit superficial. Pursuing writing ideals is unconditionally the best in 2019. Writing, losing, arguing, and negotiating with publishers all spent pen and ink.

In terms of the relationship with Laurie, 1949 is the purest brother-sister relationship. Although Laurie was persistent in pursuing the role, Jo refused every time. In the end, he was the happiest and no pain for the blessings of Amy and Laurie; 1994 Winona also accepted Good, I didn't even talk to Laurie alone, Uncle Bell made a blazing appearance "I'll introduce you to someone", da da! His wife Amy showed up and hugged Jo. Jo was only surprised and not sad at all. In the 2017 British drama version, Laurie has been chasing after him. Jo always knew that the two had kissed before the confession, and they performed afterwards thinking that Beth liked Laurie so he escaped. Going to New York to complete the plot of the two people, I misunderstood that Beth likes Laurie in this book, but it is far less bloody. It is just that Jo gave Laurie, who has no sex at all, and even thought that even though Beth does not like Laurie, You can also leave Amy to him. There are so many shops in the front of the play, and if you play it like this, it will be interesting. Finally, Laurie talked to Jo alone and said that he and Amy are better, can our brothers be the same as before, Jo said The cruelest words of the fourth edition-not quite, which is a bit past, after all, regardless of the original or any version, Jo clearly stated that he doesn't love Laurie, why would someone complain about his wife after he got married; 2019 In addition to the regular plot of "Now if he proposes again, I will agree", it also added a section of Jo's initiative to write to L, which seemed even more regretful and shocked. When I hugged Laurie and Amy, I almost smiled. But still generously said that we will be friends forever.

The relationship with the German professors, frankly, I don’t talk too much. If it is a matter of course, it is the 1994 edition. Although this edition is the oldest and not good-looking, it does have the meaning of soulmate. The line is also saying [the princess who swears not to fall in love with anyone, and finally discovers that love is a destiny], the explicit suggestion is in place.

Amy

The fourth oldest Amy, stinky, gluttonous, and selfish, burned his sister’s manuscript, robbed her sister of the opportunity to go to Europe, and finally married the first male protagonist, everyone’s Laurie. In this story of no bad guys, it’s actually already The villain was pushed to the front desk. It has always been unpopular, but in fact, Amy is really not a bad person. The four sisters are warm stories. It is not appropriate to hate one at the end, so how can I take this measure? It is the challenge of each version to make this role with minor problems acceptable to everyone.

As for me, I prefer CPs like Amy and Laurie, because there is no communication in the early stage. Everyone has their own business. No one thinks that they may be a pair. Suddenly, the opportunity comes, like an oracle. Meeting, so appropriate, when playing with others, I don’t know that this person sitting eight meters away is a lifelong person, he is very red-stringed and old fatalistic, so I pay attention to these two in every version. How to write the emotional drama.

Here is a piece of information about whether Laurie still loves Jo in the end. Being with Amy is just a second priority. I present important evidence to the court: In the original work, Laurie and Jo confessed, "I will not stop right Your love, but that kind of love has changed. Amy and you have changed positions in my heart." "I am sure that the old love has completely disappeared, and then I started a new love, so I can frankly and frankly with my sister Jo and As a wife, Amy’s heart-to-heart", I believe the judge can make a correct judgment. The interruption ends.

The four versions of Amy are 1949 [ Elizabeth Taylor ], 1994 [ Kristin Dunst ] and [ Samantha Mathis ], 2017 [ Catherine Newton ], 2019 [ Florence Pew ].

1949-1994 (childhood)-1994 (grow up)-2017-2019

The 1949 version of Amy, changed positions with Beth, is the third child, Elizabeth Taylor is very beautiful, very sweet, the first half is childish and a little weird, but it looks silly, not bad, and it will be a second from going to Europe. Mature whitewashed, is the only one of the four versions who said to Jo "I really hope that you are the one who went to Europe" expressed guilt. He didn't set the stage for Laurie and didn't talk about how to get together. It was Meg that gave Jo. Xiner, there are few scenes.

In the 1994 version, Amy's fourth child used two different actors to play Amy when he was a child and when he grew up. Because Dunst, who was only 12 years old at the time, played Amy as a child, this version of Amy is stinking and acting like a baby. And, burn my sister's manuscripts, and the audience has to forgive him when he sees such a cute child. The scene with Laurie has been in the shop since she was young. At the Christmas party, Laurie embraced Amy throughout the whole process, and fully developed the relationship. Beth Scarlet Amy was going to be sent to her aunt’s carriage. Laurie coaxed her to visit her every day and comforted her fear of death. Amy said "I promised to kiss you before you die", and then confessed to Amy again, "I remember I promised you to kiss you before you die", although he immediately said, "I always knew I was going to be A member of the March family" was very disappointing. Fortunately, I wrote a letter saying "I want you, not your family", which is considered to be a supplement.

Child bride

In the 2017 version, Amy’s fourth child, I don’t know if it’s a plot or acting issue. This time it’s really annoying. Beth got to the death of scarlet fever. Amy was still searching for the treasures of the old lady at Aunt March’s house and had a great time. In the end, it feels like I haven't grown up, and it's still so self-willed. Although Laurie comforted Amy after Beth's death, and said "I will see you every day" as a child, it is also the most implicit confession imitating the original, saying what we want In the same journey and so on, but these two still look at how men and women, the whitewashing battle is a big failure!

In the 2019 version, Amy looks like it is bigger than Beth [actual Pew is indeed bigger than Beth actor], but in the Loft Newspaper activities, the order of the four people's comments in a week is still: Meg-Jo-Beth-Amy, so guess the setting Amy is still the youngest. Previously, Amy’s whitewashing routines were all young and ignorant. Only this version showed new ideas. Amy is just more pragmatic and understands that he has to take responsibility for his family. Marriage is a cold speech on economic issues. If I were Laurie, too To take an immediate admiration, Laurie rejected the proposal of Fred, who had more money than Laurie, and did not kidnap Laurie morally. She was a good girl. In this version, Laurie and Jo play more and have more playmates. If you look closely, you will find that there is no serious conversation at all. Instead, it is the heart and lung tube with Amy. The love process is the most convincing me. Here, As a CP fan, point out a few details of the 2019 version:

1. Laurie kept wearing the ring on his left hand after Jo gave him the ring. After learning that Beth had passed away, he accompanied Amy in black and returned to China from Europe. When he kissed Amy actively, he could see that the ring on his left hand had taken off.

No ring in left hand

2. In the later period, Laurie had acted as a slave to the wife in the book. After listening to Amy's words, he quickly called the carriage to help chase the professor, and finally hugged the child in the background of the large courtyard.

3. Laurie told Jo, "Only you call me Teddy", "What does Amy call you?" "My Lord" (shy smile), shit, sweet to the wall.

Meg

The eldest sister Meg is virtuous and gentle, a little vain, and there is not much ink in each edition. One of the important scenes is to go to the rich people's dance party. She lost her head and was dressed up in a fancy way. Laurie looked down upon Laurie. The other was Aunt March who warned Meg not to marry. When he was poor, he contradicted and defended John, showing that he didn't love money.

The four versions of Meg are 1949 [ Janet Leigh ], 1994 [ Trinie Avalado ], 2017 [ Villa Fitzgerald ], and 2019 [ Emma Watson ].

1949-1994-2017-2019

Meg should be the most beautiful of the four sisters. At least before Amy grew up, the selections of the editions were very beautiful. Emma Watson may almost have the temperament of a big sister.

In 1949, the vanity ball was deleted, and the eldest sister was brilliant from beginning to end.

1994 and 2017 come standard with vanity ball + refute aunt, nothing has been done, and there is no memory point.

In the 2019 version, although everyone dislikes Emma Watson's poor performance, I think the plot design has added points to the shaping of Meg. When I was a child, I felt that I would have no regrets in my life when I wore a pink skirt with fluttering gauze and went to a dance. When I grow up, I still have to face the reality of poverty and the desire for money, how can there be so much happiness.

Beth

The third child, Beth, is kind and shy, and died young.

The four versions of Beth are 1949 [Margaret O'Brien], 1994 [ Claire Denise ], 2017 [ Annice Elvi ], and 2019 [Eliza Scanlon].

1949-1994-2017-2019

1949 and Amy are in reverse order. They are the fourth child, just a cute and shy kid, there is nothing to say.

1994 played the most demure and dignified.

Because the 2017 version is a drama version, there is more time, a little friendship with Frank, and a healthy yearning for Laurie, which made Jo mistakenly think that he likes Laurie.

The 2019 edition adds a lot of encouragement to Jo's writing, which is the most understanding and understanding.

Laurie

Laurie in the book is generally a well-established gentleman. Playboys are all functionally limited and quite boring. I think those unfettered, intimate squabbles are the reason that Laurie is irreplaceable in the hearts of the four sisters and in the hearts of the audience. It is the correct way of writing the words of his childhood sweetheart.

The four versions of Laurie are 1949 [ Peter Lawford ], 1994 [ Christian Bell ], 2017 [ Jonah Hall-King ], and 2019 [ Timothy Chalamet ].

1949-1994-2017-2019

In 1949, he had a face with a Chinese character, and his whole body was upright, and I couldn't feel cordial.

1994 Uncle Bell, handsome, there is nothing to say, and the acting skills are even more of nothing to say. Acting in your little romance film, overkill! Lively and vividly in the early stage, and then go to Europe to grow beards and pretend to be decadent. It is the most like the one who spends a lot of time and dreams every day in the fourth edition. When I reunite with Amy, I have all the surprises and the nervousness of this person who is familiar and unfamiliar. , Seeing Amy, staying still, tidying up clothes, throwing away the cigar, walking up to talk, watching Amy walk away, staying still, looking far away, all in one go, with rich details. Not being able to be with such a good Laurie, I can't help but hurt Jo.

The 2017 version is melancholy and dull.

In the 2019 version, Sweet Tea is my love again, most like a playmate boy. These smiling girls should be remembered for a lifetime. In front of everyone, they are acting together in the loft and playing on the beach. It is the most comfortable to watch, but it is a pity that when I grow up, I am a little bit happy. two. But because the relationship scene with Amy is so good, I get a lot of points.

Bhaer

German professors, who were the last to walk with Jo after all, also showed their faces.

The four versions of Bhaer are 1949 [ Rosano Brazi ], 1994 [ Gabriel Byrne ], 2017 [Marc Stanley], and 2019 [ Louis Garrell ].

1949-1994-2017-2019

Nonsense, only 2019 Louis is handsome and young, who can barely comfort the heartache of losing Laurie.

For other roles, I won’t say separately. I would like to praise the 2017 version of Aunt Marple as an actor using Miss Marple, which is great, and also criticize the 2017 version of Auntie. The actors are all looking neurotic and always suspect that there is something dark. Family secrets.

In general, 2019>1994>1949>2017 in my mind.

If you want to watch warm growth stories in a normal sequence, 1994 is the most suitable.

In terms of film skills and long aftertaste, 2019 is definitely better: plot choices, contrast between the past and present of those cold and warm colors, and the ingenuity of editing.

Let's take a look at the last scene of the four versions:

Both 1949 and 1994 stayed under the umbrella of Jo and the professor.

In 2017, everyone was playing on the grass of Li Yuan, "Things will not be perfect, but they can be just right."

In the 2019 version, I deliberately did not explain the final relationship with the professor. Then the book "Little Women" began to be produced. Jo recalled that four girls had fun together when he was a child. This shot was the hammer of my heart. The reason that contributed to the reading of the original and so many versions.

The carefree childhood is over. It will not be transferred by anyone’s will. Some people will die, and some will leave. Even if everyone’s love for each other remains the same, that moment can’t be found again, and they want to buy. The sweet-scented osmanthus is the same as the wine, but it doesn't seem to be the same, and the carefree childhood of the teenager is gone.

View more about Little Women reviews

Extended Reading

Little Women quotes

  • Jo March: I can't say "yes" truly, so I'm not going to say it at all.

  • Jo March: And I'm so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I'm so sick of it.

    [Almost crying]

    Jo March: But I'm so lonely...