I have confession to make {a review of Anne with an "E"}


Remember last year, when the new Netflix show, "Anne, with an E" came out? There was a whole lot of debate among diehard fans of the Meagan Follows movies over which one was better? And just how the new show failed to stay true to the storyline, and the "essence" of the Anne books? While I hold a dear place in my heart for the movies (I grew up on those), I also am finding a place in my heart for the new show (gasp). Yes, I like it. No, I don't think that it is an accurate portrayal of the books by any means, but as a show to watch, I like it. I love the characters (anyone else happy to see Jasper Dale, from Tales From Avonlea as Matthew?). The scenery is beautiful, as is the music. Anne is portrayed as a struggling, confused, coping-with-life-by-living-in-her-imagination youth.  So, even though I was disappointed that the show deviated from the books so much, I do love it.

I do know that there was a lot of disappointment with people over finding that there were some parts of the show that were not suitable for children. I guess, to begin with, it never crossed my mind that it was a children's show, and, even if it were, I would always recommend that an adult preview a movie that seems to be geared toward both older children and adults. Mainly because you never know (sadly) what is going to be included in a film these days.

Season two was just released on Netflix, and I've been watching it this past week. Yes, it's not the same as my forever-favorite, the Meagan movies. But it's still good. Really good.

I'd love to hear any and all thoughts on this since I know that I'm not the only Anne fan out there. Please comment away and let me know your take on the new show! Also, What's your favorite Anne book? Tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine ;)

Comments

  1. I was very disappointed, as was my daughter who as a little girl loved the Megan Follows adaptation of the novels. This new version seems to be a product of the PC crowd who seek to use programming for ideas logical purposes.

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    1. Hi Mary,
      I was not a fan of the "agenda" being pushed in the second season. It seemed out of place, and incredibly forced. About that I was very disappointment. The whole show definitely doesn't feel anything like Anne of Green Gables, I do have to say that.

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  2. I resisted watching season one until about two months ago because I was sure I would hate it from the reactions of friends. I've been a diehard Anne fan since I first read it in fourth grade, and since I'm 73 years old now, that's a long time ago. So I watched it. And I like most of it. The acting and cinematography is very good. I don't watch it as my beloved Anne of Green Gables but as "something else". Otherwise I would not like it at all. In principle I don't approve of what feels like stealing someone else's work and somehow not respecting it. This does not really respect historical truth nor what Montgomery was doing. But still, I like it as "something else" because some of it is well done and enjoyable. I hope that makes sense!

    My favorite Anne book is probably the first one, with Windy Poplars a close second. In 1954 it was impossible to find her other books (non Anne books) in the states and only the first two seemed to be in libraries. Slowly I bought the rest of the Anne series (thought Rilla of Ingleside was not available, either) during trips "downtown" with my grandmother. It was very exciting when her other work and books about her became available. I have several shelves of my Anne collection.

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    1. I agree that when I watch the show I have to watch it like every other Netflix show, and not thinking about Anne. lol The show is definitely nothing like the Anne books or other movie and not at all accurate of true to the books. How nice that you were able to slowly add to your Anne book collection over time! I love the books, but only have a few of them. I really should get serious about collecting more!
      ox

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  3. I was leery of this new series, but watched it anyway. The books and Megan Follow's Anne will forever hold my heart but the cinematography, landscape and Green Gables in the new series were stunning. And yes, Jasper Dale as Matthew was perfect! I think I preffered him as Matthew than Magan Follow's Matthew (gasp!). There was plenty of things I did not like in the new series but I will leave it at that.

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    1. Hi Vanessa,
      I was not sure what to expect either! There was plenty that I was disappointed about, but I have to agree that I really like Jasper Dale as Matthew, and I'm with you, over the Matthew from the MF version! lol

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  4. I wanted to like it, I really did but I have to agree with Mary's viewpoint. It has taken something warm and affirming and turned it into something dark. My young adult daughters and I began to watch it but the 3rd episode with the "mouse" discussion was appalling and we agreed that we didn'the want to watch any more.
    My favourite "Anne" book at this stage in my life is Anne of Ingleside. There has been a favourite for every stage in my life as I can relate to Anne in my own life journey. When I was young I loved Anne of Green Gables.

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  5. The show is nothing like the Anne series, I have to agree. I found that the only way that I could watch it and enjoy it was by thinking of it as another netflix original, and not in association with Anne. There are quite a few parts that I would definitely not recommend for children, lol That was probably the biggest problem that I have with the show. It seems to be geared toward children, and is even on the children's channel, but there are so very "adult" themes and agendas being pushed.

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  6. We have watched it...just past the big "party" that was held at the old Lady's place...and most disappointed. We loved the other series. But I see no good reason to put such a spin on a movie that makes it seem like it happened this week...quite a few things I do not believe would have happened in the time frame it was written. And yes, I get most tired of the agenda being pushed on us from every quarter. Most!! It would seem from the movie that these folks are the happiest of all folks...the ones I know are NOT a bit happy...and not all of that can be blamed on the public. It always amazes me how folks think breaking the instructions of GOD will result in happiness. I am 67 and have not yet seen that happen.

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    1. Hi Elizabeth, thank you for your thoughts on this! I find that if I watch movies that are based on books I generally like them if I don't try to compare them to the books and simply watch them as a different movie/story (as with the case of Anne). I agree that much of the show does not seem historically accurate, and I assume that is to keep the attention of new, contemporary viewers (again. I then view it as a stand-alone show, and not associated Anne).

      I am not sure what you mean by "the happiest of folks" since I thought that much of it shows a very dark reality (death, child abuse, prejudice, etc). If anything, I felt that the "sadness" aspect was much more dramatized than in any of the other versions of the Anne movies.

      Also, I understand that your faith leads you to believe in one way of life, but if that is your worldview point and understanding, then I understand that you feel that certain actions (in this show) are therefore wrong. However, if they do not feel that their actions go against God (or what's more, they don't even believe in Him) are they then " breaking the instructions of GOD"?

      As for happiness (regarding the "the agenda"), I also personally know many that choose to live alternative (?) lifestyles and have not noticed that they experience any more or less happiness than everyone else that I know...just my thoughts on that...
      ox

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