Lara Jeannine

I too was a fan of the 1994 version and perhaps this clouded my initial perception of the film directed by Greta Gerwig. However I was also trying very hard to like this film for what it represents, a quantum leap for women in film and in the modern world. I did appreciate the tone, warmth and the stunning cinematography. The overall feel of the movie is like a warm hug, in part due to the wilful youth and sweetness of Saoirse Ronan, and a good humoured camaraderie that seemed to exist between the actors. However the story left me emotionally empty. The characters had no room to breathe with the relentless whirling dervish of over-talking dialogue and incessant flashbacks. The characters relationships seemed disingenuous at times as there was a lack of context, perhaps assuming that viewers had already seen other versions of the film or read the book. I found it difficult to be totally immersed in the experience. I did not notice, as some other reviewers have mentioned, the age of Florence Pugh, who I thoroughly enjoyed as Amy. I do think Chalamet was miscast and became a simpering Ronan sidekick as opposed to a frustrated, passionate lover as he was depicted in the book, or by Christian Bale. I think that the light touch of this film missed its mark, and there is some general confusion about time period. It's an artsy piece that some may enjoy on the merits of its lush visuals, upbeat vibe and positive family portrayal.