Rediscovering The Magic of The 1980s Anne of Green Gables; A Timeless Trilogy That Deservers More Love.

Writing this blog post took a very very long time (I started working on it in June). Primarily because for some reason, finding a cheap online copy of these films was near to impossible. After watching the first film, getting my hands on the second and third ones was a journey, one which I was not willing to spend fifty dollars for (yes I’m talking to you official Anne of Green Gables website). In the end I ended up buying them from amazon for twenty pounds - which I count as a win, considering they are core childhood, lifetime movies which I will aim to show my children one day (let us hope they don’t stop making dvd players in the future).

The film series I am talking about is Anne of Green Gables. Published in 1908, by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, this popular book series about a red headed orphan growing and balancing life in the rural Canadian Islands became a success in the children's fiction division, and multiple sequels and renditions have been made since. Montgomery was inspired by her own experiences of growing up in Cavendish, Prince Edward Islands as a child. The Island is known for its stunning green scenery; its mix of coastal and inland landscapes. I was truly convinced the English countryside was the most aesthetically pleasing and lush countryside - with its beautiful fields and cottagecore style of living - but after watching Anne of Green Gables I am convinced that the Canadian provinces have a special charm unlike any other i’ve seen. In fact I’ve added to my bucket list, ‘live in colonial house in a Canadian province with horses’.

Anne of Green Gables (1985):

We begin with the introduction of Anne Shirley who is shown walking through a murky looking forest, reciting a section of Alfred Tennyson’s The Lady of Shalott with great melodrama. The use of pathetic fallacy combined with Anne’s reciting of this poem is significant in highlighting the misfortunes and tribulations of her life, particularly as it relates to the imprisonment of her imagination and creativity, which we see in her current living situation. I love the self-dramatisation she goes through here. Anne feels that her life is melancholic, cruel and somber, so she transforms her feelings into verse. Just like a true poet does (i'm sure she took inspiration from Byron).

We learn that Anne is an orphan currently living and working with the Hammonds in New Brunswick. She is treated terribly by them and is essentially a servant and caretaker to Mrs Hammond and her children. After Mr Hammond’s death, Anne is sent back to the orphanage because Mrs Hammond can no longer afford to keep her. When the head of the orphanage Mrs Cadbury asks Anne, “Tell me what you know about yourself”, Anne replies, ‘Well it really isn’t worth telling, Mrs Cadbury. But if you let me tell you what I imagine about myself, you’d find it a lot more interesting”. This moment stuck out to me because Anne plainly captures the common human trait of embellishing our qualities to appear more appealing and interesting than we actually are. What she sees herself being in the present is not as appealing as to how she envisions herself in her imagination. Over the rest of the three films we get to watch Anne become who she has always wanted to be.

Later on in the evening we see Anne sitting alone by a window, staring at her reflection. Mrs Cadbury notices Anne’s sad expression and asks her what is wrong. Anne replies, “It’s just that my life is a graveyard of buried hopes now”. I absolutely love this line and will be using it from now on whenever I feel sad or at a dead-end.

Anne is then sent to Avonlea, where she is picked up at the train station by Matthew Cuthbert. This is the iconic scene which the story is most known for. Although Matthew initially expected a boy and is sceptical about taking Anne back with him, he quickly warms up to her talkative and bright character. During the ride to Green Gables, Anne asks Matthew about the colour of her hair. When he replies that it is red, Anne responds, “Red, that's why I can’t ever be perfectly happy. I know I’m skinny and a little freckled and my eyes are green. I can imagine I have a beautiful rose-leaf complexion and lovely, starry violet eyes, but I cannot imagine my red hair away. It’ll be my life-long sorrow”.  Red hair and green eyes are among the rarest genetic combinations, it’s almost exotic and distinctiveness makes it desirable. However, Anne perceives these features as unattractive, highlighting the universal human tendency to doubt one's own appearance and to believe that the grass is always greener on the other side.

Anne is left in awe of Green Gables farm. She describes it as something she has never seen before, highlighting the unique charm of Prince Edward Island. When Marilla sees Anne, she is shocked and scolds Matthew for bringing her home. She nearly decides to send Anne back but ultimately decides to put her on a trial period and, eventually, accepts her.

Anne shares her past experiences and the imaginary friend she has created with Marilla, “I discovered her (Katie) in the window of Mrs. Thomas’ bookcase, which was the only window which hadn’t been smashed by her intoxicated husband. I lived with them before the Hammonds. I used to wish I knew the spell to step through the glass into Katie’s world which was so beautiful”. I love this quote because I truly believe it is a reflection on our own internal desires to sometimes want to escape into our own fantasies. I also love how Maud is able to replicate the thought-process of a child; the tendency to cling onto something minor and make it so much bigger in our imaginations. This act of escapism serves as a way to cope with difficult situations. I remember when I was younger and at school, when I would have a bad day, I would sit by the window in class and imagine I had the power to leap out and parkour across buildings, escaping away from class. Similarly, Anne creates a mental world where Katie lives, offering her a beautiful and comforting escape from her own struggles. This also echoes Montgomery’s early years, in which her loneliness caused her to create her imaginary friends Lucy Gray and Katie Maurice.

Anne attends a tea party with Marilla and is introduced to Diana Barry and the two instantly form a bond as Anne recognises her as a fellow ‘kindred spirit’. Anne's relationship with Diana can better be understood as a sisterhood rather than a friendship - one that we can all be jealous of. Throughout the series, we see them grow separately as individuals, and together as friends, always coming back to each other, even in adulthood. These two are true soulmates. They have such a formidable friendship. During one of their common explorations of Avonlea, they come across a ‘haunted’ forest, and Anne says, “Though I might be forced to faint if my imagination gets the better of me”. Again, I love how she is intelligent enough to separate her fear and imagination, with what is actually there, something some adults don’t even have the ability to do!

Also at the tea party, Anne meets Gilbert Blyth, the REAL star of the show <3. No, I’m just kidding, but he’s the character we all fall in love with when watching any rendition. He is shown to take an instant liking to Anne.

At school, Gilbert tries to grab Anne’s attention by pulling at her braids and calling her ‘Carrots’. Anne, furious at his remark, smashes a slate over his head and vows to never talk to him again. This also prompts her to dye her hair black, but the dye turns her hair green instead. Marilla tries to comfort Anne and cuts off the green strands.

A few months later, Diana is invited over to Green Gables for a tea party with Anne. Anne accidentally serves her wine believing it to be raspberry cordial and Diana gets drunk. An upset Mrs Barry believes that Anne purposefully intoxicated Diana and forbids them from being friends. Low blow Mrs. Barry. Low blow…

One of my favourite bits out of the first film was honestly Anne and Diana’s ‘farewell’ to each other. A few hours after Diana’s intoxication, the two meet in the forest in secret. Diana tells Anne of her mothers stubbornness and the two say their goodbyes to each other. Diana runs off and Anne delivers her final farewell, “Farewell, my beloved friend. Henceforth we must be strangers living side by side, but my heart will be ever faithful to thee”. I love this bit because it's so dramatic and perfect in reflecting their age and personalities; a twelve-year-old delivering it to another twelve-year-old in the most dramatic sense. The two see each other at school but heartbreakingly stay away from each other. During this, Anne is convinced by her teacher Miss Stacy to take the Queen’s Academy entrance exam alongside Gilbert and some of the other students. Later, Marilla informs Anne that she will be leaving for a political event with Mr. and Mrs. Barry. That night, a panicked Diana arrives at Green Gables, informing Anne that her younger sister, Minnie May, is seriously ill. While Matthew rushes to find a doctor, Anne and Diana run through the heavy snow to Diana’s house. Anne, experienced in looking after children, helps Minnie May until the doctor arrives. The next day Mrs Barry thanks Anne for saving her daughter's life and apologises to her for thinking her malicious. Anne and Diana become friends again and Anne is invited to a Christmas ball. Marilla is against it but Matthew convinces her to let Anne go. Matthew, who is fond of Anne, buys her a dress, leading Marilla to remark, “You’d let her go to the moon if she’d had the notion”.

While staying at a sleepover at Diana’s house, Anne meets Josephine Barry, Diana’s grandmother. While at first she is disdainful against Anne due to an unfortunate introduction, she quickly warms up to her, finding Anne fascinating and amusing. Anne notes that she too is a kindred spirit and is quite the character. She invites Anne and Diana to visit her in Charlottetown and Anne takes her Queen’s entrance examination.

A few weeks later, Anne and some of the other girls recreate a memorable scene from The Lady of Shalott. Anne plays the role of Elaine the Lily Maid who has passed away and body is sent to sea. She uses Diana's boat and while recreating this scene the boat starts to take in water and sinks. Anne gets stuck clutching the bottom of the bridge, unable to get out. Gilbert, who just happens to be rowing a boat at the exact time (suspicious) sees her and rescues her. He implores Anne to forgive him for their earlier disagreements and asks if they can be friends. Anne is sceptical, but then Gilbert tells her how they have died for first place in the Queen’s entrance exam.

Anne then progresses in her studies, working to obtain a teacher’s licence. Near the end of her education, both she and Gilbert win the Avery scholarship. Before discovering this, Anne expresses her anxiety, saying, “This is one of those rare moments where not even my imagination cant solve my anxiety”, and is the same way I felt during my A-levels (I still have nightmares). We learn that Gilbert does not go to college as his father cannot afford it so he will remain as a teacher in Avonlea.

While working on the field one day, Matthew sadly suffers a heart attack. Anne holds him in his last moments as he passes away. With his final words, he tells Anne that she has been their greatest blessing. Anne is devastated by his loss. Marilla, who is beginning to lose her eyesight, tells Anne that she is thinking of selling Green Gables. However, Anne decides to reject the Avery Scholarship and stay at Green Gables to support Marilla.

Marilla tells Anne about her former relationship with Gilbert’s father, her old beau, and how the relationship didn't work out due to her temper, but she has always wondered what might have happened if things had been different. She advises Anne to be wise with her own choices in life.

At the end of the film we have this beautiful scene of Anne and Gilbert on the fields in front of Green Gables. Gilbert tells Anne that he wants her to take his teaching position at the local school so that she can remain near Marilla, while he goes to Carmody (a position originally intended for Anne). He tells her he will be taking classes by correspondence and asks if they may finally be friends, to which Anne agrees. He gently touches her cheek, and the two walk up towards Green Gables together and the credits play, marking the end of the first film.

One of the reasons the 1985 version is my favourite rendition of the story, even more so than the 2017 Netflix one, is because there is something inherently romantic about 1980s films. The combination of the grainy camera quality and the nostalgic music creates a romantic atmosphere that is hard to replicate. Additionally, I believe this version places greater emphasis on the real beauty of Prince Edward Island. Through Anne’s eyes, we see how magical and romantic the island truly is. These elements together highlight how the story is not just about love, but also about growth and friendship. Personally, I have a deep love for nostalgic period dramas, and I believe this version captures that essence perfectly.

Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel

Anne of Green Gables: the Sequel, Or Anne of Avonlea, begins with Anne working as a teacher at the local school on the Island. She has graduated from Queen’s and has been back at the island for about 2 years now. Marillas eyesight has improved and she now burgers Anne to follow her aspirations. During her time on Island Anne has been keeping up her writing. She gives Diana a manuscript of her latest work ‘Averil’s Atonement’, which Diana sends off to a contest to introduce Rollings Reliable baking powder. Anne wins first place and the whole town celebrates her accomplishment. We see that Gilbert and Anne are friends and that he is very supportive of her writing endeavours.

Diana gets engaged to a man named Fred Wright, and Anne understands how this is the end of their childhood selves, and that from this moment on everything will be different.

Also during this time, Anne meets, first at a beach, than later after the engagement party, a man named Morgan Harris, vital to the second half of the film. He is taken with her, intrigued by her personality, and offers to give her a ride when her car breaks now. Anne refuses, but he is persistent, frustrating her and turning their acquaintanceship rather sour.

During Diana’s engagement party, Gilbert proposes to Anne but she refuses. He tells her, ‘Now maybe you don’t think i’m good enough for you now, but I will be someday’ to which Anne replies, ‘No Gil you’re a great deal too good for me’, She tells him that they are just too different and that ‘I know I’d be unhappy and i’d wish we’d never done it’. That he deserves a wife who takes care of him and the household, something she cannot do as she has own dreams. Hmmm sound familiar?‘

Thats right. It mirrors Joe’s rejection of Laurie in ‘Little Women’. This rejection is the most hard-hitting for me in cinematic history so of course it stayed with me.

At Diana’s Wedding, Gilbert is seen with a woman named Christine Staurt. He tells Anne that they are just friends and tells her he’ll wait for her, but Anne tells him she won't ever marry. Rachel Lyns husband passes away and Marilla invites Rachel to live with them in Green Gables. During this time, Anne is given a job offer to become a teacher at Kingsport Ladies’ College in New Brunswick from her former teacher Miss Stacey. Anne is sceptical about it and thinks on it.

Anne initially struggles at the college. Kingsport is dominated by the Pringle family, who look down on Anne for her humble upbringing and makes her life very difficult. The girls often gang up on her and another student in the class called Emmeline Harris. Anne believes Emmeline is a fellow kindred spirit, however, Emmeline is taken out of school by her father due to a fire in the school, who turns out to be Morgan Harris. Anne visits Emmeline at her home and meets her cold and melodramatic grandmother Margaret Harris. Anne convinces her to let her homeschool Emmeline to which she agrees. During her time at the house Anne of course warms the hearts of the Harris family. Helping Margarets stuck-at-home daughter Pauline and encouraging Maragert to leave the house, she becomes a shining light on the gloomy family. She also convinces Morgan to let Emmeline come back to school. Anne and Morgan form friendship and romantic feelings are sparked between them. She even goes with them to Boston in America.

However, during her time with the family, Anne starts to feel home sick and misses Marilla and Green Gables. After Boston, Anne returns back to Green Gables and runs into Gilbert. She finds out has been furthering his career as a doctor and is now engaged to Christine Stuart. Gilbert, as he always does, persuades Anne to carry on writing. She publishes a short set of stories Avonlea Vignettes. Their encounter is brief, but filled with tension. The longing to clearly evident on both their faces. Gilbert informs Anne he needs to catch the next train and must be going. They end saying goodbye to each other: ‘Goodbye Anne’ ‘Goodbye Gil’ ‘Don’t forget me’.

When she is back at Kingsport, she is invited to a hospital benefit ball which she has been volunteering for. Morgan she seen with a date and anne gets jealous and dances with someone else. Anne leaves and Morgan chases her outside into the snow where he proposes to her. He tells her he loves her and is taken by her. Anne, who is almost ready to say yes, ultimately rejects him, telling him how she loves Green Gables and misses it, and is ready to go home. One thing I found really comical was Morgan’s trying to find a solution to Anne’s longing: Anne tells him ‘But for now, I can't describe it, I need to go home’ to which he replies ‘Well we can go back for holidays’. Like sir? I laughed so hard when he said it. He was giving Daniel Cleaver in ‘Bridget Jones Diary’. I also believe her brief, romantic time with Morgan is a reflection on Montgomery’s own romantic experiences, to which she was engaged to someone but broke it off because they were not well-matched.

Margaret Harris passes away and Anne attends her funeral with the rest of the Harrison family. Pauline, although grieving, is seen to have found love with an old beau. Anne, who has finally decided to leave Kingsport, says her goodbyes to Emmeline and Morgan here. Morgan informs her of his permanent move to Boston and asks her if she will reconsider her decision on his proposal. Anne declines and wishes him well on his journey. This is the last we see of them. Anne resigns as her role as teacher and before she leaves she convinces Katherine, the head master at Kingsport Ladies’ College, to come with her to green gables and she accepts.

After arriving in Green Gables Anne reunites with Marilla and Rachel, telling them how ‘there’s a book of revelations in everyone's life. Oh Marilla, I’ve been so wrong’, implying about her feelings for Gilbert. Anne then goes to Diana’s to meet her new baby. While there, she discovers Gilbert Blyth is dying from Scarlet Fever. She quickly rushes to him with her new book in hand and tells him that she thanks him in the acknowledgements. Gilbert tells Anne that he has broken off his engagement with Christine as he only has feelings for Anne. Anne confesses her own feelings for him and the scene ends there. Finally a confession! I feel like how I was when I was younger watching Highschool Musical for the first time when Troy and Gabriella finally kiss at the end of the second film.

The next scene skips to the end of summer. Anne and Katherine are seen picking apples. Katherine tells her what a lovely summer shes had and how she is dreading going back to Kingsport. Anne reassures her all will be well and continues picking while Katherine takes the rest of the apples inside. The scene is very visually satisfying. The return to the same beautiful bright landscape we were used to within the first film, evokes a sense of nostalgic and contentment, as if everything has returned back to its rightful place. Gilbert then approaches the ladies and looks much more recovered. Anne walks with him to the bridge and Gilbert once more proposes to Anne, and she finally, says yes. We end with the most stunning backdrop for a film I have ever seen in my life of them embracing on a bridge by a lake and the credits play, marking the end of the second film.

Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story

The third film, Anne of Green Gables: The continuing story (2000), is set around ten years after the previous film. Now I stayed up until 3:30 am last night trying to finish this one and let me tell you it was intense and was definitely the most stressful one out of all of them. I had so many emotions with this one, and it was generally a lot harder to write about because so much happens and every seen had an intense event.

Gone is the quiet tranquility of the first two films. This one begins with Anne returning to Prince Edwards Islands on a ferry. While reuniting with Diana on the dock, we learn that currently World War I is happening and is the backdrop of the film. On the way to Diana’s house, they pass Green Gables, or rather what used to be Green Gables. We learn that Marilla has passed away and the current owners of the estate have looked after it incredibly poorly. It is in shambles, and has become a mess. Anne, understandably, is devastated. So was I to be honest. We also learn that Diana’s grandmother, Josephine Barry, has also passed away and left Diana a large fortune.

Later, while Anne is by the beach writing, Gilbert arrives. We learn that the two have been engaged for a few years! But are not yet married. Gilbert asks Anne to go with him to New York as he has been offered a position to work at the Bellevue Hospital. Anne is reluctant but agrees under the pretence that they return to Prince Edwards Island to raise their family.

While there, Anne is hired as an editor at a publishing house in New York. Anne tries to get her work published but she is told that publishing houses normally cater to men with action and adventure books, and while they are now trying to cater to women as well (due to women being at home during the war), they believe her work to be unfit. This is where she meets Jack Garrison, . Now, I’ve been trying to decide how I actually feel about Jack and whether I like him or not, but basically he is a Morgan Harrison 2.0 and is another romantic interest for Anne. While Anne struggles to get her work published, Jack struggles to come up with his next adventure. He wants to publish a political read but is rejected. Jack reads Annes manuscript and makes her his personal editor and convinces her to co-write a book with him where both of their names will be published. Gilbert doesn't agree but is supportive anyway. He says to her ‘Because you are always going off so impulsively trying to be someone other than yourself. But I love you, for all your unpredictability’. Ladies, Gilbert Blyth is the standard.

Anne works tirelessly on her manuscript and finally, it is accepted, however, she discovers it is to be published only under Jacks name, even though home girl did all the work. She is furious and Jack tells her he didn't know they were going to publish it in this way and that he has actually been in love with her the whole time. Shocker. She slaps him and ends their friendship. Gilbert, who is also struggling at Bellevue due to the Doctors caring more about reputation than the safety and health of their patients, agrees to leave with Anne who wants to return home to Avonlea.

When they get back we learn that Gilbert buys Green Gables for Anne. As if I couldn’t fall more in love with him, and they agree to fix it up and raise their family there together. Fred and Gilbert, who are currently not fighting in the war, start to feel patriotic pressure about not enlsiting. Nurses mock them and on a day out Anne and Gilbert stumble across Josie Pyre who criticises Gilbert for not fighting in the war (unlike her husband Moody who is seen in uniform). Anne is angry at her but Gilbert tells her, ‘Well she’s always been jealous of you and me’.

Diana helps plan Anne and Gilbert’s wedding, but during the preparation, Fred informs Diana that he has decided to enlist. Diana, panicked and angered by his decision, argues with him. Fred later asks Gilbert to drive him to the station to leave and influences him to similarly enlist. Seriously Fred? While Anne is working on the house Gilbert tells her about his decision to enlist, and in her sorrow she accidentally causes a fire to start in Green Gables. Gilbert manages to put it out but part of the house is damaged. This pathetic fallacy perfectly reflects the fear of the moment, both in Anne and the watchers.

Before Gilbert leaves, Anne and him, get married. Gilbert is in uniform during this, and we can see the longing and pain on both their faces even on their wedding day. While it is a beautiful ceremony, it is clear that his departure the next day is weighing heavily on their moods.

Gilbert leaves at the train station and Anne wishes him off. We then see a year passed. Green gables is fixed and Anne is seen writing. News of many of the soldiers from Avonlea’s death has arrived and news that Fred Wright is missing. Diana is convinced he has died.

News that Gilbert is missing similarly arrives soon after. Anne, is devastated, but believe he is alive. She says, ‘If he were really dead surely I would know that in my heart?’. The financial strain of the war has caused Diana to loose her house. Anne tells Diana to stay at Green Gables and informs her that she will be leaving for Europe to look for Gilbert.

Months have passed, and Anne is shown on a train working for the Red Cross. Anne has tracked Gilbert to the trains next destination. Just as they are arriving to the town they hear explosions, being informed that the Germans have taken over, she struggles to get off and instead helps a woman with a baby and a man on board. This ends up being a dishevelled Jack Garrison and his wife Colette. We learn that Jack is dangerously involved in espionage activities. He tells Anne he has to leave as he has something very important to deliver and asks her to take Colette and his baby and meet him in London. At their next destination, Colette is unfortunately killed in an explosion. During this, Anne briefly spots Gilbert getting into a car and leaving with some of the other troops. She calls out to him but he doesn't hear he due to the constant gunfire and explosions and leaves.. This moment genuinely hurt me - the fact that of he had heard her they would have been reunited much sooner. That they were in the same place the whole time and had no idea. This is when Anne discovers Colette and she stays with her in her last moments and vows to look after Dominic.

While travelling with Dominic, Anne bumps into an injured Fred Wright, almost on his deathbed. He asks her to help him and to get him back Diana back in Canada. She agrees and stays with him, looking after him while his arm ends up being amputated. Anne leaves with him and Dominic and goes to London in order to meet up with Jack and get tickets back to Canada. They stay in a flat Jack owns and told them to stay in when they arrived which is payed for.

Now, this bit is a bit complicated but I will try to be clear and brief. Anne and Fred have been waiting for a few weeks now, but Jack is yet to arrive. While walking alone at night, Anne is pulled to the side by someone, who ends up being a distressed Jack who informs her that he is being tracked. He asks Anne to take Dominic and meet him in France. The next day we learn that the man following Jack is Fergas Keegan, an editor for a newspaper who goes to where Anne is staying and asks her about Jack’s whereabouts. She tells him she doesn’t know then he offers her employment at his newspaper. She works as an assistant to a stern, untrusting Lady named Maude Montros, who we eventually learn is helping Jack.

Fred, Anne and Dominic have now become a found family, caring and looking out for each other during the war. They all get tickets back to Canada and Anne decides the safest course of action for Dominic would be to take him back with her. However, Maude tells her that Jack also has word that Gilbert will be in France, so Anne quickly chooses to go there instead last minute. Fred is against her leaving, telling her its dangerous and that they finally have a chance to safely return to Canada and even comes with her to the station with the intent of going with her. But Anne tells him to go back and reunite with Diana, wishing him Luck and quickly leaving to catch the train to France with Dominic. However, It is clear at this moment that she is being followed by Fergus’s accomplice, who wants to take Dominic. Anne avoids him disguised as a nurse manages to find her way to France.

She meets two American actresses along the way who she makes friends with: Margaret Bush and Elsie James. I personally loved these too as their characters brought some relief to the tension of the film. They stick with Anne for part of her journey to France and then leave her. Finally, after a lot of struggle, Anne finds Jack. At this point, she is exhausted and physically shaken up by everything she has gone through. Jack, as a thank you, tells Anne that he is going to help her find Gilbert. They decide to leave Dominic in the safe care of his aunt who has a house in France and they leave.

Anne’s search continues with no luck, and she starts to lose hope. This is the moment Jack tells Anne to be with him instead and create a family with him and Dominic in New York. Like, are you serious? You’ve just found out your wife Colette has died and that Anne is grieving her husband and you pick this time to reinstate your feelings for her? He’s worse than Morgan. Anne, thankfully, refuses and they keep searching. During this, they pitstop at a safe camp and Anne is reunited with Margaret and Elsie from her journey to France, who she learns are performing for some of the soldiers temporarily residing there. They invite Anne on stage and sing a song with them, beginning with ‘It's a Long Way to Tipperary’. Anne starts singing it, with great sadness and emotion as it symbolises the struggles she has felt during the war and search for Gilbert. She truly feels hopeless in this moment. Suddenly, the camera then switches to a group of soldiers and we see Gilbert who starts to turn his head towards the singing in recognition of Anne’s voice. Anne then similarly spots him in the crowd. Now this folks, is genuinely one of the most beautiful, heart-wrenching reunions I have ever seen. Gilbert rushes through the crowd of people and Anne runs of the stage towards him, and they meet each other in an emotional, tearful embrace. From there, they decide immediately to leave, and Jack helps them. While on the train, Anne and Gilbert rest in one cabin and Jack rests in another. Anne suddenly hears gunshots from Jack’s and goes to find Jack shot by Keagen’s accomplice. Jack in this moment, unfortunately, passes away, but not before asking Anne to take care of Dominic.

Anne and Gilbert return to the house in France to look for him but find the house now to be abandoned. Anne is devastated, believing she has lost Dominic forever. They also learn that the war is won and they ultimately leave back for Canada.

A year has gone by and Anne and Gilbert are back in Avonlea. The scene starts with them on a carriage on their way to pick up Dominic, who, they have learnt, has been living in New York with his aunt this whole time. His aunt unfortunately passed away, so he is now going to live with Gilbert and Anne. We then get this beautiful parallel of Anne picking up Dominic from the station the same way Matthew had picked up her. This genuinely made me tear up a bit as both Matthew and Marilla have now passed away, and the train station scene is so iconic that it really is tying of loose ends and a happy ending for the characters. Anne and Gilbert adopt Dominic and we get this beautiful reunion with Fred and him as well, who is looking much healed and is reunited with Diana. Diana and Fred have been living in Green Gables. They tell Anne they are looking to move so Anne and Gilbert can have their space but Anne tells her that they have decided to move to Glen St. Mary. Anne and Gilbert leave Green Gables to Diana and Fred. The final scene shows Anne, Gilbert and Dominic standing in a field, facing Green Gables, reminiscing about everything they have gone through. We get the ending shot of Anne and Gilbert swinging Dominic as they make their way back to Green Gables, and the credits role, marking the end of the third film.

There it is. A magical dive into the trilogy of Anne of Green Gables. This story is a childhood classic for me, all I always find myself revisiting the characters and the world. I love how we get to watch Anne grow, all the way through childhood to adulthood.I love how she never changes, staying as always, a kindred spirit. This rendition is also my favourite out of all of them and if you can get your hands on the DVDs, I highly recommend watching them!

2005: The Year Cinema Gave Us Pride and Prejudice and Why I Can’t Stop Rewatching It

The year was 2005. The first YouTube video ever was uploaded, Hurricane Katrina struck, and I was born. But it was also a standout year for cinema. Some of my favourites from, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, to The Chronicles of Narnia, to Joe Wright’s stunning Pride and Prejudice. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this film, and each revisit brings back a plethora of emotions. It’s a comfort film for me, and each time I watch it, I find myself noticing details I hadn’t previously noticed. So I decided to revisit it once more and note all of my favourite moments with the intention of putting up this blog post.

This film has a mix of comedy, tension, and swoon-worthy moments. Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen are a big reason why the 2005 adaptation became such a success; they truly have some of the best on-screen chemistry I’ve ever seen, and their casting was perfect. They are exactly who I envisioned while reading Jane Austen’s novel. Keira Knightly in general has a quintessential period face, evident by her being cast in various period films such as Anna Karenina, The Duchess, Atonement, The Imitation Game, and more. She is a phenomenal actress and perfectly portrays Elizabeth Bennet’s intelligence, wit, and playful repartee.

Matthew Macfadyen was a perfect Mr. Darcy. I imagine that playing a character like Darcy would be quite challenging, from his cold replies, and silent brooding stares, but Macfadyen is successfully able to convey so much through his expressions. The icy blue of his eyes and his stern eyebrows, truly bring the character to life. Watching his subtle expressions and glances was one of my favourite parts of the film. I found myself able to see so clearly how he felt in a particular moment or after an exchange with Elizabeth.

His first significant look is during the ball at the beginning of the film. As he walks through a crowd of people, he briefly examines and judges them over, he does a double take back to Elizabeth when he passes her, highlighting his initial attraction to her looks. A simple glance, the surprised breaking of his cold mask and the quickness of his composing himself is the mark of the beginning of their love story.

At this same party, Elizabeth and Darcy have their first conversation, fittingly on poetry’s power in driving love. During the conversation, Darcy asks Elizabeth what she would recommend to encourage affection, to which Lizzie replies, “Dancing. Even if one’s partner is barely tolerable.” Now, I’m certain it was her witty retorts and her subtle way of teasing him that initially attracted Darcy to her. I found it hilarious; her being the only one in the room not afraid to poke fun and make jabs at his stern exterior. After delivering this line, she confidently turns around and walks away, leaving Darcy starstruck and staring and her departing figure. I can recognise a girl boss anywhere.

When Jane is invited to lunch with Caroline Bingley, Mrs. Bennet insists on sending her on horse, suspecting it to rain. Sure enough, it does, and Jane, ends up getting sick and must stay with the Bingleys while she recovers, how very peculiar. Now I do question the morality behind sending your daughter off to get sick just to secure a match, but I guess the end reward is worth it? A cold now, never hurt anyone, but wasn’t pneumonia notoriously difficult to treat and more or less deadly in the 19th century? Eh but what do I know? Besides, I found the way the film handles it to be really funny. When Mrs. Bennet tells Mr. Bennet that she intended it to rain Mr. Bennet delivers the iconic, “Your skills in the art of matchmaking are positively occult”.

Mr. Bennet’s character is brilliantly portrayed. Donald Sutherland, who very sadly passed away this year, played him excellently. He is understood as not being interested in all the drama happening in his daughter's lives yet we can see that he secretly cares a lot. I loved the way that he has all the authority but Mrs. Bennet and his daughters are the one who end up making all the decisions. Upon hearing of Jane’s illness and her staying at the Bingley’s, he chimes, “Well, if Jane does die, it will be a comfort to know it was in pursuit of Mr. Bingley” - the nonchalant delivery combined with the severity of the content is a great reflection on how he can be unconventionally funny. This was probably the line that made me laugh the most throughout the whole film.

Also I just wanted to comment on this moment- Mr. Darcy’s awkward stance when Lizzie visits. He clearly didn't have any time to prepare himself for his crushes arrival so he just stands there like🧍‍♂️

Of course, one of the most rewatched and swoon-worthy moments which I can’t skip over is the scene involving Mr. Darcy’s hand. Yes, his hand. As the Bennet clan are leaving Netherfield, Elizabeth is the last to board the carriage. She nods a polite goodbye to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. As she climbs onto the carriage Mr. Darcy clutches her hand and helps her into the carriage. He then swiftly turns around and heads back inside, but not before the camera cuts to his hand and we see it flexing in reaction to their brief contact. Now you may be wondering, how can a hand be one of the most recognisable moments from the film? Well, the popularity comes from its subtlety. The hand stretch is so minor and brief that it is missed by everyone else present. Yet their brief contact has enough of an effect that it momentarily breaks through his cold, stern disposition.

However, to laugh, I sometimes interpret it in a different way, a way in which he negatively reacts to her touch. I can just imagine him flexing his hand to get her feeling off and internally being like ‘Gah! Ew! Should not have done that’, flexes his hand in repulsion.

Another moment I loved is during the ball at Netherfield. When Elizabeth arrives, she is in awe of the manor and its beautifully decorated rooms. As she searches for Mr. Wickham, who she hopes to persue for a romantic relationship, she wanders through the various rooms, spinning around at one point to take it all in. The camera follows her as she moves forward, and suddenly, from the shadows of the crowd, a mysterious yet captivating Mr. Darcy emerges. He follows her briefly before disappearing into another room.

This is definitely another iconic moment. Our attention is centred on an amazed yet distracted Elizabeth, until it quickly shifts to a Darcy as he steps into frame. His gaze is fixed on her, making us believe he is going to approach her, until he quickly disappears into the crowd. What I love about this moment is that in a room full of people, the viewers are the only ones aware of Darcy's very obvious and planned-out intentions, coming into frame momentarily to watch her for a second and then disappearing with the decision to ask her dance later on in the ball.

Darcy does this a few more times throughout the film, an uncanny ability to just appear in front of Elizabeth at any given moment. He does it when he asks her to dance at the Netherfield ball, again when she’s visiting Lady Catherine, and just before his rain-soaked confession at the Temple of Apollo, where he suddenly appears behind her. I find it amusing how he just appears out of nowhere like, Hello Lizzie dearest, I’m back ;).   

I also have to give credit to the camera movement in this whole ball scene. It was genuinely, the most entertaining part to watch. Throughout this scene, we are constantly following the camera between characters and rooms, capturing various interactions and events unfolding. Our eyes are never bored, perfectly reflecting the natural vibrant energy of a lively party. This continues and the camera hardly stops moving until the end of the scene where we see Elizabeth alone, hiding away from glamour of the party, to rest and contemplate the evening and her dance with Mr. Darcy, a moment of calm for both her and the viewers. I sped up the scene to better see the movement of the camera below.

Again another small moment which I thought was really funny was when Mr. Collins was trying to get Mr. Darcy’s attention at the ball. The height difference between the two is comical, and the fact that Mr. Collins must shout to get his attention and then when Mr. Darcy turns dodges his elbow.

Another character who stood out to me and whom I believe is often overlooked is Mary Bennet. I find Mary truly fascinating. From the beginning, it's clear that she is quite different from her sisters. Unlike them, Mary is more serious and introspective, often keeping a distance from the significant events unfolding around her, lost in her thoughts. While her younger sisters, Kitty and Lydia, are enamoured with parties and romance, Mary resides in her own world, where she prioritizes her love for piano. She’s easily recognized as the black sheep of the family, not just through her demeanour but also through her choice of clothing. While her sisters (except for Lizzie) often wear bright and eye-catching outfits, Mary is consistently dressed in grey, monotone colours, which further sets her apart.

This moment is a prime example of Mary’s indifference, also demonstrated in their body language. While Mrs. Bennet, Kitty and Lydia, all face towards Mr. Bingley on the right, Mary is shown looking ahead, a bored expression evident on her face. We may even look upon their hats as a reflection of their personalities; Lydia and Kitty’s are open, reflecting their desire to stand out, whilst Mary’s Poke bonnet, which is closed off at the sides, reflects her more modest nature and inward focus. During this scene, Kitty and Lydia persuade Mr. Bingley to host a ball, expressing it to be a great new way to meet people, however, Mary expresses how “I think a ball is a perfectly irrational way to gain new acquaintances. It would be better if conversation, instead of dancing, were the order of the day”.

I love her unintentional obliviousness during an awkward or tense situation, which we again see when Mr. Wickham arrives with Lydia after their elopement and marriage. The entire lunch is rather uncomfortable—Mr. Bennet is cold, and Elizabeth feels betrayed—but Mary remains indifferent. She engages in small talk with him, asking him about the weather in Brighton, where he and Lydia will soon head. A mature and unbothered soul. She is very intelligent, often asking both philosophical and religious questions. I truly believe that we would have great conversations.

I also love her relationship with her father, clearly taking after him, so much so, that their expressions are mirrored. For example, when Kitty and Lydia come share their excitement and inform their mother of the arrival of the militia, Mary and Mr. Bennet are not as impressed. I found it really funny when watching it back and had to incorporate it into this post.

We can clearly see which parent Mary takes after…

A genuinely comical moment in the film is watching Darcy’s attempt at socialising, especially with Elizabeth. During the visit to Lady Catherine, Elizabeth is asked to play the piano for entertainment. While she plays, Colonel Fitzwilliam asks her what Darcy was like during his time in Hertfordshire. She pokes fun at him, mentioning his cold and unfriendly behaviour. Darcy tries to defend himself by saying, “I do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before”, essentially saying he is socially awkward. Elizabeth wittily retorts, "Perhaps you should take your aunt's advice and practice.”, knocking his pride. We then transition to the next scene where Elizabeth is seen peacefully writing in a drawing room of the Collin’s house. Darcy suddenly barges into the room, frazzled and awkward. Suprised, Elizabeth offers him a seat but he declines, instead opting to stand there awkwardly while he tries to think of something to say. This is such a funny moment as we can really see his nervousness, so different to his usual confident and collected exterior. Instead of replying with an, Oh I was just in the area, or allowing her to call for some tea, the first thing he says to her after standing there awkwardly is “This is a charming house. I believe my aunt did a great deal to it when Mr Collins first arrived''. Elizabeth attempts to ease the tension with a joking “She could not have bestowed it on a more grateful subject”, but Darcy just stands there for a few more seconds until we hear an audible gulp come from him. Then after a few more moments of silence, Mrs Collin’s arrives and he wishes Elizabeth a good day before running off. This moment is really cute, and I’ve attached it below to see!

Now, I know I’ve discussed Darcy’s lingering looks at length, but I wanted to talk about this specific one. This is an important scene as, at a church service, Elizabeth has just discovered that it was Darcy who convinced Mr. Bingley to stop pursuing Jane and return to London. She also learns that it was largely on the account that her family was unsuitable. Feeling betrayed, hurt, and angry, Elizabeth stares at Darcy as these emotions swirl within her. He is looking down, until he senses her gaze and looks up towards her. Upon being caught looking, she quickly turns her head and stares forward.

For Darcy, I believe that this is one of those moments where you know someone is staring at you from the corner of your eyes, so you have to prepare yourself to look up and meet them; you can tell he could feel her gaze. But the longing and romantic tension in his stare is so different to the hurt and betrayal in hers. I felt that her look away was due to her feeling foolish for making jokes and dancing with him when this is how he truly felt about her family all along. Her reaction is completely understandable.

To add, right after this Darcy confesses his feelings for Lizzie and mentions how he is going against what is socially acceptable for someone of his status, then is shocked, yes shocked, by her rejection. I mean really Darcy?

In the background of this, we hear Mr. Collins reciting the words “in need to every man which is bound not to think of himself more highly”. This line is perfectly placed as it indirectly highlights Darcy’s mistake of thinking of himself and Mr. Bingley too highly for the Bennet sisters. The incorporation of Mr. Collin’s is brilliant; his recitation from the Bible to emphasise Darcy’s almost ‘sinful’ pride, foreshadows his forthcoming punishment of being rejected by Elizabeth. You reap what you sow Darcy.

Next, what I would like to discuss is Mr. Bennet’s decision to allow Lydia to go to Brighton with the Forsters and the militia. In this moment you can really see the similarities between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (with her decision to send Jane on horse). While Jane and Elizabeth discuss her visit to London, Kitty bursts into the room in tears, urging Lizzie to dissuade their mother from only allowing Lydia to go to Brighton and not her. An excited Lydia beams at how, “I shall dine with the officers every night!”, and we learn that she alone has been invited to go to Brighton with the regiment. Elizabeth urges her father not to let her go as it would be dangerous for a girl of only fifteen, but he tells her that, “Lydia will never be easy until she’s exposed herself in some public space or other, and we can never expect her to do it with so little inconvenience as under the presence circumstances” and then, “Lizzie we will have no peace until she goes” and finally, to almost justify his decision, he says, “I am certain the officers will find women better worth their while”. Although Lydia’s character can be immature and rather spoiled, I do think his decision to let her go into a dangerous situation just so it can be a lesson for her, is not the best way to teach someone. Don't get me wrong— I'm not a parent so don't know what it is like to raise a child, but sending her off just for the sake of peace does not seem like the most fair and responsible decision.

I wanted to add a clip of this in because it was another moment I found amusing; the reaction Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle have upon seeming Pemberley. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the estate literally looks like it just fallen from heaven; having an ethereal glow to it. A fairy tale castle if I’ve ever seen one, and their reactions to it are just hilarious. Elizabeth pops up into the frame with a confused expression and then has a mix of a cry and a laugh. Her uncle and aunt come up behind her and are just star-struck. Elizabeth was definitely thinking something like, of course this is where he lives…

While she never states that she regrets her decision to reject Darcy, if she ever did, this would certainly be the moment to have it.

Lastly, my favourite, most favourite, all-time favourite scene from the film is when Elizabeth meets Georgiana for the first time. I can genuinely say I know the words to this interaction off by heart because I’ve re-winded it so many times just to see Darcy smile for the first time. When Elizabeth first arrives, Georgiana is so excited to meet her. Lizzie compliments her piano and tells her how “Your unfortunate brother once had to put up with my playing for a whole evening”. A surprised Georgiana says, “But he says you play so well”. To which Lizzie replies, “Then he has perjured himself most profoundly”. At this Darcy laughs, yes laughs, and clarifies how, “No, I said, ‘played quite well’” and Lizzie ends with, “Oh, ‘quite well’ is not ‘very well’, I’m satisfied”. After she delivers this line there is a brief moment of silence where Darcy stares at Elizabeth with unspoken words, and Georgiana looks at her brother with a knowing look. This interaction is more relaxed and playful than their previous encounters. They joke about Elizabeth’s mediocre playing without harbouring any of their previous anger or tension towards each other. Matthew is also stunning in this scene. The light from the window brightens his features and we see the powerful longing for her etched into his features; the staring eyes, lingering smile. Even though she has insulted him, and told him he’s the last man she’d ever be with, there is no lingering anger or pain in his air, just love and admiration towards her. It is truly romantic.

Well, there you have it! These are a few of my favourite moments of the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. I could go on and on about this film. I could write about each look, each word, each declaration of love, but I love this film as an easy watch and a comfort movie.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to this film, I definitely recommend it, I always find myself noticing things I missed the previous time! The magic of Pride and Prejudice lies in its ability to offer something new with every viewing, making it a true cinematic gem. Here's to many more rewatches and the countless emotions they bring.

The Story Behind The Aphrodite of Knidos

Sixth form can be seen as a tedious and arduous stepping stone a student takes in their academic journey towards university. While taking my A Levels, one of the subjects I studied was Classical Civilisation. Despite the impending exams, I found myself thoroughly enjoying learning about ancient Greece. During those two years, I delved into a variety of topics, ranging from ancient Greek art and the works of Homer and Virgil to the Politics of the Late Republic. There was something satisfying in telling people you studied ‘Classical Civilisation’. As if it held a sophisticated edge to it from the standard History or Geography. I bragged that I was learning about a civilization that established the very standards of art and literature we use to this day. However, as the weeks before my first exam approached, my arrogance about the subject soon turned into anguish, when I realised that multiple dates I had to remember from 600 BC to 40 BC along with each significant event within those years, were easier said than done.

Still, I learned a lot from the subject, and it furthered my interest in history and archaeology. One of my favourite sculptures I remember studying in Greek Art (and which was one of the most visually satisfying) is the Aphrodite of Knidos. Created in 305 BCE by the sculptor Praxiteles, this large-scale contrapposto sculpture depicts Aphrodite bathing. Her body follows a satisfying ‘S’ curve, and she stands with her left leg relaxed. She holds a towel in her left hand, and her right hand covers her pubic area. Her slightly slouched posture reflects the ease and vulnerability of this moment. She is shown to be unaware that she is being watched, emphasising the invasiveness of this vulnerable moment; we the viewer are prying and have become the watchers. This portrayal humanises the Gods by depicting them engaging in an everyday activity, like bathing.

The drapery is especially impressive. I have always been in awe of the way sculptors, especially those working in the Hellenistic period, are able to replicate the flow and movement of fabric so convincingly. The folds of the drapery, moving from her hand to around the top of the hydra, suggest the relaxed, almost nonchalant serenity in the act of bathing, furthering the sense of natural movement. 

Due to its popularity, the sculpture has been at the centre of several fictional theories and stories. It has been suggested that Praxiteles must have seen Aphrodite in real life because of the sculpture's striking accuracy and aesthetic realism. Antipater of Sidon writes an epigram about the sculpture about Aphrodite reacting to seeing herself in marble form: ‘As Venus looked upon the Venus of Knidos she said: “Alas! How came Praxiteles see me bare?”’, even Aphrodite herself is astounded and convinced he has seen her, emphasising Praxiteles’ precision and skill. 

This idea of Praxiteles sculpting Aphrodite from having seen her in real life adds a layer of allure to the sculpture. Ovid’s Metamorphoses (a poem about transformations in Greek stories), tells the story of Actaeon accidentally seeing Artemis bathing on Mount Cithaeron. Having been caught by her he is turned into a stage and pursued and killed by hounds. This story is a reflection on the dangers of spying on an immortal, so the fact that he is able to capture her likeness so well without being caught highlights his exceptional skill and adds layers of story to the sculpture. 

The sculpture is seen to be an symbol of sensuality and naturalism and therefore led to scandal. While nudity in sculpture was not uncommon at the time, it was mostly to show off the male anatomy, making the depiction of female nudity a relatively new and daring thing. So, the sculpture was originally commissioned and then later rejected by the people of Kos. It was eventually installed in the Anatolian city of Knidos (modern-day Turkiye).

This sculpture stands is an example of profound beauty, and therefore impacted the standards of the ideal female figure in ancient Greek society. Pliny the Elder describes the statue as being the finest statue in the world. The voluptuous curves around her stomach and thighs, her full breasts, and the serenity in her facial expression (especially this; calmness was valued most), all contribute to the sculpture's success; her figure was one to be celebrated and to be looked upon with awe. 

Aphrodite, also known as Venus in Roman mythology, is the symbol of passion, prosperity, beauty and lust. There are various accounts of her creation and birth, but the one I learned about comes from Homer’s Iliad, which I will focus on in this context. 

In this epic, Aphrodite is arguably perceived as a troublemaker. During the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, Eris, the god of discord, who was not invited, throws a golden apple down into the crowd with the words ‘fairest’ inscribed on it, the intention being that the most beautiful immortal there is to have it. Hera, Athena and Aphrodite each argue over it, so Zeus decides to give the decision to Paris (Prince of Troy), who is recognised for his fairness. Each goddess bribes him with different deals and he ultimately chooses Aphrodite, who has promises to give him the most beautiful mortal wife in the world - Helen of Troy, who is unfortunately married to King Menelaus of Sparta. She runs away with Paris, leaving Menelaus, which ultimately starts the Trojan War, etcetera etcetera.  

While her literary representation might not be the most flattering, her sculpted representation is one to remember. This piece is truly a marvel to behold and serves as a fantastic reflection of Praxiteles’ skill as a sculptor. It captures the beauty of the natural female form and the serene grace of the goddess, making it an iconic example of successful Hellenistic art.