In Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000), while the film takes a more dramatic and war-driven turn compared to its predecessors, it still delivers several emotionally intense and tragic moments that define Anne Shirley’s journey during World War I. Here are some of the most heartbreaking and impactful death scenes in the film:
Walter’s Sacrifice – One of the most gut-wrenching moments comes when Walter Blythe, Anne and Gilbert’s adopted son (in this adaptation), heroically sacrifices himself on the battlefield. Unlike in Rilla of Ingleside, where Walter’s fate is a major off-screen tragedy, this film chooses to depict his harrowing experience in the war. The moment he falls, with Anne later receiving the devastating news, is filled with sorrow and reflects the heavy toll of war.
Dominic’s Parents’ Fate – The story introduces Dominic, an orphaned child whom Anne befriends while searching for Gilbert. His backstory is particularly tragic, as it is revealed that his parents were likely killed in the war, leaving him alone. While their deaths are not explicitly shown, the emotional weight of Anne trying to protect Dominic from the horrors of war makes their absence even more painful.
Soldiers Lost in Battle – Throughout the film, Anne finds herself in war-torn Europe, witnessing firsthand the devastation and loss of life. Several comrades and fellow nurses perish due to bombings, injuries, or disease. The depiction of war casualties, while not overly graphic, still delivers a heavy emotional impact, especially through Anne’s eyes as she struggles with the overwhelming loss surrounding her.
The Death of Hope and Innocence – While not a literal death, The Continuing Story shows Anne losing some of her youthful optimism as she faces the brutal realities of war. The war strips away the idealism she once carried in Avonlea, forcing her to confront loss and suffering in a way that deeply changes her.
These tragic and emotional moments contribute to the darker, more mature tone of Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story, making it a stark contrast to the lighthearted charm of its predecessors. While it deviates significantly from L.M. Montgomery’s original books, the film still captures Anne’s enduring resilience in the face of heartbreak and loss.
