Excuse a swearing in indie church, but Greta Gerwig's costume drama is a bit annoying.
It is to be acknowledged that this is the first time I have read the romantic story of Jo March's and her three sisters' fate in the 19th century USA. Yes, the author Louisa May Alcott is well known, but her most famous novel (and all its film and television versions) has passed this psyche unnoticed.
A flaw in the frame of reference? Absolutely, but it also provides an opportunity for a movie viewer who is free from preconceived opinions (at least on the story) which can't hurt - if you look at how uniquely acclaimed this Oscars contestant has become.
This is surprisingly nice and handsome. As an extended and late episode of the old malay (but then loved) TV series Little House on the Prairie. A Jane Austen for kids.
Pillow war, whistling and teasing - and who should marry who?
"Surprising" because it is precisely the talented and ingenious Greta Gerwig who stands for director and script. Earlier Gerwig creations such as Ladybird and Frances Ha (screenplay and starring role, a delightful film) and role performance in coauthor Noah Baumbach's dramedy have cemented her as one of the most interesting names in the US independent film - and a less striking effort certainly doesn't change that it (again: Young women are liked by basically the entire American critic corps, and the Oscar jury) - but still: a disappointment.
Most unexpected is the handsome Pippilotti vocal tone that feels completely uncharacteristic of the otherwise laconically entertaining Gerwig (it is kind of like Henrik Schyffert would suddenly start rabbi goa Gothenburg jokes).
The rating tree is weak.
But okay. It is largely my disappointment that speaks. If you look at it all as a sweet Hollywood cake for young romantics, the pieces fall more easily into place. It is, of course, a solid piece of film craftsmanship, with elegant production design and good looking photos (although the photographer is a little too in love with his slow motion button). Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Laura Dern and all the other stars do what they should, although sometimes it feels more like watching a piece of joyful theater sport than a tangible drama.
The theme is also relevant. Timeless. It deals with the vulnerability of women in a society where the man is a boss and a patron, where a quartet of girls struggle not to be beaten down by today's harsh gender norms - but the chuckling and unexpectedly sentimental mood disturbs my usual measuring instruments.
Young women fans should not be disappointed, everyone else can benefit from Greta Gerwig's efforts in her natural hipster habitat instead: as in Frances Ha, Mistress America, Wiener died, Damsells in distress, and so on.