L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables

L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables is a delightful 2016 family-friendly film that captures the essence of Lucy Maud Montgomery's much-loved Canadian literary classic with a unique blend of warm humor, powerful emotions, and memorable characters. This movie beautifully recaptures the spirit of Anne Shirley — a young orphaned girl full of imagination, determination, and an indomitable spirit — who is sent to live with aged siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in Avonlea, a small town located on Prince Edward Island. The 90-minute film features performances by Ella Ballentine, Martin Sheen, and Sara Botsford, who bring their respective characters to vivid life.

Ella Ballentine takes center stage as Anne "with an E" Shirley. With an unfailing, bright-eyed optimism and a seemingly boundless energy, Ballentine impeccably captures the character's mercurial moods, quick wit, and heartfelt sincerity. She offers a well-rounded performance that is both bold and nuanced, embodying the fearless spirit of Anne, as she navigates through various stages of her life at Green Gables, from the exuberant highs to the sorrowful lows.

Veteran actor Martin Sheen, in a departure from his more hard-nosed roles, stars as Matthew Cuthbert. With his warm-hearted and kind demeanor, Sheen brings out Matthew's softer side most endearingly. This talented actor captures the essence of Matthew's quiet strength and compassion, providing an essential foil to Anne's passionate nature. Throughout the film, the delightful bond forming between Sheen's Matthew and Ballentine's Anne is testament to the emotional depth of the story.

Sara Botsford expertly plays the part of Marilla Cuthbert, Matthew's stern and practical elder sister. The role is filled with nuance and depth, as Botsford strikes the perfect balance between Marilla's outwardly reserved disposition and her secret tenderness that gradually shines through as her relationship with Anne deepens. The complex dynamic between Marilla and Anne offers some of the movie's most touching and humorous moments.

The film, directed by John Kent Harrison, faithfully adheres to the timeless narrative, presenting the enchanting landscapes of Prince Edward Island in stunning detail. The cinematography creates an artistic backdrop to the narrative, showcasing the island's natural beauty - its vast fields, towering trees, and sparkling waters - reflecting Anne's passionate love for her environment. This visual feast serves to amplify the richly textured narrative and embodies the rural simplicity and charm of Avonlea, adding another layer to the storytelling process.

The movie is punctuated with numerous memorable scenes from the original novel. Included are the moments of Anne's arrival in Avonlea, her initial interaction with Matthew, her struggles at school, her budding friendship with Diana Barry, and the incident of the broken slate. The film's screenplay masterfully weaves these moments, maintaining Anne's uniquely philosophic perspective, her ability to see beyond the ordinary, and her unquenchable thirst for knowledge with gentle humor and heartwarming familiarity.

Furthermore, “Anne of Green Gables” also touches upon themes like the importance of courage, resilience, individuality, and the power of dreams, making it much more than just a coming-of-age story. The movie evokes laughter and tears in equal measure, reflecting Anne’s own journey filled with both joyous discoveries and heartbreaking setbacks.

A cinematic retelling of one of the most beloved classics of children’s literature, “L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables” encompasses the infectious spirit and enduring appeal of the original work. The lead characters deliver compelling performances, and the movie's overall production quality is top-notch. It is a well-executed adaptation that will entertain viewers familiar with the source material and those who are introduced to Anne’s world for the first time, making it a worthwhile watch for audiences of all ages. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer to Anne's story, this film will draw you into Anne's magical world and hold you captive from beginning to end.