I cannot understand how this film has been so lauded. I thought it was an absolute mess. By losing the linear narrative there is none of the character development and relationship building necessary for this story. It also creates a very confusing muddle of timelines not helped by a cast who never age.
To avoid spoilers, the saddest part of the book became the most laughable part of the film with a very asinine 'mirrored' sequence. This was not helped by the non linear narrative which had already forwarned us of this, removing any jeopardy.
The family was supposed to be quite poor yet their clothes were sumptious. I'm not sure if Jacqueline Durran has read 'Little Women' but she really didn't get the spirit of the book.
Liberties were taken with the storyline, understandable when adapting a book to screen, but the ending was one schlocky step too far. It turned into an epsiode of Friends (just replace the airport with a railway station).
All in all the film was a complete hash and I was left feeling utterly annoyed.
To avoid spoilers, the saddest part of the book became the most laughable part of the film with a very asinine 'mirrored' sequence. This was not helped by the non linear narrative which had already forwarned us of this, removing any jeopardy.
The family was supposed to be quite poor yet their clothes were sumptious. I'm not sure if Jacqueline Durran has read 'Little Women' but she really didn't get the spirit of the book.
Liberties were taken with the storyline, understandable when adapting a book to screen, but the ending was one schlocky step too far. It turned into an epsiode of Friends (just replace the airport with a railway station).
All in all the film was a complete hash and I was left feeling utterly annoyed.