guymdb
Let's start with the positives, which are numerous. The adaptation is mostly accurate, with plenty of time to unfold; and the scenery and casting are top-notch. All the actors do a splendid job but Richard Farnsworth and Colleen Dewhurst as Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert steal the show, giving absolutely definitive portrayals! As for Anne and Gilbert, apparently it's almost blasphemy to criticise Megan Follows or Jonathan Crombie in any way. They are both totally winning in their roles, but I can't help wishing that the young versions of these characters had been played by more age-appropriate actors. Anne's aging throughout is impressive, but nowhere does she or Gilbert look 11. The young Anne's escapades are always charming but quite childish in nature, and would be more endearing if she didn't look 14 or 15. But she's such a lovely Anne, you can overlook this.As a lover of the novel, my main gripe with this adaptation is that the chronology is jumbled up. If you compare this against the novel you'll see that the incidents are all there but out of order. This is completely needless: when you have the luxury of a miniseries, why not just use the novel's structure as a model? Pretty simple really! Consequently many "small" changes have been made which are actually quite big. For instance, in the novel there is no "trial period" for Anne at Green Gables, as Marilla informs her early on that she can stay; in the tv series, keeping her in suspense seems cruel. Similarly there is a scene in the miniseries where Anne confesses that she inadvertently let a mouse drown in the sauce. People often single this out as a warm and funny moment, but nobody ever mentions that it's not actually in the novel! In reality Anne flavours a cake with Anodyne Liniment. So even though this adaptation is more or less accurate, one can see the beginnings of Kevin Sullivan's disregard for the source material - which becomes increasingly more blatant in his subsequent Anne movies.However, when all is said and done, this is a wonderful adaptation and easily the best out there! But that isn't hard since all the others to date are basically a waste of time. 8/10
CheeseDoodleBandit
Okay, anything said by "Napoleon_Dynamite_Rocks" should in all seriousness be ignored. He/she and his/her "literature" class obviously do not know the Anne the rest of us know and love. He/she says "the main characters delivered Shakespearean lines ... but it was painful..." without really knowing what he/she is saying. THAT is who Anne Shirley IS. Try reading the book, Napoleon; I'm sure you'll hate that as well. This obviously just isn't your kind of story (your user name says it all). As for fans of the novel, by all means, watch this movie! You will NOT be disappointed! Megan Follows truly captured the spirit of Anne "spelled with an e" Shirley - same talkative-belongs-in-Shakespeare's-time delightful Anne. Colleen Dewhurst and Patricia Hamilton lived up to my expectations as stodgy-what-do-you-know-she-grew-on-me Marilla and town gossip Rachel Lynde. Marylin Lightstone delivered an equally delightful performance as Miss Stacy, as did all the other actors/actresses in their various roles. Miranda de Pencier made an excellent Josie Pye. I wasn't disappointed with this movie in the least.
anniehutch
I just recently watched this movie again and all I have to say is this is an amazing movie. I remember watching it on TV when I was younger and I feel in love right then and there! Megan Follows is a very, very convincing Anne. Now when I read the books I picture her. I watch this movie at least once every three or four months just to be inspired. It's heart warming and a wonderful movie for children and adults alike. This movie makes you feel like you're there with her experiencing everything with her and growing up along side of her. The locations are breathtaking. The acting is wonderful. The theme is timeless. The movie all in all is fabulous. I never get tired of watching it.
artistathome
I believe the Megan Follows production is surely the best of all the versions that have been produced... I saw the 1934 version with Tom Brown (wonderful actor) on TCM this morning. It was OK, but many things had been changed for some inexplicable reason!However, the production with Megan Follows and Colleen Dewhurst does not suffer when brought to the screen. Being a mini-series it takes its time to show us the characters and all their quirks. In my opinion, no production can compare to the Megan Follows version. It's simply brilliant. All the actors embodied their roles to perfection.I watched it over a Saturday and Sunday, 6 years ago, as there were at least 2 tapes and maybe more. Later on, I tried to read the books but after seeing Megan Follows, I just couldn't. Perhaps I am too old now...after all, they are children's books with all the fantasies woven in that children have.I recommend this production to everyone--this movie will blow your socks off. Megan with her flaming and flowing hair is such a perfect Anne. I cannot explain how wonderful the actors are playing Marilla and Matthew. You just have to see it yourself.
AD
