Family Values

How could anyone not love "Little Women?" The classic story of the four March sisters is as warm and wise today as when it was written. Certain values are timeless, like being unselfish and sharing what little you have with others, remaining cheerful and hopeful when life looks bleak, and conducting oneself properly no matter what your situation.

The March family is poor materially, but their love for one another keeps them strong through good times and bad. Winona Ryder plays the headstrong Jo beautifully, exposing the deep sensitivity beneath the brash exterior. Trini Alvarado is a lovely Meg, and Kirsten Dunst is cute and funny as the younger Amy. Claire Danes is the least "wimpy" Beth that I have seen, portraying her as emotionally strong despite her physical weakness. Kisten Dunst grows up to be a gracious and charming Samantha Mathis.Susan Sarandon plays Marmee, who raises her daughters with love, wisdom, and gentle discipline.

This is a beautiful film with some tearjerking moments and some surprisingly funny scenes, such as Meg's indignation over her mother's careless mention of "corsets" and Jo accidentally scorching Meg's hair. The conflicts between the girls are the universal kind that sisters have even now, but they are always resolved with love and forgiveness, for this is a family that sticks together.

Christian Bale does an excellent job as the happy-go-lucky Laurie, who is transformed from a spoiled boy into an honorable man right before our eyes. Gabriel Byrne plays Professor Bhaer, the man who at long last wins the heart of the irrepressible Jo. This is a perfect family film, with no sexual innuendo, violence, or bad language, just good old-fashioned family values.