Little Women

Another wonderful aspect of this production is that it presents life from the female perspective which helps us males continue to learn to take that perspective into consideration along life’s path because it is a very tender and lovely viewpoint to understand, one that ultimately is demonstrative of our Heavenly Father’s very character which led Him to send Christ to save us from ourselves. And of course that way of selfless giving is the essence of life itself as defined by God for us on this Earth. The cinematography is luscious and striking at many points. The young girls deliver fine performances all the way through. This film deserves an oscar or two.

This is a very sweet story, and the movie is quite touching on many levels. It is, of course, not as Christ-centered as the book, but I will try not to compare the film with the book, as these are different things. Of course, I am also keeping in mind that part of the plot of the film is that the sisters change and grow and mature, and that some of the problems with their behavior stemmed from selfishness or immaturity. There are many scenes of Christian virtue in this film, but those have been addressed in the prior comments. Although I don’t wish to be seen as someone who is only negative, I will reserve my own comments to reflect some issues of concern for conservative Christians, in the form of a warning about certain content:

One sister gets very angry at another, using words like “I hate you” and “you're dead” in a fit of rage. Although she had real cause to be angry, these are incredibly harsh words. (She does learn the error of this.) This same character tends to be sarcastic and disgruntled and complaining much of the time… of course, this is integral to the story, but one would not want a child to imitate this. There is a scene with somewhat immodest clothing at a ball, especially in a dressing room with several young ladies donning their evening attire. Nothing too extreme, and, of course, fitting within the time period… and it actually DOES have a valid point in the plot and ends well… but even so, be aware.

In a brief scene, a woman pushes up on the bosom of one of the girls in imitation of a corset, thrusting her chest high. There is an undercurrent of feminism in the film. Nothing too radical, but it’s there. One character initially has a negative view of what it means to be a wife and mother. Again, it isn’t extreme, but there is that slight whiff of something implying that the biblical role of women as a helpmeet to a husband may not be the best, if that woman has “potential” or “talent.” A young man in the movie even says that he would let a future wife “win every argument.” However, marriage (and motherhood) is generally portrayed favorably.

Although the family in the film is referred to as a “temperance family,” two of the daughters use alcohol when in social situations. One does so to fit in and is rebuked by a friend, and another initially refuses alcohol when offered by saying that she only takes it medicinally. She is then urged by a friend to “pretend you have a cold” and we see her drinking the wine within a few moments. She gives in quickly to the suggestion, and it is not frowned upon nor does she show remorse. The behavior of a character who is said to spend time in bars and to waste money on alcohol is looked upon with disfavor, and we do see the character consuming alcohol, including sipping from a flask.

Although the comments here talked about the high moral standards of the couples before marriage, there is much passionate kissing. This was awkward to watch with our young child. There are at least four scenes of such kissing by assorted unmarried couples, with a few coming during marriage proposals. Viewers will differ greatly on what they deem to be acceptable behavior during courtship, of course, but all should be aware that there are a few closely filmed scenes of quite intimate and sometimes lingering kissing and embracing.

There is an emphasis in this film on “finding yourself” and transcendentalism, to which the authoress of the book ascribed. As Josephine was talking to the professor about the philosophy of this movement, and about how we are each flawed and must work to perfect ourselves, I wanted to cry out that this was untrue and that Christ was the only One who can do this for us. It left me with a sad feeling for the characters to have such a worldview. These views will warrant discussion with young viewers (or new believers).

In one scene, a married woman tells her sister that sisterhood is “a stronger relationship than marriage,” which is untrue. We were quick to pause the movie and refute that for our daughter’s sake, telling her that God created marriage to be the strongest bond, two becoming one flesh.

In an otherwise very touching and God-honoring scene, a person near death implies that even in heaven, a relative would still be missed. I don’t believe this lines up with Scripture’s description of heaven. It is also never stated that the person near death had accepted Christ as Savior, although this person’s actions would make it believable that this was indeed a genuine convert. As in many Hollywood films, it is almost assumed that all the dead go to heaven, one of the greatest deceits. The actual gospel of Christ is not mentioned in this film, although many characters wear cross necklaces, carry Bibles, sing hymns, etc.

The father is absent for much of the film, but even upon his return, he does not seem to have much of a role in the family dynamic. The mother, Marmee, is the one who is always seen giving counsel and advice, some of it very wise and godly, but some peppered with transcendentalist ideas. Some characters who are portrayed negatively at first (Aunt March and the elder neighbor Mr. Lawrence) are also the only ones we see making references to church or listening to the Bible being read aloud. In one particular scene, a girl reads the Bible with little enthusiasm to the crotchety old Aunt March. In another, Mr. Lawrence rudely admonishes his grandson that “we’ll be late for church.” I find it sad that there were no positive portrayals of Bible reading or church attendance, although, to be sure, there are other people seen with Bibles and a church figures into the background scenery, although we do not see any of the sisters attending it. Characters do sing hymns, which is very nice.

The sisters have a “literary society” in which they dress and speak as men and assume male names, complete with top hats and (unlit) cigars and pipes. At one point, Josephine uses “Joseph” as a shortened form of her name, in order to get a story published. There are several remarks about “if I were a man” and the like.

I am almost certain that I have forgotten some things. And indeed, by contrast, to much of today’s movie fare, this film is quite clean, but alas… it is not pure and may justify cautious viewing. Again, I hate to be one negative voice but one can see that there are indeed some issues of concern for sensitive Christians.

Overall, I enjoyed the film and would consider watching it again, thus my positive rating. Yet, I could not watch it and then not warn others of issues of concern. And I will not allow my daughter to view it again until she is considerably older, and even then I see that it must be with discussion. I think that although this movie is packaged in a delightful way in a form of godliness, it is not one that should be viewed without discernment and caution, especially for worldview issues such as transcendentalism and sensuality from the passionate kissing.