Anne auf Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables is a movie that holds a special place in my heart. I first saw this with my mother years ago, and it quickly became our favorite movie. We must have watched it every time we were together. And no matter how many times we watched it, every viewing always seemed like the first time all over again. We laughed and cried at all the same places, and couldn't wait until the day when Gilbert and Anne would finally be together. My mother developed cancer and suffered for two years. This movie was a wonderful escape for her and myself. I lost her 4 months ago, and at first I thought I would never be able to watch this movie ever again, but I was wrong. It only means that much more to me now. For now it holds even more wonderful memories. This is a movie that is meant to be shared with someone special. Just as I did.

Every time I watch Anne of Green Gables, I am transported out of my living room in California in 1999 and into the beautiful colorful time of 1908 and Avonlea, PEI. It is such a simple yet beautiful story. As a person who usually prefers movies nothing at all like this, I am shamelessly admitting that I adore everything about these stories from L.M. Montgomery. And even if they had put in a special order, they never could have found anyone more suitable to play Anne than Megan Follows. No matter what else I see her in, she's Anne Shirley, and she will always be the only Anne Shirley. If I'm stressed or upset, I have only to go to Anne's world. It's like an inexpensive vacation!!! : )

I was highly impressed with this production when I first saw it over ten years ago. The cinematography is very intimate, and does a fine job of showing some very picturesque coastal and rural scenery. The costuming and overall art direction is first class in both this production and it's followup "Anne of Avonlea."

The acting is very rich and natural from all the female leads, though somewhat dry from the younger males. There's a touch of melodrama in all their performances, but this aspect reflects accurately I think the behavioral norms for the period.

The stories are personal reflections of author Lucy Maud Montgomery, set around Prince Rupert Island, and placed in a 3rd person narrative for her series of books. The books are once again transcribed to screenplay format for this mini series, and though I've never read the books I must say I'm very impressed with the production.

The blend of colors, costumes, acting talent and overall direction really make this and its sequel very enjoyable to watch. Sadly the third installment doesn't quite live up to the standards set by the first two mini series, but is still watchable.

The SFX were also very convincing (what few there were). I won't spoil the film by pointing them out, but nevertheless they help set the general visual feel of the characters, and better establish their ages.

Myself, I'm a guns-n-spaceships movie kind of guy, but I do appreciate a gentle reflection on the more important things in life. In this case the story of the pains and fortunes of growing up. I highly reccomend this to anyone who needs a break from real life or wants a change in pace from the usual Hollywood offerings.

This film is absolutely gem (sequel included). The direction, acting, script and cinematography is spot on. I feel that the casting director should get a special mention as I don't believe you can find a better cast to play out the characters in the book. I feel this is where it mainly succeeded where other versions have failed. Megan Follows is Anne in every way. Excellent performances from Coleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth help bring the story to life as well. A film translation from a book is never better than the book itself. I think this film and it's sequel are an exception.

I have always loved the "Anne" books, and I always imagined myself as Anne Shirley. So I expected to be disappointed at "Anne of Green Gables." I was far from disappointed. Megan Follows was excellent as Anne Shirley. She captured the dreamy, romantic quality of Anne beautifully. All of the other actors were marvelous in the movie as well.

I think the countryside was also gorgeous, and the filming of it was breathtaking. It was an terrific movie!