Watch Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables is a 1985 Canadian drama film based on the novel of the same name by L.M. Montgomery. The movie tells the story of Anne Shirley, a highly imaginative and talkative orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, two aging siblings who live on a farm called Green Gables, on Prince Edward Island, in the early 20th century.

Anne is played superbly by Megan Follows, who manages to capture the character’s innocence, wit, and emotional depth with impressive nuance. From the moment she arrives at the station, Anne is a force to be reckoned with, using her vivid imagination, her love for literature, and her outgoing personality to make up for the fact that she’s an outsider in a close-knit, rural community. However, she soon clashes with Marilla (Colleen Dewhurst), who is reserved, practical, and determined to make Anne conform to her standards of behavior.

The dynamic between Anne and Marilla is at the heart of the movie, and it’s one of the strongest elements of the adaptation. Dewhurst is excellent as the stern and caring Marilla, whose tough exterior masks a deep well of compassion and love. Her back-and-forth with Follows is a joy to watch, as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship, from Anne’s early years at Green Gables to the pivotal moments of her adolescence and young adulthood.

Other notable performances include Richard Farnsworth as Matthew Cuthbert, Marilla’s soft-spoken and kind-hearted brother, who becomes a surrogate father figure to Anne. Farnsworth brings an understated yet powerful presence to the role, and his scenes with Follows are among the film’s most moving. Also worthy of mention are Patricia Hamilton and Marilyn Lightstone as Rachel Lynde and Miss Stacy, respectively, two of Anne’s mentors and confidantes, whose wisdom and humor add depth and dimension to the story.

One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is its faithful adaptation of Montgomery’s novel. The screenplay, by Kevin Sullivan and Joe Wiesenfeld, captures the book’s essence without sacrificing its emotional richness or its humor. The settings, costumes, and music are all impeccable, evoking the gentle yet vibrant world of Avonlea, where Anne makes her home.

In terms of themes, Anne of Green Gables explores the power of imagination, the importance of family and friendship, and the challenges of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. Anne’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance her dreams and ideals with the realities of life, and to embrace her quirks and idiosyncrasies without losing her sense of self. Her struggles resonate with viewers of all ages, as they reflect the universal themes of love, identity, and belonging.

Overall, Anne of Green Gables is a timeless classic that charmed audiences when it first appeared in 1985 and continues to captivate new generations today. Its warmth, intelligence, and wit make it a movie that can be enjoyed on many levels, from the heartwarming scenes of Anne’s childhood to the poignant and bittersweet moments of her adulthood. It’s a movie that celebrates the beauty of life, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity, find joy, and create a legacy of love and goodness.