Is Lives of Girls & Women Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1996)
A coming of age story for Del Jordan, growing up first on the outskirts, and later in the centre, of the small, southern Ontario town of Jubilee. Del is portrayed as something of an outsider, unsatisfied with small-town life though unwilling to acknowledge the similarities between herself and her mother, who also seeks to expand her mind beyond the limited experiences of Jubilee.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama, TV Movie cinema, then Lives of Girls & Women offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1996 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 1996, Lives of Girls & Women represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, TV Movie category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A coming of age story for Del Jordan, growing up first on the outskirts, and later in the centre, of the small, southern Ontario town of Jubilee. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, TV Movie are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A coming of age story for Del Jordan, growing up first on the outskirts, and later in the centre, of the small, southern Ontario town of Jubilee. Del is portrayed as something of an outsider, unsatisfied with small-town life though unwilling to acknowledge the similarities between herself and her mother, who also seeks to expand her mind beyond the limited experiences of Jubilee."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Tanya Allen provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.
The direction by Ronald Wilson is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 92 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Lives of Girls & Women truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, TV Movie, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Lives of Girls & Women explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1996 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ronald Wilson respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Lives of Girls & Women is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Tanya Allen or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lives of Girls & Women is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.