Anne Of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000) Film Review

Hey there, movie buffs! Let's dive into a classic, shall we? Today, we're taking a nostalgic trip back to Avonlea and revisiting the 2000 film, "Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story." If you're anything like me, you've probably grown up with Anne, Gilbert, Marilla, and Matthew. This film, a sequel to the beloved "Anne of Green Gables" and "Anne of Avonlea" miniseries, offers a new chapter in Anne Shirley's life. So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, a cup of raspberry cordial (or whatever your preferred beverage is!), and let's explore this cinematic adventure together. We'll be talking about the plot, the characters, and whether this film lives up to the magic of its predecessors. Buckle up, buttercups; it's going to be a fun ride!

The Plot Unveiled: Anne's Journey Continues

Alright, folks, let's talk about the heart of any good story: the plot! "Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story" picks up with Anne (played by the talented Megan Follows) and Gilbert (Jonathan Crombie) embarking on a new stage of their lives. They're all grown up and ready to face the world. Anne is chasing her dreams of becoming a writer and Gilbert is on the path to becoming a doctor. The film takes us through their adventures as they navigate the challenges of love, career aspirations, and the realities of the early 20th century. One of the main storylines involves Anne's struggles to get her writing published. She faces rejection, heartbreak, and the constant battle to believe in herself. This adds a layer of depth to her character as we see her evolve from the spirited orphan girl into a woman with real-world problems. Furthermore, the film also addresses the societal issues of the time, including the First World War. This is where Gilbert's medical profession comes into play as he has to deal with the harsh realities of war and its impact on the injured. The film also adds some new and interesting characters. These characters help shape Anne's path by supporting her in her journey. Through them, she learns new lessons about life. The film explores themes of loss, resilience, and the importance of holding onto your dreams. It shows that even with all the challenges, true love and self-belief can help you. The plot is not as simple as it seems at first. It intertwines many elements, from love and friendship to war and loss. This gives a broad experience of Anne's life and her time period.

Now, the plot is really a mixed bag. For those who are fans of the book series, it's worth noting that the film takes a lot of liberties with the source material. Some of the changes might not sit well with purists. However, if you are able to approach the film as a standalone story, you might find a lot to appreciate. The storyline is compelling and gives a broader look at Anne's life. It offers a glimpse of her and Gilbert's adult lives. The film also tackles bigger themes like the impact of war and the challenges women faced at the time. It is a more mature film compared to the earlier adaptations. While some viewers found the plot to be disjointed, others found the film a bold move that tried to adapt to the new audience. It is a story about Anne's growth, her struggles, and her ultimate triumph. In the end, the plot has a lot of charm and can evoke emotional responses from the audience. It does a pretty good job of capturing the spirit of the original stories while introducing some new and interesting elements. It's a journey filled with love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of Anne Shirley. You will experience the emotional ups and downs that made the Anne series so captivating.

Characters and Performances: Old Friends, New Faces

Let's talk about the heart and soul of any good film: the characters and the people who bring them to life! In "Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story," we see some familiar faces alongside some exciting new ones. Megan Follows, of course, is back as Anne. For many, she is the definitive Anne Shirley. She continues to embody the character's spirit, her passion, and her relentless optimism. This time around, we see Anne as a more mature version of herself. Megan Follows does a wonderful job portraying her development. She portrays Anne as someone who has grown up. She continues to be a dreamer and a romantic, but she also has to deal with the hard realities of the adult world. Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert is also back. He brings a sense of warmth and reliability to the role. Their on-screen chemistry continues to shine. Their relationship is just as captivating as it was in the earlier adaptations. One of the best things about the film is the depth of their relationship. You can see how much they have grown together and how their love has evolved through the years. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with characters that add depth to the story. They support Anne and Gilbert through their life's journey. They add many layers to the storyline. Anne is tested by these characters. They also help highlight the different challenges in her life. The performances are very solid overall, with each actor bringing their talents to the characters. The character developments in the film do a good job of honoring the characters' traits from the book. They retain the magic of the previous adaptations while adding something new and fresh. The movie does not just focus on Anne. It also allows us to learn about the other characters. We see how they evolve, and we get to know them on a deeper level. This makes the film feel a lot richer and more engaging.

However, one point of contention for some fans is the changes in the supporting cast. Some iconic characters from the previous adaptations are not present. Other characters are played by different actors. While these changes are understandable given the time passed between productions, they may feel a bit jarring for longtime fans. The absence of some familiar faces does change the dynamic a bit, which can impact the overall viewing experience. Even with these slight changes, the core of the story stays strong. It focuses on the evolving relationships between the main characters. They are dealing with life's challenges. The performances are all great and showcase the actors' skill. They add to the movie's emotional depth. The characters are compelling, and their journeys will connect with the viewers. In the end, the characters and the performances are a real highlight of the film. They capture the spirit of the books. They also add some new and interesting facets to the beloved characters.

Visuals and Production: Bringing Avonlea to Life

Let's take a closer look at the visuals and production of "Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story." The film was shot in various locations, but the scenery is absolutely stunning. It really brings Avonlea to life. It captures the beauty and charm of the Canadian countryside. The filmmakers did a fantastic job of creating a world that is both authentic and visually appealing. The costumes, sets, and overall production design are excellent. They stay true to the early 20th-century setting. The costumes are beautifully designed, reflecting the fashion trends of the time. The sets are detailed and evoke a sense of the era, from the cozy interiors of Anne and Gilbert's homes to the bustling streets of the city. These details help immerse the audience into Anne's world. This helps make the storytelling richer. The cinematography is well-executed, with beautiful shots. The film captures the spirit of the original stories while adding something new and interesting. The film's overall aesthetic may feel a bit different from the earlier miniseries. This is due to technological advancements in filmmaking over the years. Some purists have noted a less polished feel. However, this shouldn't detract from the overall quality of the production. The film does a solid job of transporting the viewers back in time and into Anne's world. It's a feast for the eyes and adds another layer of enjoyment to the viewing experience. The film also has some nice special effects, especially in the scenes depicting the war. These effects enhance the story. They create a more realistic and emotionally charged experience. The film also uses music to enhance the visual experience. The score is very effective, adding to the emotional impact of the scenes. It creates a powerful viewing experience. The music is an important part of the film's success. It really adds to the atmosphere and the emotional depth of the story. The production also focuses on Anne's emotional journey. It includes both the good and bad moments. The visuals are a real highlight. The film succeeds in capturing the beauty of the countryside. It also manages to depict the emotional struggles. The production team should be commended for their dedication to detail. They add a real sense of authenticity to the story.

Criticisms and Controversies: What the Critics Said

No film is without its critics, and "Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story" is no exception. Some of the criticisms leveled at the film include the changes to the original story and the portrayal of the characters. Some fans feel that the changes to the plot are too drastic. They stray too far from the source material. These changes are a major point of criticism for purists. They believe that they diminish the essence of the original story. The adaptation alters the dynamics of the characters, especially Anne and Gilbert. While some view the changes as bold, others think they are unnecessary. The film's pacing has also been criticized. Some viewers find that the film moves too slowly at times. Other viewers found the film boring. The story drags on and some of the key events happen too fast. The film has been accused of losing some of the emotional depth that made the original adaptations so compelling. The story's focus on war and Anne's writing career has changed the feel of the narrative. This can be viewed as both a strength and weakness. It introduces new dimensions to Anne's character and her world. The changes can still disappoint those who were hoping for a faithful retelling of the books. Some critics have pointed out the film's historical inaccuracies. These details undermine the authenticity of the storytelling. The film has received mixed reviews from critics and viewers. They vary based on their expectations and their familiarity with the original source material. Some viewers embrace the new direction and appreciate the film's attempts to offer a different experience. Others find the changes to the characters and the plot too hard to overlook. Overall, the film's critical reception has been mixed. Whether you enjoy the film will depend on whether you go into it with an open mind. If you do, you might still find yourself captivated by Anne's journey and her indomitable spirit.

Final Thoughts: Worth a Watch?

So, after all this, is "Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story" worth a watch? Well, that depends! If you are a die-hard fan of the books and previous adaptations, you might find some of the changes jarring. However, if you're open to a different take on Anne's story, then absolutely, yes! The film has a lot to offer. It's a visually stunning movie. It features a great cast. It explores some interesting themes. Megan Follows does a wonderful job reprising her role as Anne. The film does well in capturing the spirit of the original stories. Even with some changes, it retains the essence of the characters and their relationships. The film's focus on Anne's growth, struggles, and the importance of holding onto your dreams is a great message. The film also offers a glimpse into the societal challenges of the time. This makes the film more impactful. It's a film that can be enjoyed by fans of the series. The film is a solid addition to the Anne of Green Gables franchise. It may not be perfect, but it is still a worthwhile watch. It is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and resilience. Whether you're revisiting Avonlea or meeting Anne for the first time, this film can provide an enjoyable viewing experience. In the end, the film captures the magic and heart of the original stories while adding some new and interesting elements. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!