My mother had bought this two video set a couple of years ago, and this past week my daughter and I watched some of it every day as a treat. Anne of Green Gables will take a hold of your heart and not let go until the very end, and even then, life may look different after seeing such an extraordinary film. Pack your bags, grab your Sunday hat, we have a train to catch for Prince Edward Island- don't be late!

Anne Shirley (Megan Follows), our main character, has had a wretched life thus far. Upon death of her parents, she has been placed and moved from orphanage to different families all of her young life. Her latest trials are with a family with many children , including sets of twins! When the father of the household passes away, the mother is forced to give all the children up, including Anne. She is placed into an orphanage where the Den Mother decides that she would be perfect for a family on Prince Edward Island.

While all this is going on, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, brother and sister, have decided that they would like to adopt an orphan. Matthew decides he would like a boy, and tells their good friend, who is also adopting, to get them a boy as well.

Matthew meets Anne at the Train Station, bewildered that his boy orphan is a girl! Anne goes on talking her with her Shakespearean tongue while he drives the buggy home to Green Gables. As Anne grows on him, it will be his stern and frigid sister who will be the deciding vote on whether to keep her. After a trial period, and I mean TRIAL, Matthew and Marilla decide to keep Anne.

Anne grows up in Avonlea, meeting her kindred spirit and bosom buddy, Diane Barry, and also the young boy who's heart she steals, Gilbert Blythe. Diana and her have the funniest scenes together- my favorite being the one where Anne is to serve Raspberry Cordial to Diana, but mistakes it for Home-made wine which gets Diana drunk and very sick.
The girls remain very close to one another, and use their imagination to the fullest. Quoting lines from books, the girls decide to act out the Lady of Chalat, and lay Anne in a boat as if she has perished. Anne wants to reinact the scene of how the woman is sent to the sea for her eternal rest- hopefully her boat didn't sink like Anne's did! Anne is forced to cling to the underbelly of a bridge, while the girls are sure she has drown. So who comes saling by but Gilbert, and she gets in the boat, keeping what is left of her dignity the entire time- too funny!

Along with troubles with classmates, she has a run in or two with her nasty neighbor, Rachel Lynde, who loves to poke her nose in the town's business. Her favorite line is "I pride myself on speaking my mind"- yes she does! She reminds me a lot of Harriet Olsen from Little House on the Prairie.

Anne also deals with the prejudice that comes along with the title of being an orphan, and proves them all wrong when she saves Diana's little sister's life when she falls ill one night. Anne gives her medicine all night, wiping her head and keeping her still until the doctor can come. For this, the Barry's forgive Anne of the wine incident and ask her to accompany them to different affairs.

The movie also explores the bond between her, Marilla, and Matthew and how they grow to love her more each day. Tragedy hits their household when Matthew has a heart attack while doing farm work and dies in Anne's arms. His last words were "I love my little girl." This is a tragic and beautifully done scene that will leave you in tears and wanting to hug someone!

Gilbert and Anne grow together, but Gilbert falls in love with Anne, even proposes marriage, but Anne refuses and tells Diana "I am positive I want a career over marriage."
Gilbert goes off to Medical School, and Anne gets ready to teach in Kingsport at a Ladies College. Anne's tearful goodbyes to her friends and family will tug at your heart, and the movie leaves you wanting more. Anne of Avonlea is the sequel to this film, and I have written one on that as well.

Anne of Green Gables is a clean, decent, and great movie for the entire family to watch. Anne Shirley will play on your heartstrings and leave life a bit brighter for you in the end. Running 199 minutes long, it make some time to watch- but I guarantee it is worth it! Why not rent or buy it today?







Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up to Age 4