Oh, how do I even start my review of Anne of Green Gables? I remember watching this with my parents and my sisters when I was just a tyke, and I loved it. Maybe it's because of the period drama-ness of it all, the beautiful scenery, or the amazing actors, but it's always been a near and dear movie to me. I was fortunate to buy it earlier last month in a combo pack with its two sequels, and have watched it for the first time in years. It's still as good as I can remember, maybe even more.
Anne of Green Gables is the story of a young orphan girl, Miss Anne (with an e!) Shirley. In the beginning of the film, she is living with a large family, taking care of the children when the father dies, so the mother sends her back to the orphanage. (This opening differs from the novel) She is sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, an elderly sister and brother combination who live at the majestic Green Gables estate on Prince Edward Island. She seems to grow on the quiet Matthew, but Marilla is determined to send her back until she has a change of heart, deciding to give Anne (with an e!) a trial.
Anne quickly bonds with Diana Berry, becoming bosom friends with her, and also gains the attention of the handsome Gilbert Blythe, though he shows it in typical teenage fashion, by teasing her about her hair, which is one of her buttons, so she smashes her school slate over his head and vows to never speak to him again. Over the course of the movie, Anne (with an e!) goes through many trials and tribulations, most of which are brought about by her overly dramatic nature, as well as her quick temper. She shows herself to be a loyal friend, a smart, dedicated student, and a loving member of the Cuthbert family. She makes mistakes in cooking, trying to dye her hair black (though it becomes GREEN!), and in accidentally giving Diana access to raspberry wine, instead of raspberry cordial (non-alcoholic!) She has to battle against the small town mindset that orphans are no-good thieves and troublemakers, but eventually worms her way into the heart of most of the population around Green Gables.
Though there is a tragedy near the end of the movie, we see the possibility for romance between Gilbert and Anne (with an e!), as well as her devotion to Marilla and Green Gables.
If you like period dramas like Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs, you will enjoy Anne of Green Gables very much! The sequel, Anne of Avonlea/Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel is just as entertaining and enjoyable as the first movie, and not one to be missed!
Final Report:
Anne of Green Gables
199 minutes
$25.33 - $27.99 (DVD)
$51.41 (3 movie collection)
10/10
Available at your local Barnes and Noble or at Barnes and Noble Online
Anne of Green Gables 3 movie collection
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