A different version of the usual story. Maybe less memorable, but different.
Louisa May Alcott's classic novel has received several film and TV adaptations over the decades. Some are more significant than others, and this is definitely one of the smallest, but perhaps the most creative I've seen, opting to give us an updated, refreshed version of the story as always. At a time when literary classics are treated as “sacred cows” by cinema purists (at the same time that, paradoxically, “politically correct” versions of the books are presented, without the expressions and words that the authors wrote, but which we don't like it), it's innovative and courageous to do something different, even if it's a weaker work.
Like many people who do not speak English as their native language, I have never read the original book, nor found a well-written Portuguese translation, respectful of the original source. So, I'll stick to the film. It's quite good at giving us an airy version of the story we've already seen, and it's certainly a labor of love for everyone involved. Certain things worked well, others were not believable (particularly the imaginative play of the sisters, who spend time playing games that are very childish for their age), but the essentials – the unity between sisters and the way they face different difficulties – remain untouched.
Directed by Clare Niederpruem, the film is not exceptional and has a TV flavor, as if it had been designed for a direct-to-DVD version or for the television market, not for the big screen. However, it gives us decent cinematography and regular production values, considering it didn't have the biggest budget. The dialogues are well written, and the film does not waste too much time on irrelevant things, even though the levels of sugary melodrama are high and make the film a somewhat sweet experience, which will not please everyone. The ending is anti-climactic.
In addition to the opportunity to see a different version of the story, the film seriously relies on a very female cast, with much more commitment and energy than skill. The sisters are assured by Sarah Davenport, Melanie Stone, Allie Jennings and Taylor Murphy. They are all promising young people who have much more desire and energy than talent, they are still learning the dramatic art. There are still a few other actors around here who will make some high marks, namely Lea Thompson and Michael Flynn, but it's safe to say that each of them is trying to take advantage of the opportunity to improve as much as possible in their art and skill, and that this film will not be the masterpiece of anyone involved.
