Anne of Green Gables

I have been watching the film Anne of Green Gables since I was very young and reading the book for longer. Nothing I had ever see before had the same impact on me. Here was a girl, skinny and as a child not much to look at apart from this red hair that stood out a mile, a child who was ridiculed because of it, just like me as a child. I am the same as Anne and it felt like it had been written for me, after that first time I was hooked and watching it time and time again I never got tired. The many trials and tribulations she goes through in her life mirrors real life in many ways as we all hit the 'Depths of Despair' more than once in our lives.

Anyone who has not seen this film yet, I recommend that you watch it immediately, well, as soon as you can, you won't regret it. The version to watch is the one with Megan Follows in it as she definitely was the best person for the role of Anne.

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.

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.

For those of us who have loved L.M. Montgomery's books as both children and adults every depiction of them is very closely scrutinised. This Kevin Sullivan production is the only one that has come up to scratch, which isn't surprising as earlier attempts have failed abysmally (one even had Diana played by an insipid blonde!).But with faithful scripting, inspired casting, excellent direction and beautiful camera work, there is simply nothing negative to be said about this show. Sullivan sticks very closely to the original book and all the characters, from the central ones right down to those we hardly ever see, such as silly Ruby Gillis and spiteful Josie Pye, are superbly and sensitively observed by the actors portraying them.

I have read and re-read many favourite books but never before have I found myself imagining the characters as the actors who played them on screen - especially having read the books at least twice over before seeing any production of them. The highest complement I can pay to the cast of Sullivan's "Anne of Green Gables" is that any previous images I might have had of these much loved characters were wiped out of mind by their wonderful depictions of them. Richard Farnsworth, Colleen Dewhurst, Schuyler Grant, Jonathan Crombie and Patricia Hamilton were all brilliant. As for Megan Follows - well, what can I say? She is a truly wonderful actress (not only on the strength of this performance) and no one could ever match her portrayal of Anne Shirley.

One last thing - if there are any fans of "The Kids in the Hall" reading this watch out for Bruce McCulloch as Fred Wright... you'll fall out of your chair! (And Dave Foley has a cameo in the sequel).

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.