Pros:
1.) All of the four actresses playing the four March sisters are believable enough to make me buy that these four are sisters. Not just them, the other actors like Laura Dern and Timothée Chalamet help buy that these people are close friends to each other…I know: I am tired of saying that the actors are great, so let us move on.
2.) The cinematography is great not because of the camerawork, but how the lighting is used. If the scene takes place in the past, the lighting will be bright and warm, symbolizing the good and young days. If the scene takes place in the present, the lighting will be cool which represents how the characters wish for the old times. It helps the audience know when the scene takes place in the past or the present, and it is a good use of lighting.
3.) Since this is a period film, the set and costume designs do fit during that time. I do not have much to say about this, so I will leave it for the trailer as proof of evidence.
Cons:
1.) It took me until halfway into the film for me to care for these characters. The only reason I kept watching these people is because of the acting, but with so many characters to follow with their own subplots and flashbacks, it is hard for me to actually care. It is not until the midpoint where the characters start to get interesting, and that is when the film starts to get gripping. It is a slow start, but it does catch up later…
2.) …One of the reasons why it is hard to like the characters at first is how the film delivers its flashbacks. At first, the flashbacks are easy to follow, but they use flashbacks so often that it was starting to get jarring. It does not help that there are plenty of subplots for the sisters that it does not really spread out evenly throughout the film, especially since some sisters are more interesting than others. A few rewrites would probably work for this type of storytelling.
3.) There is one subplot involving Jo March and her love life. Not going to spoil what happens, but the conclusion of that subplot…let’s just say that even the film acknowledges that it is a little ridiculous, especially with one certain aspect of it. If the film fixed that little aspect, then maybe the conclusion would be believable. As it stands, I expected more from Jo March with her conclusion.
Overall:
I have never read the original Little Women novel nor did I watch any of the previous film adaptations, I will review this film on its own merits. I will admit that I am not too interested in coming-of-age films taking place in period timelines unless if they add something interesting like vampires or mysteries. After watching this film, it is not bad at all. The actresses are what carry this film, especially with a few problematic writing areas. If you are a fan of coming-of-age period films, this is a good watch. Consider it a late Christmas gift from yours truly.
8/10
Pros:
1.) I know I just said that I am tired of saying how good the acting is, but I want to give big credits for Adam Driver and Scarlet Johansson. I was not amazed at how they delivered their lines, it is how they delivered their reactions. Many of their actings are subtle, the facial reactions show how they still care for each other, but still frustrated with each other with many of their faults. I will explain more about their characters, but these actors did a fantastic job playing a loving but separated couple.
2.) This film is just heart-wrenching to watch. It makes you want to hope these two come back together, but the more you know about them, the more you doubt if they should come back together. That is what makes this film great: it looks at both sides of the divorce and shows how much this troubling relationship is clearly both of their faults. The only reason why they have not divorced immediately is because of their love for their son. Despite all of that, it is still clear that they care, but their relationship is still deteriorating, so they are still proceeding with the divorce. It makes you want to continue to watch how this will all come to an end.
3.) The argument scene in the climax is the best scene in the entire film. With the divorce lawyers saying bad things against their opponents and all the bad blood between the two finally revealed, it comes to a head with an argument letting them know how much they truly feel about each other and the situation they are in. I wish can show you the clip, but it is best if you watch it yourselves, and see how good the writing is as well as how amazing Driver and Johansson pent out all their repressed rage to each other.
Cons:
1.) I do not know if this is just me, but something about the images of the film bothers me. Maybe I am not a fan of this style or maybe it affects my eyes, but the realistic, sharp, bright, and contrasting colors do not work for me. I can see why the film is using this style considering the realism of the main conflict needs realistic cinematography and editing, but I am not really a fan of it. Consider this as a personal taste instead of a big criticism.
2.) This is not a con since this is more of a personal opinion, but I wish things ended differently. There is nothing wrong with how the film ended, but I have personal reasons why I wish the conclusion was different. Consider this one as another personal taste instead of the fault for the film.
Overall:
I have heard plenty of great things about this film, and after watching a certain clip, I was convinced to watch it. After that, while I do feel kind of horrible watching the events of a couple going through a divorce, I can say that this is one of the best films of the year. With amazing acting from Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, a heart-wrenching story, and a realistic look on divorce, this film is an emotional journey on how both sides go through a divorce while trying to take care of their son. If you have a Netflix account, go watch this film about a divorcing couple…or watch something happier like Jojo Rabbit.
9/10
On that note, have a Happy New Year, everybody! May 2020 be as good as 2019, if not better!
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