Watch L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables

In 2016, a new adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's beloved novel, Anne of Green Gables, was released starring Ella Ballentine as the titular character. This made-for-TV movie, directed by John Kent Harrison, is a faithful retelling of the classic story about a fiery, imaginative orphan who is taken into the home of an elderly brother and sister on Prince Edward Island.

The film opens with Anne Shirley, a red-haired, freckled 13-year-old, arriving at the train station in Avonlea, PEI. She has been sent there by mistake, as the Cuthberts who had requested a boy to help with their farm work are surprised to find a girl on their doorstep. However, despite the initial confusion and disappointment, the Cuthberts - brother and sister Matthew and Marilla - decide to keep Anne and give her the home she has always longed for.

Anne's arrival marks a turning point in the siblings' quiet, solitary lives. Anne is talkative, imaginative, and never short on ideas or stories; she has difficulty filtering her thoughts and her words, but her vibrant personality wins over Matthew (Martin Sheen) and Marilla (Sara Botsford) over time. Ballentine brings a fresh, energetic performance to the role, capturing Anne's infectious enthusiasm, her love of nature, and her fierce independence.

As Anne struggles to prove herself to the skeptical townsfolk of Avonlea - who have never seen anyone quite like her - she faces a number of obstacles, from learning how to fit in at school and church to dealing with the neighborhood bully, Gilbert Blythe (Drew Haytaoglu). But Anne's overactive imagination also leads to some hilarious and heartwarming moments, such as the time she accidentally dyes her hair green, or when she adopts a mouse as her pet and dresses it up.

The film expertly captures the beauty of Prince Edward Island, with sweeping shots of lush green fields, rocky coastlines, and the idyllic small town of Avonlea. The costumes and production design also transport viewers back to the late 1800s, when the story is set. The attention to detail creates a lived-in world that feels authentic and immersive.

One of the strengths of this adaptation is its emphasis on the themes of family and community. Matthew and Marilla, who are initially reluctant to take in a child, come to care for Anne deeply and become her surrogate parents. Meanwhile, Anne's infectious personality brings out the best in everyone around her, from her loyal friend Diana (Julia Lalonde) to the grumpy Rachel Lynde (Kate Hennig). The film celebrates the power of love, kindness, and acceptance to create happy, meaningful lives.

Ella Ballentine's Anne has a special kind of magic, capturing the essence of the character's imaginative spirit and warmth. Ballentine balances Anne's flights of fancy with her own vulnerability, creating a fully rounded character. Martin Sheen is excellent as Matthew, the gentle soul who warms up to Anne more quickly than Marilla. His performance is understated but deeply affecting. Sara Botsford brings a quiet strength to Marilla, portraying her no-nonsense approach to life without ever losing sight of her humanity.

Overall, this adaptation of Anne of Green Gables is a delightful, family-friendly film that will appeal to fans of the book and newcomers alike. The story of Anne Shirley, who triumphs over adversity with her plucky spirit and generous heart, is as relevant today as it was when L.M. Montgomery first wrote it. The filmmakers have done justice to that timeless story, creating a film that is full of heart, humor, and charm.

L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.