"Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story" (2000) is a television miniseries and the third installment in the "Anne of Green Gables" series, with Megan Follows reprising her iconic role as Anne Shirley. Directed by Kevin Sullivan, who also directed the previous installments, this miniseries diverges significantly from L.M. Montgomery's original novels, leading to mixed reactions from fans.
Story: War and New Horizons
The story takes Anne and Gilbert to New York City, where Anne pursues her writing career and Gilbert studies medicine. However, their plans are disrupted by World War I, leading Gilbert to enlist as a doctor. Anne, determined to find him after he goes missing, embarks on a perilous journey to the European front.
Key Characters:
- Anne Shirley (Megan Follows): Continues her journey as a writer and a woman, facing new challenges and adventures.
- Gilbert Blythe (Jonathan Crombie): Pursues his medical career but is soon called to serve in the war.
Themes:
"Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story" explores themes of:
- Love and separation
- The impact of war
- Personal ambition versus duty
- The resilience of the human spirit
- Finding hope in difficult times
Visual and Atmospheric Elements:
- The miniseries features beautiful locations in Canada and Europe.
- The costumes and sets attempt to capture the period setting.
- However, the tone and storyline diverge significantly from the source material.
Controversies:
- Many fans of the original "Anne of Green Gables" novels found this installment disappointing due to its departure from the books.
- The darker themes and war setting were a stark contrast to the whimsical and heartwarming tone of the earlier adaptations.
- The historical inaccuracies and character deviations were also points of criticism.
Conclusion:
"Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story" (2000) is a divisive chapter in the Anne of Green Gables saga. While it offers a new adventure for the beloved characters, its departure from the source material and darker themes may not appeal to all fans. If you're open to a different interpretation of Anne's story, you may find it interesting. However, purists may prefer to stick with the earlier adaptations.