Op-Ed: LITTLE WOMEN Had Me In Tears… For Good Reason
By Allyson Vannatta, Staff Writer
Only a few movies have been able to bring me to tears and Greta Gerwig’s LITTLE WOMEN is one of them.
When I went to the movie theater on Christmas afternoon, I expected to see a romantic tale of four sisters making their way through life, all finding their purpose in the end. In that way, the movie lived up to my expectations. However, the girls’ actions and the care they showed those around them made me emotional.
Here are three things that particularly struck me.
- The importance of giving back
The March family is by no means rich, and the audience knows that because of Aunt March’s sly comments. However, the amount of times where the audience sees the characters give to others is astounding.
The family gives their Christmas breakfast away, Marmee gives the scarf off her neck to a man traveling, Beth gives the neighbor a pair of shoes she made as a thank you gift, Jo even cuts her hair to give her mother money for travel.
The list could go on.
These little ways of giving are a consistent theme throughout the movie. Even though they don’t have much they always make sure others are taken care of before themselves. It’s a simple lesson that people in today’s world need.
- The importance of family.
The March family sticks together through thick and thin.
Even though all of the sisters have different dreams and want different things for their lives, they are always there for each other. But family goes beyond blood in this movie.
Mr. Laurence, the next-door neighbor becomes like family and does whatever he can to help the girls and Marmee since her husband is away.
The March family’s closeness even extended itself to the actresses after they wrapped the movie.
Watch our interview to see how!
- The importance of love.
During the course of the movie Jo resists the love she feels for Teddy. After she watches her sister Meg marry, Teddy confronts her about his feelings, but still, Jo convinces herself she wants to make her own way in the world without love.
Only after her sister Beth passes does she realize that she does, in fact, want to love and be loved.
One can’t think of LITTLE WOMEN and neglect the value of love.
The theme of love makes me recall Paul’s words his letter to the Corinthians.
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV)
As we wrap up the holiday season and begin a new year, I pray you dwell on these important values in your life.
For the full review of LITTLE WOMEN, click here.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
