🎥 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚 (𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟕)

Anne of Avonlea (1987)

Anne of Avonlea (1987) is a heartwarming sequel to Anne of Green Gables (1985), continuing the story of the spirited and imaginative Anne Shirley (Megan Follows) as she transitions from an ambitious young woman into adulthood. Now a certified teacher, Anne returns to Avonlea to teach at Kingsport Ladies’ College, hoping to make a difference in the lives of her students. However, she quickly realizes that the rigid social expectations of the upper class make it difficult to connect with her pupils, particularly Emmeline Harris, a bright but sheltered young girl. Meanwhile, Anne’s friendships in Avonlea remain strong, especially with Diana Barry (Schuyler Grant), who is preparing for marriage, and Gilbert Blythe (Jonathan Crombie), whose feelings for Anne continue to deepen. Though Anne has dreams of becoming a writer and traveling the world, she remains conflicted between her ambitions and her attachments to home. Throughout the first part of the film, Anne encounters various challenges, including a strained relationship with her strict employer, Mrs. Harris, and the realization that her idealized vision of adulthood is more complicated than she had imagined.

As Anne navigates her professional life, she also faces emotional dilemmas. Her relationship with Gilbert remains at a standstill as she refuses to acknowledge her deeper feelings for him, believing that romance should be grand and poetic rather than built on familiarity and friendship. When she meets Morgan Harris, a wealthy and charming widower, she finds herself drawn to a different kind of life—one that promises adventure and sophistication. However, as she spends more time with the Harris family, she realizes that wealth and status do not necessarily bring happiness, especially when she witnesses Emmeline’s loneliness and Mrs. Harris’s cold, detached parenting. Meanwhile, Anne continues writing, though she struggles with self-doubt and rejection from publishers. Encouraged by her mentor, Miss Stacy, she refines her voice as a writer, drawing inspiration from her experiences and the people she loves. Through teaching, writing, and personal reflection, Anne matures into a woman who values authenticity over grandeur, realizing that true fulfillment comes from staying true to herself.

The film’s conclusion brings Anne back to Avonlea, where she finds that home is not just a place but a feeling of belonging. Diana is now married, and life in Green Gables continues as it always has, yet Anne sees everything with new eyes. When Gilbert falls gravely ill, Anne is forced to confront her true feelings, realizing that she has loved him all along. Their heartfelt reunion cements their bond, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. As Anne finally embraces the love she had been resisting, she also finds confidence in her career, with her writing gaining recognition. Anne of Avonlea beautifully captures Anne’s journey from youthful idealism to mature self-awareness, showcasing her resilience, passion, and unwavering belief in the beauty of life. The film ends on a hopeful note, reminding audiences that dreams evolve, love grows in unexpected ways, and the most profound adventures often begin at home.