Anne of Green Gables DVD and books

Well, here is my unabashed Canadian flag waving moment.  Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved Anne of Green Gables novels about Anne Shirley, the carrot topped orphan who found a loving home with an elderly brother and sister on Prince Edward Island, on the east coast of Canada, are very dear to my heart.  When I was a young girl of a certain age I read all of L.M. Montgomery's Anne books published 1908-1939, of which there are six I think.  They used to be thought of as mere children's books, but those of us who love Anne still re-read them occasionally to get that warm feeling back and they are now truly embraced by the literary community for the treasures they are.


This adaptation of the books about the headstrong girl with the over-active imagination and the knack for trouble, will absolutely win your heart.  There are many reviews on IMDb from crusty men and viewers usually watching sci-fi or action films, from all over the world, who are completely charmed by this gorgeous film adaptation of our beloved "Anne with an E".
The scenery is breathtaking and I don't know anyone who thinks that either Anne, Gilbert, Diana or Marilla and Matthew could have been better portrayed than by the extremely talented cast in this.  Particular kudos to Meagan Follows as Anne and Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla who will both captivate you.  If you don't cry at this slightly sentimental but not overly sugary production,  you are now reading the wrong blog.  There are two sequels packaged with the original of which the third is slightly inferior, but you will want to watch them all anyway, so you might as well get the boxed set which includes some great extras.

If you are lucky enough to have a young girl in your family who has not read the books or seen the DVD, this will solve some of your Christmas shopping problems. I would suggest the DVD first, after which she will want to sit down and read the first novel Anne of Green Gables immediately.  It is a great family film too where even Dad or Grandpa will have a hard time not getting sucked into the story.  It sort of reminds me of the Sunday nights of my childhood, where the Wonderful World of Disney would always show a great family film that everyone would enjoy, although this did not air until 1985.  This one has that same feeling.
Well, thanks to my new facebook friend from Italy who listed this film among her favorites, for spurring me on to write this review.  There are Anne fans from Japan to Europe to well...everywhere who already love this film series, so if you haven't seen it yet, consider this your glowing recommendation.  You will feel like a little girl again, and you will want to call up your "bosom friend"  from childhood to reconnect.  You will also find that it is the best medicine if you are in the "depths of despair".
Anne will be your new "kindred spirit" and make you want to spend your next vacation in P.E.I. which I would also highly recommend.