Anne of Green Gables

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!!! : )

When I read these books as a child.. I would read an installment and then watch the installment on television. I have been in love with the stories ever since. The characters are truly the embodiment of L.M. Montgomery's written word. She would be proud.

I grew up wanting Gilbert Blythe to be in love with me and for Diana Barry to be my best friend. I think that this series was and is excellent.

If you like this one, make sure to watch the sequel. It is a little more romantic and a little less adventurous, but aren't we all when we grow up??

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.

This movie is my all time favourite. Still to this day I cry & get emotional during certain scenes & no matter how many times Ive seen this. Megan Follows, Jonathan Crombie, Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth did a tremendous job. The story of a little orphan girl who finally is adopted by the right people is great. The scenary is breath taking, what a marvelous place to have been while making this movie. Any one who enjoys a good love/drama watch this. You will be surprised in how much you enjoy it. Dont forget the sequels they are just as great. Especially if you want to know what happens to Anne & Gilbert.....