Little Women ²⁰¹⁹

“If you’re going to write a story about a girl,” a publisher tells Jo, “make sure she’s married by the end. Or dead. Either one.” That’s all women in nineteenth-century America were expected to be, but the four sisters in Little Women have bigger ambitions.

After her sparkling debut Lady Bird, director Greta Gerwig confidently and with a fresh, contemporary view threw herself into this literary classic by Louisa May Alcott. For her, it is a story about female aspirations, money and artistry. Moreover, Gerwig, an actress herself, lets her top cast shine: when the women are together, they tumble over each other like a cheerful tangle that always seems to be bathed in warm light. Separately, they shine just as much: we can certainly say that it was Florence Pugh's big breakthrough and the irritated frown that sometimes crosses Saoirse Ronan's face alone deserves an Oscar.

Little Women (2019) is a heartwarming film that fits perfectly with the holidays, full of atmospheric winter images, nostalgic setting and powerful message. The film was nominated for 6 Oscars and took home the golden statue for Best Costume Design.