Little Women (1994)

Little Women (1994), an American historical drama film, directed by Gillian Armstrong and written by Robin Swicord, follows the March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they grow up in Concord, MA during and after the American Civil War. Their father is away at war and their mother, Marmee, must navigate the challenges of raising four headstrong daughters in 19th-century New England. The girls find solace in performing Jo’s plays in their attic theater. When their wealthy neighbor Mr. Laurence’s grandson Laurie moves in next door, he becomes a close friend to the March family, especially Jo. Beth gains a mentor in Mr. Laurence through her piano playing that reminds him of his deceased daughter, while Meg falls for Laurie’s tutor John Brooke.

When Mr. March is wounded, Jo sacrifices her hair to help cover the cost of Marmee’s train journey to nurse him back to health. During Marmee’s absence, Beth continues her visits to a struggling immigrant family, providing them with food and firewood. However, she ends up contracting scarlet fever from the family. In preparation for Marmee’s return, Meg and Jo send Amy away to stay safely with Aunt March since they have both already survived scarlet fever. Feeling worried about potentially dying without ever being kissed, Amy confides in Laurie who promises to kiss her if she falls ill. Prior to Beth’s illness, Jo had been Aunt March’s companion for several years, reluctantly hoping that it would lead to a trip to Europe.