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L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables: 3 Movies
(Ella Ballentine, Sara Botsford, Martin Sheen, et al / 3-DVD / G / 2021 / PBS)

Overview: True to the beloved classic that has enchanted fans across the world for over a century, this trilogy of family films bring to life the story of the determined, spirited little girl who touches the lives of everyone she meets.

Includes: L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables: L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables: The Good Stars: and L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables: Fire & Dew.

DVD Verdict: I'll admit it - I'm a huge fan of the Anne series of books. I fell in love with this book when I was 9 and was, initially, disappointed with the Kevin Sullivan rendering of 1985 because adaptations are rarely as good as that which unfolds through the unfettered lens of our own imaginations.

Eventually, I came to appreciate the TV mini series and have a soft spot in my heart for the translation from page to screen which Sullivan, et al accomplished.

First up in this trio of delightful tales is 'L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables,' the original retelling of L.M. Montgomery's story of Anne Shirley, an orphan who is accidentally sent to a couple looking to adopt a boy instead.

The movie is refreshing and so well done that I hoped it would have been longer. Martin Sheen, Sara Botsford and Ella Balentine were so excellent in their parts. All the acting added to the story line. The scenery was beautiful and the farm delightful. I hope to watch this movie over and over.

This is a must-see movie remake of the classic novel with a very fine level of acting and a proper dose of credibility and even a spark of beauty. I watched it with a smile on my face and cried at the end - just as if I was a little girl reading this novel for the first time.

Next up is 'L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables: The Good Stars' where L.M. Montgomery's spirited heroine, Anne Shirley, faces numerous milestones, including first sleepovers, culinary misadventures and shifting relationships, all while embracing her inquisitive nature.

Here Anne is 12 going on 13. She grows up with her bosom friend Diana Barry and school rival/love Gilbert Blythe. Matthew is suffering from increasing dementia. This ends with Gilbert's rescue of Anne.

The events can be episodic in their nature, but everything flows neatly, if you allow it to. Here Ella is closer in age to the character in the books and that works quite well.

She's good, although I want her hair to be redder, of course, but overall the acting is excellent and the production is bright and good TV level, as always.

Lastly we get 'L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables: Fire & Dew,' where with guidance and encouragement from her spirited new teacher Miss Stacy, Anne Shirley commits to her studies and earns a spot at Queen's College in far-off Charlottetown.

But when Anne departs for Queen's, Matthew and Marilla feel a sudden emptiness in their lives, especially when Marilla's failing eyesight and Matthew's poor health make life more difficult on the farm.

And in Charlottetown, Anne is overwhelmed by loneliness, city life, and the pressure of intense competition - especially from Gilbert Blythe.

Facing difficult choices, will Anne find that the dark cloud over her life does have a silver lining?

Ella Ballentine does a superb performance bringing her character to life. She as well can lead an audience in any direction and not disappoint in any way or form.

A human firecracker in the making and an array of feelings that will bring you back to childhood with a convincing connection, that's for sure.

Sarah Botsford did an awesome job with her character. Her ways of motherhood and friend locks you into her character and takes you for a ride that will for sure not only get you thinking; but I actually was hoping for acceptance from her character as if she was my own mother.

Martin Sheen's character blended in so naturally that you forget while watching that it's a movie. He brought a as he put it a kindred spirit to the audience.

If there were ever a dad figure you would want to grow up with, it would be with Matthew Cuthbert. Thus, 'Fire & Dew' more than works as a stand alone and as a sequel. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.PBS.org





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