Tales of Little Women

Four sisters whose lives orbit the care of their mother, living through the Civil War era in a country torn by conflict. Their father serves as a military doctor, leaving them to fend for themselves when news arrives that his unit is deployed and the war rages on. A nearby town bears the scars of battle and the Confederates move through, leaving ruin in their wake. To complicate matters, a factory the father invested in has burned as well, wiping out the family's savings. Penniless and homeless, the Marches head to Newcord to stay with a paternal aunt, hoping for aid while they adjust to a harsher world and keep faith that peace will come. They dream of brighter days.

Produced as an animated drama drawn from Louisa May Alcott's classic, this 1987 adaptation was directed by Fumio Kurokawa. It features Rei Sakuma, Ranko Mizuki, Keiko Han, Kozo Shioya and Eiko Yamada voicing the March children and family in harmony.

Even though it sits outside the usual canon for many viewers, this version blends a beloved American tale with anime visuals. Its visual style blends warmth with energy. It helped bring classic literature to a different audience and sparked interest in cross cultural adaptations within the late 1980s animated scene.

Critics appreciated the steady pace and emphasis on family bonds under pressure. The show explores resilience, sisterhood, and moral growth as the March sisters cope with displacement, poverty, and the toll of war while maintaining hope. The tone stays earnest yet approachable for families watching together across different generations today.

Box office data isn't applicable to this TV series; as an animated adaptation it aired on television and did not compete in theatres. There are no reported worldwide grosses or box office records for Tales of Little Women to date.