Little Women (2017)

Little Women (2017) is a heartwarming, captivating British-American television series based on Louisa May Alcott's timeless, universally loved classic novel of the same name. Produced by BBC One and PBS Masterpiece, this three-part adaptation takes us back to 1860s New England during the Civil War era. With Maya Hawke (Stranger Things, Lady in the Lake) as one of the leading stars, the series effectively brings Alcott's memorable characters and engaging plot to life.

At the heart of the series are the four March sisters: Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy, each with their own unique characteristics and dreams. Maya Hawke portrays the character Jo March - the strong-willed, independent, aspiring writer who struggles with the constraints of her time. Youngest sister Amy March, with her artistic aspirations and romantic nature, is accurately portrayed by Kathryn Newton. Willa Fitzgerald brings to life the eldest sister, Meg March, whose dreams of a traditional home and family contrast starkly with Jo's aspirations. Annes Elwy, as the gentle and musically talented Beth March, completes the quartet, her performance offering a poignant portrayal of the compassionate sister.

Emily Watson embodies the March family matriarch, lovingly known as Marmee. Showing strength in the face of adversity, Watson's portrayal of Marmee provides the girls with a nurturing figure who teaches the invaluable lessons of kindness, selflessness, and the importance of family. The dynamic between Marmee and her daughters is one of the linchpins of the series.

The narrative, with its ebbs and tides of love, betrayal, and resilience, is stitched together with a compelling interpretative approach by writer Heidi Thomas (of "Call the Midwife" fame), who beautifully preserves the essence of Alcott's original while adding her own touch to this classic storyline. Meanwhile, the direction by Vanessa Caswill, particularly in creating an environment that is historically accurate, yet relevant to a modern audience, deserves praise. Caswill's eye for the sensitive and complex emotions of the characters, combined with a strong flair for relatable storytelling, makes the series a compelling watch.

Adding another layer to the storytelling is the location. Filmed in Ireland, the series beautifully captures the nineteenth-century look and feel of New England using stunning visual sets and costumes, sharp cinematography and attention to detail. The use of sets such as the March family home, created in great detail, contributes to the authenticity and depth of the series, allowing it to capture the heart and soul of the classic novel.

The series also has an excellent supporting cast. Jonah Hauer-King's portrayal of Laurie - a charming, rich neighbor boy who forms a close bond with the March sisters - adds an essential dimension to the plot. Angela Lansbury as the gruff, wealthy Aunt March, and Michael Gambon as Laurie's kindhearted grandfather, Mr. Laurence, add further depth to the story.

Each actress in the series excels in showing the growth of their characters, from girls in the midst of the Civil War, learning about womanhood, love, loss, and personal identity, to young women navigating their futures in a world that is changing around them. Their performances are heartfelt, making the series as emotionally engaging as it is visually rich. The viewers are effectively drawn into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the March sisters, making the series relatable across generations and cultures.

As the narrative unfolds over the three episodes, Little Women (2017) beautifully covers a gamut of themes like womanhood, family, love, grief, ambition, and societal expectations. It elegantly showcases the March sisters' journey of self-discovery, their various relationships, and their pathway to resilience during challenging times, making sure that Louisa May Alcott's enduring tale of these four young women coming of age continues to inspire and touch the hearts of the viewer.

In summary, BBC One and PBS Masterpiece's Little Women (2017) is a rich, engaging, and emotionally resonant series that breathes fresh life into Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel. With stellar performances, brilliant storytelling, and a fresh interpretation of a classic tale, it is a series that brings a timeless tale of love, loss, and resilience to a contemporary audience.