Little Women

This interpretation of Alcott's work is beautifully and creatively adapted. Its ensemble cast is impeccably suited to their respective roles, with a notable performance by Angela Lansbury as the sharp-tongued Aunt March, and the welcome presence of Michael Gambon as the Marches' neighbor, Mr. Lawrence. Hawke's Jo is divine, expertly treading the thin line between feminine futurist and troublemaker, and ever delighting viewers with ideas that challenge the norms of her time and are more in line with the feminine experience of today. This series' use of music and transitionary scenes of nature are nontraditional, but they give this version a flair that's distinct from those before it.

What this version of Little Women doesn't tamper with is Alcott's emphasis on family relationships, overcoming struggles, perseverance, coping with loss, and finding yourself. The characters' individual evolutions are stories unto themselves, and juxtaposing them creates a tapestry of representations of life and love as experienced by different people with varying personalities. Because of the richness of the emotions experienced, this series is great for a teen audience, but its compelling storytelling is a worthwhile choice for parents to watch alongside them.