Anne of Green Gables Review

4 star fantastic adaptation of this classic tale.

Anne of Green Gables is based on the 1908 best selling novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery and is the latest in a long line of adaptations both in film and TV.

This version is written for the screen by Susan Coyne (The Best Laid Plans) and directed by John Kent Harrison (What the Deaf Man Heard).

“I like babies in moderation but twins, three times in succession? In my opinion that’s over the limit.”

Matthew Cuthbert (Martin Sheen – The Departed, Catch Me if You Can) and his sister Marilla (Sara Botsford – E.N.G., Ride) live on a beautiful farm called Green Gables in the lovely town of Avonlea.

They are getting older and decide to request an orphan boy from the local orphanage to help out with all the chores. Due to a mix up however, when Matthew arrives at the station to collect him, it turns out that they have sent a young redheaded girl, Anne Shirley (Ella Ballentine – The Captive, Bird).

Feeling unable to just leave her at the station, he takes her home to Green Gables and she is immediately taken with the place. The couple are unsure what to make of her, she is enthusiastic, chatty and imaginative, quite different to their plain and quiet presbyterian lifestyle.

Marilla sets about trying to find another family to take her, but in the meantime she is allowed to stay and she gradually begins to win their hearts, despite their attempts to resist.

Anne of Green Gables is a classic tale and this is a really good adaptation of it, with excellent performances from all concerned, especially Ella Ballentine he epitomises Anne. Her antics are as entertaining as ever and her penchant for trouble never fails to delight.

This is perfect afternoon viewing for the whole family, uplifting and heartwarming, a must own for kids of all ages!

“I’m not your Aunt and I don’t believe in giving people names that don’t belong to them.”

Anne of Green Gables is available to buy now on DVD.