 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Anne of Green Gables
- Review Date: July 29, 2003
- NR
- Genre: Drama
- 1986
Common Sense Media says
Faithful, sensitive take on classic novel is great for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this generally very faithful adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's beloved novel about red-headed orphan Anne Shirley has hardly any iffy content. Anne does accidentally get her best friend drunk in one scene, but it's due to an honest mix-up, and there are consequences. Other scenes include some mild peril and conflict, but overall this is a lovely, leisurely, kid-friendly story of another time. In fact, some younger kids may find it a little too leisurely, but if you spread the viewing out over several afternoons or evenings, they'll probably get sucked right in. If they do, they'll be delighted by Anne, whose imagination, impulsiveness, and thirst for love and friendship make her a very sympathetic, relatable character.
What's the story?
In this adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel, 13-year-old orphan Anne Shirley (Megan Follows) is sent to picturesque Avonlea, on Canada's Prince Edward Island, to live with a new family. At the story's outset, the odds are against Anne. Middle-aged siblings Marilla (Colleen Dewhurst) and Mathew (Richard Farnsworth) expected a boy -- someone who could take on much of the work at their farm. While Anne quickly wins Mathew over, Marilla proves a tougher nut to crack. But driven by love, persistence, passion, and the willingness to work hard, Anne is able to transcend her difficulties and fulfill her dreams.
Is it any good?
Gorgeous to look at and brimming with simple truths about love, friendship, and family, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES has been adapted several times, but this version stands out as the one young viewers will remember. Beautifully adapted and dramatized, this evocation of turn-of-the-century rustic Canada is peopled with finely drawn characters whose personal stories captivate viewers. Follows is a delightful Anne, plain on the surface but lit by an inner fire. She's hilariously outspoken and strong-willed.
Dewhurst and Farnsworth embody the proud and isolated sister and brother who come to love Anne. Farnsworth, in particular, gives a subtle, poignant performance -- the scene in which he first meets Anne is priceless. His silent reactions as she chatters incessantly tell more about the man than any speech could. Anne serves as a terrific role model, and her story is told with humor and a refreshing lack of sentimentality.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Anne. Is she a role model? Is she like any kids you know in real life? How do you think she'd be different if the movie was set in modern times?
If you've read the book, how does the movie compare? Which do you like better, and why? If you haven't read the book, does watching the movie make you want to check it out?
Talk about the choices available to girls (and women) at the turn of the century. Why did Marilla feel that Anne would be "of little use" to them? And how did Anne overcome the difficult odds she faced at the beginning of the film?
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AGE
Perfect in every way. A great reminder of the days when movies took their. When directors knew you didn't have to use fast zooms, hand-held cameras, and relentless action to craft a movie. And it is suitable for any age; there is no language, no violence, and no sexual/suggestive content of any kind. Director Kevin Sullivan didn't just make a movie, he made 4 hours of art. Art that will stay in my DVD collection for a long time to come.
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AGE
One of my favorites!
Anne does have a temper,but it's a great movie!!!!!
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AGE
Awesome just like the book!
i read the book anne of green gabels and fell in love! once done i drove everyone crazy looking for the movie ad we found this one and it was great! in the book it skiped her going to the picknic and other things but showed it in the movie which was really neat
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AGE
AWESOME FOR TWEENS AND UP!
I loved it. I loved it when I was 10, and now I'm 11. I've seen all 4 movies of Anne Of Green Gables. It's romantic and dramatic.....slightly a chick flick. But really, I went to half price books and picked up a 5 disc collector edition and watched it with my friends. They all loved it, and you would too. For the 2nd disc the rating would remain 10 yrs. For the 3rd and 4th, 11/12. The 3rd and 4th are movies that a 10 yr. old probably would'nt be very interested in.
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AGE
Great books and movie
Great movie... Nothing not to like. A little long, but kids are mesmerized by it!
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Kid, 11 years old
September 26, 2009
AGE
Good movie
Marilla is not very nice at the beginning, y'know. Matthew is wonderful, and so nice. Anne Shirley has a temper, does not like her red hair, but she's a wonderful girl! Her red hair makes her pretty, (but I like my brown hair) and Gilbert is nice. It's shame Matthew has to die. The movie is wonderful! (It's fake, too, there's no real true story of that, It's all fake)
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AGE
Great movie
I absolutely love these movies. So great. Nothing bad to say, but know that your kids might not stay awake. Definitely not an action film, but a classic.
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AGE
Gentle Movie With Wonderful Messages
My family watched this last year when my daughter and I were reading the book together. She absolutely adored it, so much so that we had to get the follow up movie immediately. Even my husband and older son got caught up in the story. Wonderful movie about the importance of being yourself, of family love and acceptance, of friendship, and ultimately of learning to know and love yourself.
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| Topics: | book characters, friendship, great girl role models |
| Studio: | Sullivan Entertainment |
| Director: | Kevin Sullivan |
| Cast: | Colleen Dewhurst, Megan Follows, Richard Farnsworth |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 199 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 10, 1986 |
| DVD release date: | February 4, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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