Louisa May Alcott’s Little Men was one of my favorite books as a child. I loved the reappearance of the beloved characters of Little Women, along with Jo and Mr. Bhaer’s desire to help the needy children placed in their care. Though not quite on par with its’ prequel (starring Winona Ryder as Jo) this endearing film adaptation captures the heart of Alcott’s novel.

Young Nat has grown up on the streets, fiddling for his bread. Now, with both parents dead, he is dependent on his one friend, the rough, street-smart Dan (Ben Cook). The intervention of a kind stranger lands Nat on the steps of Plumfield, the young men’s boarding school established by Jo and Fritz Bhaer (Christopher Sarandon). Nat becomes the school’s first charity case and is quickly accepted into the warm, family-like environment, though he has more than one lesson to learn. The unexpected arrival of his former friend Dan, however, doesn’t go quite as smoothly.

Dan is tired of struggling for survival but reluctant to show his hidden, not-so-callous character. Unused to following rules and regulations and unwilling to give up his freedom, he rebels repeatedly. Jo, however, whose maternal instincts tell her there is more to this boy’s rough exterior than meets the eye, is determined to persevere.

There is no sexual content and little violence. An older man dies of a heart attack. Two boys engage in a game of stick-knife and later a ‘mock’ boxing match. A boy pickpockets a purse in order to buy food while another steals money for selfish purposes. The breaking point, however, comes when Dan, during Mr. Bhaer’s absence, introduces the boys to a midnight game of poker, complete with beer and cigars. Showing off his street smarts, he briefly flaunts a ‘d***’ and ‘h***.’

The behavior, however, is portrayed as neither ‘cool’ nor desirable. Not only are the Bhaers incredibly disappointed, but the boys’ poor choices lead to devastating natural consequences, and they all come to seriously regret their behavior. Likewise, the repercussions of each misconduct are shown throughout the film, as the boys learn to acknowledge their faults and accept responsibility for their actions.

This may not be another Little Women, but Little Men has its’ own appeal. The children are anything but perfect, but they learn from their mistakes. Formerly self-centered boys put together Christmas gifts for the needy in their community. The bonds between Jo, Fritz and their wards are strengthened as they pull together in a pseudo-family to endure hardship and heartbreak. Ultimately, the story says, the strength of unconditional love - in this case, Jo’s motherly belief in Dan - can overcome even a hardened heart. The beauty of the film’s music, characters and lessons culminates in a touching rendition of “Amazing Grace” sung around the gentle lights of a Christmas tree, revealing what it truly is -- a redemption story.