Netflix is now streaming an Oscar-winning period drama hailed as one of the best book adaptations of all time.
Little Women, based on a renowned 19th-century novel, was directed by Greta Gerwig and features an all-star cast. Saoirse Ronan leads the ensemble, with Oscar-nominated actors Timothee Chalamet and Florence Pugh in supporting roles.
Adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, it tells the tale of four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – as they navigate their way through adolescence in Massachusetts, reports the Mirror.
Set during and after the American Civil War, the story has inspired numerous film and television adaptations. These include a 1933 version featuring Katharine Hepburn, a 1949 film with Elizabeth Taylor and a popular nineties version starring Winona Ryder.
However, many critics regard Gerwig’s interpretation of the Christmas story as the most faithful to its original source.
Following its premiere, the Academy Awards praised the adaptation and nominated Gerwig for the Best Adapted Screenplay of 2020. Little Women also earned Ronan, who stars as Jo, a nomination for the Best Actress award.
Pugh was also recognised in the Best Supporting Actress category. The film was further nominated for the Best Costume Design, Best Music and Best Picture awards. It ultimately clinched the award for Best Costume Design.
Since its premiere over half a decade ago, the adaptation from book to screen has been met with rave reviews from audiences.
One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes enthused: “This is one of the best movie adaptations of a book I have ever seen. I absolutely adore the book, and I was slightly apprehensive about the movie, but my expectations were absolutely blown away!”
Meanwhile, critics on the platform, who gave the film a 95% score, penned: “With a stellar cast and a smart, sensitive retelling of its classic source material, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women proves some stories truly are timeless.”
Another admirer reviewed: “An utterly warm and cosy picture. Remakes or renditions of classic stories can oftentimes fall short on the mark- by either changing too much and taking away from the original story or trying to replicate too much.
“Greta, however, mastered creating such a beautiful rendition of this story that is close to perfection.”
Yet another cinema-goer quipped: “Love this telling. Would watch it over and over again, adore the cast so much.”
Someone else declared: “What a gorgeous movie, one of my all time favs. The actors are amazing performers and the way they express their emotions is very touching. This movie is a must watch.”
Little Women is streaming now on Netflix