I was a child of the 80's and grew up in a household with a single television set. As a result, I was forced to endure many hours of the Anne Of Green Gables video collection courtesy of my two sisters. They were absolutely hooked on what is widely considered to be the definitive dramatization of L.M. Montgomery's books. To be honest, I did enjoy it (as well as developing a slight crush on Megan Follows) but don't tell my sisters that. So I approached this reboot with a due sense of caution and cynicism. I'm overjoyed to say that the first installment of Moira Walley-Beckett's (Breaking Bad) new vision, simply titled 'Anne' is just sensational.
Wally-Beckett, along with director Niki Caro and producer Miranda de Pencier, deliver a more mature, detailed and sober depiction of the timeless classic in a movie length episode. While still staying true to the books this shrewd trio have dispensed with Disney-like sugary sentimentality of previous versions in favour of a slightly bleaker yet more accurate view of life in early 1900's Nova Scotia.
The casting of three of the three leads, Amybeth McNulty as Anne, Geraldine James as Marilla Cuthbert and R.H. Thomson as Matthew Cuthbert was absolutely spot on. McNulty in particular brings an extra layer to the story with her invigorating portrayal of the title character. I laughed out loud several times as she perfectly captured the tragic comedy of Anne's muddled arrival to Green Gables. However don't be surprised if you have to reach for the tissues a couple of times too.
This is still a story for kids and young adults but the older folks will get a big kick out of this new razor sharp adaption. I can't wait for episode two!
Wally-Beckett, along with director Niki Caro and producer Miranda de Pencier, deliver a more mature, detailed and sober depiction of the timeless classic in a movie length episode. While still staying true to the books this shrewd trio have dispensed with Disney-like sugary sentimentality of previous versions in favour of a slightly bleaker yet more accurate view of life in early 1900's Nova Scotia.
The casting of three of the three leads, Amybeth McNulty as Anne, Geraldine James as Marilla Cuthbert and R.H. Thomson as Matthew Cuthbert was absolutely spot on. McNulty in particular brings an extra layer to the story with her invigorating portrayal of the title character. I laughed out loud several times as she perfectly captured the tragic comedy of Anne's muddled arrival to Green Gables. However don't be surprised if you have to reach for the tissues a couple of times too.
This is still a story for kids and young adults but the older folks will get a big kick out of this new razor sharp adaption. I can't wait for episode two!