'Gorgeous' Saoirse Ronan period drama with 95% rating just landed on Netflix

Netflix is now streaming an Oscar-winning period drama, Little Women, hailed as one of the finest book adaptations ever made.

The film, based on a celebrated 19th Century novel, was directed by Greta Gerwig and boasts a star-studded cast. Saoirse Ronan takes the lead, with Timothee Chalamet, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen in supporting roles.

The story, adapted from Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, follows the lives of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.

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Set during and after the American Civil War, the narrative has inspired countless film and television adaptations.

These include a 1933 version featuring Katharine Hepburn, a 1949 film with Elizabeth Taylor and a popular nineties version starring Winona Ryder.

However, many critics consider Gerwig's interpretation of the Christmas tale as the most faithful to its original source, reports the Express.

Following its premiere, the Academy Awards lauded the adaptation and nominated Gerwig for the Best Adapted Screenplay of 2020. Little Women also earned Ronan, who stars as Jo, a nomination for the Best Actress award.

Pugh was also acknowledged in the Best Supporting Actress category. The film received further nominations for the Best Costume Design, Best Music and Best Picture awards. It ultimately bagged the award for Best Costume Design.

Since its premiere, the transition from book to screen has been met with glowing reviews from audiences.

One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes gushed: "This is one of the best movie adaptations of a book I have ever seen. I absolutely adore the book, and I was slightly apprehensive about the movie, but my expectations were absolutely blown away!"

Meanwhile, critics on the platform, who awarded the film a 95% rating, wrote: "With a stellar cast and a smart, sensitive retelling of its classic source material, Greta Gerwig's Little Women proves some stories truly are timeless."

Another fan commented: "An utterly warm and cosy picture. Remakes or renditions of classic stories can oftentimes fall short on the mark- by either changing too much and taking away from the original story or trying to replicate too much.

"Greta, however, mastered creating such a beautiful rendition of this story that is close to perfection."

Yet another cinema-goer remarked: "Love this telling. Would watch it over and over again, adore the cast so much."

Someone else proclaimed: "What a gorgeous movie, one of my all time favs. The actors are amazing performers and the way they express their emotions is very touching. This movie is a must watch."

Little Women is available to stream now on Netflix.