Kindred Spirits (Anne of the Green Gables - The Complete Story (DVD))

Member Name: mqueen

Product:	Anne of the Green Gables - The Complete Story (DVD)
Date:	23/10/01 (276 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Exceptional family entertainment, gripping, and moving

Disadvantages: Sorry when it's finished

When I first saw Anne of Green Gables on television about ten years ago, I was completely hooked. This is a series not just for children, but, for all ages. All who love clean and wholesome entertainment with adventure and hilarious situations.

The basic story is about Anne, an eleven year old orphan who is sent to Prince Edward island, off the east coast of Canada, to an aging brother and sister, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. The only problem is that they wanted a boy, someone who would help on the farm. But, they agree to take Anne until a suitable replacement can be found.

Marilla, a very strict, authoritarian type woman, with a soft centre, is the one who wears the trousers in the household. Whereas, Matthew is a mild and unassuming, gentle old chap, who just goes along with the whims and wishes of Marilla. Although very different in character, they became instantly lovable as soon as they appeared on screen. In a very short while, their hearts are melted by the high spirited young girl, and they agree to keep her.

Anne was played by Megan Follows, an actress seldom seen now, but this was her crowning glory. She acts out her heart as the independant and very spirited young girl. Anne is a pretty, redheaded girl who hates her hair colour, and who is ridiculed by the handsome schoolboy, Gilbert Blythe, who calls her 'Carrots' much to his detriment. Anne and Gilbert have an antagonistic relationship, with Gilbert frequently annoying Anne, although she secretly likes him.

The filming took place on Prince Edward island and in Ohio, and the scenery is just beautiful. The early twentieth century atmosphere is well captured by the unspoilt towns and villages used on location.

Anne is the sort of girl who revels in romantic tragedy and sees life as one romantic disaster after another. Her perpetually sunny disposition warms her to everyone, and her vivid imagination and melodramatic character sees Anne and her 'b
osom companion', Diana Barry, follow her through one escapade after another. Her zest for life is what draws the growing Gilbert to her, and they soon become what Anne calls 'kindred spirits'.

This is a series that has won awards, and deservedly so. It is the kind of television that you can leave your children watching with no worries as to content. Children and adults are transfixed by it, such is the beauty of it. I was sceptical at first, but, was totally won over by the series. The casting is spot on and the script, directing and production is near faultless. It has to be seen for it's real effect to be felt.

The complete story is on video, along with the continuing story, another brilliant adaptation in the Anne of Green Gables saga.
I'd recommend these to all families. You won't be disappointed.

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