Anne of Green Gables [IMPORT]

Rating:
Summary: Family television at its absolute best!
Review: This movie is awesome. In fact, the whole series (Anne of Green Gables [this one], Anne...The Sequel, and Anne...The Continuing Story) is awesome. Before I get in depth on this particular movie, I'd like to comment on the series in general.

First, all three installments are now available on dvd and, together, they total over 10 hours of pure television magic. I watched all 10 hours in one sitting. Admittedly, I have little self control anyway, but it's got to take something ABSOLUTELY AMAZING for me to keep the dvd player on for that many hours in a row. And this series, as a whole, is exactly that--absolutely amazing. The series was filmed over a period of years, and it's great to see the characters develop and grow older in front of your very eyes. Unlike a lot of Hollywood productions, where characters are recast if the actors who portray them do not wish to reprise their roles, each major character in this series is portrayed by one, and only one, actor or actress (with the exception of Fred, who was but a peripheral character in the second movie, but became a main character in the final installment). The result is a true attachment to the characters, and each successive installment makes you feel like you're revisiting with old friends. I highly recommend getting the set, although each installment is a complete story unto itself. As such, each installment can stand on its own if, for some reason or other, you can't get copies of the complete series.

With regard to this particular movie, Anne of Green Gables is the first of Sullivan's three "Anne" movies and, in my opinion, the best. It's well written, beautifully filmed, and convincingly portrayed in both its direction and acting. I can't imagine anybody as Anne besides Megan Follows. The same is true for each of the other characters. This movie, based on a children's story by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is about an orphan struggling to fit into her environment, while at the same time retaining her sense of individuality and without compromising her innate sense of fairness and righteousnous. This is truly an inspiring movie--the kind you'd like your children to watch and hope they love. It brings you back to a nicer, gentler time where kids will be kids and where society is sometimes quirky and inappropriate, but where very little true "evil" is exposed. A return to innocence at a time when the world seems to lack it the most. I can't say enough good things about this film. Highly recommended...especially on dvd where you get a bunch of extras. ...Notwithstanding the bonuses on the dvd, however, this movie is worthwile in any format. Please get it, watch it, and love it. This movie deserves its place among the best family movies of all time.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Anne of Green Gables is a classic tale of an orphan becoming a pioneer and role model for young girls and chiildren of all ages. In Anne of Green Gables to Anne: The Continuing Story, we watch Anne get into sticky situations and deal with the issues of love, friendship and careers that will warm your heart. Anne lives in all of us, in our hearts and spirits and will continue to charm generations to come.

Rating:
Summary: Why pick up the DVD version of "Anne?" For the commentary.
Review: I picked up the DVDs for the first two "Anne of Green Gables" series after seeing the musical version of the story in Charlottetown. I lucked out because the DVDs have been out less than a month. The actual film, of course, is worth 5 stars all by itself and is a classic adaptation of a beloved novel, so what I want to talk about is why Anne's fans should pick up the DVD version as well. There are cast bios, previews of the other "Anne" works by Sullivan films, and some production stills. However, the chief charms of the DVD version are the following: First, there is Megan Follows' audition for the part of Anne, which is fascinating to see her first attempts at nailing the character of Anne Shirley. You will notice considerably changes in her actual performance, but the raw talent is amply displayed. Second, there are missing scenes, most of which have to do with the wife of Reverend Allen. It seems the production was co-produced by a German company and so there was this extended subplot with Mrs. Allen, played by a German actress, that was fully integrated into the Germany version of "Anne of Green Gables." Third, there is Directors Commentary from Kevin Sullivan and the film's editor, although the latter is there mainly to given the director someone to talk to during the almost four hour film. The commentary is certainly fascinating, as we find out where certain scenes were short (mostly around Toronto, but some on Prince Edward Island), when scenes were shot (Megan would have to play Anne at 16 in the morning and 12 in the afternoon), as well as great stories about Colleen Dewhurst leaving a scene about to explode in laughter or adding a line. However, for all these fascinating tidbits about the production you will find yourself surprised from time to time that Kevin Sullivan often does not have a clue about the story of Anne and why it works. He expresses surprise, for example, that audiences find the scene where Anne thanks Matthew for the dress with puffed sleeves to be so emotional. Sheesh. She is looking at him with absolute love and devotion in her eyes and he says, "Don't you like it." Of course it gets to you. But not Sullivan apparently. Still, the commentary is first rate and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and using it to track down sites I intend to visit later this week in Toronto (I am going to find THE BRIDGE!). Finally, there are some behinds the scenes clips. Warning, this was a television news story on the production and is not the excellent behind the scenes documentary that aired on PBS. Obviously, my only complaint with this DVD is going to be the exclusion of that documentary, which, I supposed, belonged to PBS and not Sullivan productions. So, I know that most of you reading this not only already have "Anne of Green Gables" on videotape, you have had it for a long time. I am just here to tell you that picking up the DVD version as well is worth the additional expenditure.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: I first saw Anne.. as a 12 year old and have watched it countless times since.The screenplay of the Montgomery novel,Anne Of Green Gables,couldnt be performed any more perfectly.Megan Follows is a wonderful actress,and other than this mini-series,has had a surprising lack of success.The perfect bonus to the film,which is loved by young and old alike,is the just-right and pretty music throughout.I saw the film again recently and the tune now and then gets stuck in my mind and I dont mind a bit.Anne of Green Gables is a pleasant experience,intoxicating too..and -just as with the novel- you will feel sad with her,happy with her,and laugh at and with her..A girl-who despite all good intentions-is so hot-headed that she cannot keep out of trouble.Sometimes,an author will create a character who is so vibrant,so alive and so REAL to readers that you remember that character for a lifetime.Lucy Maud Montgomery has done that,and of all her characters from Anne on,none of them reach readers as Anne always has.They are in fact reflections of Anne but never reaching the essence of her or winning hearts so plentifully and so fully.There is ONLY ONE AnneOfGreenGables,..and ONLY ONE Lucy Maud Montgomery.This charming tale of an orphan girl whose every dream comes true will continue to enchant readers-and watchers-for many,M A N Y more years to come.(In fact,it has been,like,a century,since the character first braethed life into the world of books.

Rating:
Summary: Kindred Spirit's
Review: Anne of Green Gables tells a series of events in the life of Anne, an orphan that is sent away from her adoption family after being blamed for the death of an old coot. No matter what she tries to accomplish, it seems she can't do it without a foul up. This movie is around the three hour range in length, but once you've seen it you will understand that time flies when your having fun! After she is dumped at the orphanage, the head mistress hears about an elderly couple that lives on Prince Edward Island in a town called Avonlea. They want to adopt a child and she thinks that Anne would be perfect for them. Anne keeps herself company until she leaves by talking to her reflection, her "Window Friend" Katie. After she arrives on P.E.I. she melts the heart of a man named Matthew (Richard Farnsworth), who is to be her new parent. After she jabberboxes on their journey through fields, around the Lake of Shining Waters, and the trail of endless lace (Names that she gives the stretches of landscape they pass) they soon arrive at Green Gables. Once inside, the reluctant Matthew reveals the red headed child to Marrila, his sister. She quickly becomes enraged, "What is that!" Then Matthew says, "It's a girl." She says "I can see that...where is the boy?" He shrugs, "Was no boy, just her." That is the setup for the film, and one of the biggest challenges for Anne to overcome: winning Marrila's heart. Also one of the funniest things happens when she tries to dye her hair "A Beautiful, Raven, Black" and it ends up green. Anne of Green Gables is the first of a trilogy, and is an adventure to experience; As I have probably a hundred times! ~S.A.O.S~

Rating:
Summary: A Drama for the whole family
Review: This drama centers around the life of Anne Shirley from Prince Edward Island and is based on the novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery of the same name. In this film, we are introduced to Anne and how she comes to live with the Cuthberts (Marilla played by Colleen Dewhurst). The story starts off with her being a young orphan at age 12 and ends with her being a young lady ready to go off to college. Anne has many adventures with her 'bossom friend' Diana Barry. A great movie for the whole family as there is no profanity, violence or sex just good wholesome fun. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Finally available on DVD!!!!
Review: I love the story of Anne and the quiet town of Avonlea on Canada's PEI. I was thrilled to see that this wonderful film was finally available on DVD! Meghan Followes is excellent as Anne, and the scenery is as lovely as this story about an orphaned girl adopted by an elderly brother and sister who actually sent for a boy, but kept this wonderful girl!

I highly recommend this film!

Rating:
Summary: Surprised by joy!
Review: SURPRISE! Elderly Marila and Matthew apply to adopt a boy to help them on their farm, never guessing they would instead be given a girl who completely changes their lives. Anne bursts into their hearts with her incredible imagination, warm smile, and love for life. On beautiful Prince Edward Island Anne forms fast friendships, gets into pickles by being stubborn and dramatic, softens Marila's hard shell, and gains the affections of young Gilbert Blythe. This wholesome movie will make you laugh, rest in beauty, perhaps shed a tear, and remember why life is worth living and loving. And guaranteed: you'll never forget Anne!

Rating:
Summary: A sweet, fun, lighthearted film
Review: This film will definitely rank on my top five all-favorite films. It was a worthwhile movie to watch because it was interesting, lighthearted, funny, touching, realistic, and witty. Megan Follows did a terrific job of portraying the stubborn, dramatic, and dreamy Anne Shirley. Although I have not read the book, I feel that the movie has captured the essence of it well, and makes sure that that the point of it gets across. The story takes place on Prince Edward Island in Canada, and the scenery there is absolutely beautiful. The acting is all around impressive and all the of the actors and actresses work very well together. I'd say that the film touches practically all of the bases of the problems one finds growing up. Also, the movie gives you a great feeling about life in general, which is more than I could say about some Oscar winning films.

Rating:
Summary: Old fashioned charm
Review: Anne of Green Gables is a story that can be watched time and time again. Anne is a lively, high-spirited character whose everyday adventures offer inspiration and entertainment for all viewers. This movie is a must have for all families with daughters... my four sisters and I grew up with Anne and enjoy the movie even now that we are grown.