Gillian Armstrong

Director Gillian Armstrong drew on author Miles Franklin's novel, a turn-of-the-twentieth-century Australian coming-of-age story, to upend the conventions of period romance. Headstrong young Sybylla bemoans her stifling life in the country, where her literary ambitions receive little encouragement, and craves independence. When a handsome landowner begins to court her, Sybylla must decide whether she can reconcile the prospect of marriage with the...

Story about the March family of four daughters and a strong mother (Sarandon) who, because her husband is away serving in the Army during the Civil War, must raise her "little women" on her own. The daughters include: spirited Jo (Ryder) who longs for a career as a writer; beautiful and conservative older sister Meg (Alvarado); fragile Beth (Danes); and the romantic Amy (Dunst/Mathis). Through the years, as they become women, the sisters share their...