"Little Women" Review: The Growth and Bonds of Four Sisters

The Four Little Sisters from "Little Women" - A story of growth from girls to women

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

novel

■ Broadcast period

April 7, 1981 - September 29, 1981 Every Tuesday 18:00-18:30
26 episodes, 30 minutes each

■Broadcasting station

Tokyo 12 Channel

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 26

■Original Story

Original story: "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

■ Director

・Chief Director: Miyazaki Kazuya

■ Production

Produced and written by International Film Company

■ Story

The story is set in America during the Civil War. The four March sisters (Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy) are left to live alone with their mother when their father goes off to war. While praying for their father's safety and sometimes being watched over by their mother, the four sisters grow from girls into women through various troubles and incidents that occur at home, and through great trials.

■Explanation

This animated TV series is based on the autobiographical novel "Little Women," written in 1868 by American novelist Louisa May Alcott. Set in late 19th century America, it depicts the growth of four sisters who live modest lives. The series has themes of family love, friendship, and self-realization, and has touched many viewers. In particular, the individuality and growth of each of the four sisters is carefully depicted, allowing viewers to learn a lot from their lives. It also touches on the social background of the time and the improvement of women's status, making it an interesting work from a historical perspective.

■Cast

Joe/Mami Koyama, Meg/Yuko Takagi, Beth/Keiko Han, Emmy/Chiyoko Kawashima, Father/Takashi Tanaka, Mother/Akiko Tsuboi

■ Main staff

- Original story by Louisa May Alcott (from "Little Women")
・Planning and production: Juzo Tsubota ・Screenplay: Eiichi Imado ・Chief director: Kazuya Miyazaki ・Character design: Joji Kikuchi ・Art setting: Tadami Shimokawa ・Cinematography staff: Takeshi Fukuda, Shinsuke Tsugawa ・Music: Takeo Watanabe ・Sound director: Yasunori Honda ・Casting cooperation: Aoni Production ・Production and copyright: International Film Company ・Distribution: Enoki Film

■ Main Characters

・Joe The main character. The second daughter with beautiful, lush hair. She has a boyish and short temper, but her hobby is reading. She aspires to be a novelist.
Meg: The eldest of the four sisters. Beautiful and feminine, but conservative in nature.
・Beth The third of four sisters. She is shy, but has a strong core. She is physically weak and loves music.
・Amy is the fourth of the four sisters. Because she is the youngest, she admires grown-up ladies. She has a talent for art.
・Mother: A wise mother respected by her four sisters. She teaches her sisters about kindness and guides them.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: Christmas Eve for the March Family (April 7, 1981)
Episode 2: Angel in BootsEpisode 3: Joe's BoyfriendEpisode 4: Beth's TransformationEpisode 5: Pretentious Emmy's ExpulsionEpisode 6: ConflictJoe vs. EmmyEpisode 7: The Lawrence Family BallEpisode 8: Meg TrappedEpisode 9: The Attic Editorial MeetingEpisode 10: Joe's Turn to CookEpisode 11: PicnicEpisode 12: Laurie's TroublesEpisode 13: A Horde of RefugeesEpisode 14: Beth and the CanaryEpisode 15: Joe's SecretEpisode 16: Meg Grows UpEpisode 17: Aunt March's Choice of Adopted DaughterEpisode 18: The Field Hospital Opens in TownEpisode 19: Mr. Lawrence's Old TaleEpisode 20: Joe's FantasyEpisode 21: Joe's Fantasy 2
Episode 22: An Ominous Telegram Episode 23: Don't Die, Beth Episode 24: An Angel's Lullaby Episode 25: Amy's Will Episode 26: Spring in Concord (1981/09/29)

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・Lyrics: Jun Takita ・Music: Takeo Watanabe ・Arrangement: Yuji Matsuyama ・Singer: Mitsue Kondo

・ED1
Joe's Dream Lyrics: Juzo Tsubota, Jun Takita Music: Takeo Watanabe Arrangement: Yuji Matsuyama Singer: Mitsue Kondo

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■The appeal of the work

Little Women is a 1981 animated television series based on Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women. Set in America during the Civil War, the series follows the four March sisters as they overcome various obstacles and grow up. Each of the four sisters' personalities are vividly portrayed, and viewers can learn a lot from watching them grow up.

In particular, the main character, Jo, is charming in that she dreams of becoming a novelist despite her boyish and short-tempered personality. Each of the four sisters has their own distinct charms: Meg's beauty and conservative personality, Beth's shyness and love of music, and Amy's childishness and artistic talent. The mother's wise and caring attitude is also moving, and the story teaches us the importance of family love and friendship.

■Animation and direction

This anime was produced under the direction of chief director Kazuya Miyazaki, with character design by Joji Kikuchi and art direction by Tadami Shimokawa. Although the animation is in the style of the 1980s, the expressions and movements of the four sisters are drawn in detail, making it easy for viewers to empathize with them. The backgrounds and art also closely recreate the American atmosphere of the time, making for beautiful visuals.

In particular, the scenes depicting the growth of the four sisters are skillfully made with color and light, drawing the viewer's attention. For example, in the scene where Jo pursues her dream of becoming a novelist, her passion and determination are conveyed from the screen. Also, in the scene where Beth is immersed in music, her inner beauty is expressed. These directing techniques will leave a deep impression on the viewer.

■Music and theme songs

The music was composed by Takeo Watanabe, and the theme song "Looking for Happiness" and the ending theme "Joe's Dream" were sung by Mitsue Kondo. The opening theme is a song that evokes the brightness and hope of the four sisters, while the ending theme is a beautiful song that expresses Joe's dreams and passion. These songs resonate deeply with the viewers, further enriching the worldview of the work.

In addition, the film effectively uses background music that reflects the growth and feelings of the four sisters, helping to bring out the emotions of the viewers. In particular, the music in the scene where Beth plays the piano is an important element in highlighting her purity and beauty.

■Charm of the characters

Needless to say, each of the four sisters' characters is charming, but Jo's character in particular captures the hearts of viewers. Her boyish personality and dream of becoming a novelist will resonate with many viewers. Also, Meg's beauty and conservative personality, Beth's shyness and love of music, and Amy's childishness and artistic talent are all charming, and viewers can learn a lot from watching the four sisters grow up.

Furthermore, the mother's attitude as a wise mother is also moving, teaching the importance of family love and friendship. Her words and actions will have a deep impact not only on the four sisters but also on the viewers. The father's presence is also important, and his departure and return from the war have a great impact on the growth of the four sisters.

■Story development

The story depicts the four sisters growing up while overcoming various difficulties. From episode 1 to episode 26, the growth of the four sisters and their family love are carefully depicted, and viewers will be able to learn a lot from their lives. In particular, the scene where Joe chases his dream as a novelist and the scene where Beth immerses herself in music are touching and capture the hearts of viewers.

In addition to the growth of the four sisters, the film also touches on the social background of the time and the advancement of women's status, making it an interesting work from a historical perspective. For example, the scene where Meg gets married depicts women's views on marriage and family life at the time, allowing viewers to understand the historical background. Also, the scene where Jo pursues her dream of becoming a novelist depicts the difficulty and significance of self-actualization for women, which is sure to leave a deep impression on viewers.

■Reasons for recommendation

From "Little Women" The Four Little Women is a moving work that deals with themes of family love, friendship, and self-realization, and teaches viewers a lot. The individuality and growth of each of the four sisters is carefully depicted, and viewers will be able to learn a lot from their lives. It also touches on the social background of the time and the improvement of women's status, making it an interesting work from a historical perspective.

In particular, Jo's boyish personality and dream of becoming a novelist will resonate with many viewers. Meg's beauty and conservative personality, Beth's shyness and love of music, and Amy's childishness and artistic talent are all charming, and viewers can learn a lot from watching the four sisters grow up. Furthermore, the mother's attitude as a wise mother is also moving, teaching the importance of family love and friendship.

Watching this film with your family and friends will leave you with a deeper impression. Watching it alone will also give you an opportunity to think deeply about your own life and dreams. I hope you will watch this moving film and feel the growth of the four sisters and the love of their family.