Customer Reviews

Steel Magnolias [VHS]

5 star:		(158)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

There is a scene in Sleepless in Seattle when Sam (Tom Hanks), Suzy (Rita Wilson), and Greg (Victor Garber) are discussing what are frequently referred to as "chick flicks." Whatever the criteria for selection, there are many candidates for this category which usually include Steel Magnolias. After seeing it again recently, I decided that calling it a "chick flick" demeans what director Herbert Ross and his cast and crew achieved. This film really does have wide and deep appeal to both and men and women of all ages. Of greater significance, it seems even better each time it is seen again. The reverse is true of almost all other films which touch our hearts. As in Robert Harling's play on which it is based, all of the main characters are women: Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), Annelle Depuy Desoto (Daryl Hannah), Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine), and Shelby Eatenton Latcherie (Julia Roberts).

MacLaine and Roberts were later nominated for an Academy Award as best actress in a supporting role; a split vote probably cost both an Oscar. My own opinion is that Field, Dukakis, and Hannah were equally deserving of that nomination. In terms of plot, not a great deal happens. The film's energy is established and then sustained by the interactions between and among the five older women. Keep in mind that this was originally a play whose plot focused almost entirely on the shared experiences of those women. Some of the scenes are hilarious, with MacLaine and Dukakis primarily responsible. However, the film also includes one extended situation which has a genuinely sad conclusion. (It would be a disservice to those who have not as yet seen the film to say any more about that.) I think the acting is first-rate throughout. Most of this film is highly entertaining but whenever necessary and appropriate, Ross examines serious issues with great skill. Two points need to be reiterated: Steel Magnolias can and will appeal to men as well as to women, and, it is more enjoyable each time it is seen again. Those who share my high regard for it are urged to check out Fried Green Tomatoes (1991).

With all the attention Julia Roberts is getting these days, it's an excellent time to buy and watch the film that contains her best performance, Steel Magnolias.

As the doomed but optimistic daughter of Sally Field and Tom Skerrit, she holds her own in a cast of movie divas, including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, and (in her best film work, as well), Darryl Hannah.

The film is basically a warm, upbeat character study of a group of women friends, played out in a beautiful Louisiana bayou town. The story begins with Roberts' wedding, then carries on through the ups and downs of the friends' lives. The male characters in the story are barely seen, and occasionally come across as insensitive (Roberts' husband), or buffoons (Hannah's boyfriend), yet one of the joys of this movie is that you come to love the women so much, you don't mind the men's shortcomings, and start liking them, too!

The standout performances of the film are from Roberts, and MacLaine, as a spinster with a sarcastic tongue, and, ultimately, a heart of gold. Her scenes with Dukakis are hilarious, yet full of the warmth that makes this film so special!

A couple of things usually overlooked, but worth mentioning; the enchanting film score (I wish the soundtrack would be rereleased!), and a bit part by Janine Turner, before 'Northern Exposure' made her a star.

This is a very special film, for both Roberts' fans, and anyone who wants to believe in the healing powers of friendship. Yes, this film can be defined as a 'chick flick', but guys, you'll end up enjoying it, too!

In 1989, audiences were treated to an all-star cast in the film "Steel Magnolias", which follows the lives of several women who are all friends in a small Louisiana town. The film was directed by Herbert Ross (1927-2001), who directed "The Goodbye Girl" (1977) and "The Turning Point" (1977, for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Director). It was written by Robert Harding, who had originally written "Steel Magnolias" as a play and also adapted Olivia Goldsmith's novel into the screenplay for "The First Wives Club" (1996).

The story begins with a young woman, Annelle Dupuy (Daryl Hannah), who is new to the Lousiana town and planning to work as a beautician for Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), whose husband Spud Jones (Sam Shepard) is an often out-of-work contractor. Impressed with her abilities, Truvy hires Annelle and they receive their first customers of the day: the wealthy widow Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), the responsible mother M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), her engaged daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts) and the eccentric/antisocial divorcee Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine). Since one of the activities that most of the ladies enjoy doing is gossiping, when Ouiser begins to interrogate Annelle about her life, everyone is all ears as Annelle explains her troubled marriage and vanished husband. Shelby then invites Annelle to come to her wedding, which Annelle does and meets a man who becomes very interested in her: Sammy Desoto (Kevin J. O'Connor). Shelby's new husband is Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott), and her outspoken father, Drum Eatenton (Tom Skerritt), often enjoys teasing Ouiser about her aging dog. Shelby suffers from diabetes, but is determined to live as much of a normal life as possible, even when it comes into conflict with M'Lynn's concerns for her health.

With its witty script, wonderful story and engaging characters, "Steel Magnolias" is a very entertaining and emotional film. Julia Roberts received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but disappointingly, Sally Field was not nominated for Best Actress for her exceptional performance, especially during the very emotional funeral scene. Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine and Daryl Hannah performed superbly in their roles, and Dolly Parton was very well casted for her role as Truvy and did an excellent job. Memorable scenes in the film include the opening scenes at Truvy's beauty salon, Shelby's wedding, the Christmas fair, Shelby revealing her pregnancy, other scenes at Truvy's, Annelle's wedding shower, M'Lynn at the hospital, the funeral scene and the closing Easter scenes. Overall, I rate "Steel Magnolias" with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it on widescreen DVD.

As already mentioned here a number of times, yes, it reeks of a chick flick. But on the simple metric of number of one-liners per minute, I simply cannot think of a better comical powerhouse! The script to this movie is an example for screenwriters.

The hilarious star-studden ensemble is set in southern US, a small Louisiana town. The camaraderie is contagious and nostalgic, and the life of the characters so identifiable you'll be involved with the film immediately. There's almost several subthemes, each character has a peccadillo to share.

But the main focus of the film is the relationship between Sally Field and Julia Roberts, a domineering mother and her strong-willed but physically weak daughter respectively, the latter also plagued with diabetes. And there is a lot of time spent on Daryl Hannah's strange character development as well as the film covers a year or two via holidays.

To me, that is what most undermines the film -- I would much rather have seen more time spent on Parton and MacLaine, and even Dukakis, whose lives, in the brief glimpses we are given, seem much more interesting, and whose characters are by far much more alive and vibrant. Their barbs and quips are a compelling reason alone to watch this movie again and again!

At any rate, this is a movie you should definitely watch if you haven't already, and if you have, watch it again. What a wonderful slice of life, drama and delectable humor!

This is a story based on the lives of six women that revolves around a beauty salon, Truvy's Beauty Shop. The title of this film is Steel Magnolias; it was released in 1989 and has a running time of 119 minutes. This film has many great award winning actresses including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts.

The setting for this movie starts with a young woman walking down the street and running into a house that is preparing for a wedding and then wandering farther to find the beauty shop, Truvy's, where she will be employed. Suddenly the beauty shop is filled with people getting ready for the wedding that she witnessed earlier that wedding is Shelby's, Julia Roberts and then Shelby has in insulin attack. She has severe diabetes and her doctor has told her some very sad news right before she gets married. Her mother M'lynn, Sally Field, is taking the news better than most would think.

There are many twists and turns once the wedding has taken place, some of them are sad and some are joyous. This is the type of friendship that most women dream about. Each woman is affected in different ways by each storyline. This film is one of the better films I have seen in recent years it has really touched me.

This is the story of five women who basically socialize at Truvy's Beauty shop. The actresses are Dolly Parton (Truvy) Sally Field (M'Linn -- if that's how you spell it) Olympia Dukakis (Clairee) Shirley MacLaine (Ouizer) and Daryl Hannah (Anelle)and of course, the one and only Julia Roberts as Shelby.

Basically, the story revolves around Shelby who is an active person but who also has a serious case of diabetes. Shelby marries in the movie and wants very much to have a baby which, of course, would not be good for her health. Around this bittersweet main theme are a lot of other sub-themes, many of which are funny, some of them very touching, and all of them adding to the overall good quality of this movie.

What I appreciated was the realism in the depiction of women's friendships. At a time when the sneakiness and manipulativeness of girls' (and sometimes women's) friendships is being discussed, cussed, and dissected, this movie shows what friendship between basically good hearted women is really like. To be sure, the gals get on each other's nerves and not all is sweetness and light, but for the most part they care a lot about each other's welfare, and at the toughest times, they band together and support each other big time.

I would recommend this movie to anyone -- including men -- in fact, I have been pleasantly surprised to find out that a lot of men enjoy the movie.

But yes -- you do need to have an ample supply of tissues handy! I cry every time I see certain parts of the movie, and I've lost track of how many times I've watched it.

Just about the best movie out there...If you want to cry or laugh. I loved this movie the first time I saw it and then just recently I took my 15 year old daughter to see the play and decided that she had to see the actual movie. She loved it too! A truly southern women movie!

What's this?!. A young man giving a rave review for a tear inducing, 'chick flick' movie that'll leave you going through a box of tissues?!. Yes. The fact is that "Steel Magnolias" is a very good, nice film. Have we seen it before?. Yes. "Terms Of Endearment", a better movie, comes immediatley to mind. This movie works because of the cast : Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Tom Skerritt, and Dylan McDermott. These people give some of the best performances of their careers. The plot centers around a group of southern women who share each other's business while going to a local beauty shop. Another storyline includes Sally Fields' daughter(Roberts)getting married. If you haven't seen this movie, then that's all I'll say. Field gives a great performance. Her outburst scene towards the end is a real stand out. However, MacLaine steals every frame she's in as a sharp tongued southerner. Julia Roberts shines here too. Director Herbert Ross has a nice eye for detail. The film looks sharp. The movie has a fair share of intelligent comedy and drama. Just enough for everyone. So, come on guys!. The whole 'chick flick' title is old. Enjoy movies!. This is a nicely made movie.

With all the attention Julia Roberts is getting these days, it's an excellent time to buy and enjoy the film that contains her best performance, Steel Magnolias.

As the doomed but optimistic daughter of Sally Field and Tom Skerrit, she holds her own in a cast of movie divas, including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, and (in her best film work, as well), Darryl Hannah.

The film is basically a warm, upbeat character study of a group of women friends, played out in a beautiful Louisiana bayou town. The story begins with Roberts' wedding, then carries on through the ups and downs of the friends' lives. The male characters in the story are barely seen, and occasionally come across as insensitive (Roberts' husband), or buffoons (Hannah's boyfriend), yet one of the joys of this movie is that you come to love the women so much, you don't mind the men's shortcomings, and start liking them, too!

The standout performances of the film are from Roberts, and MacLaine, as a spinster with a sarcastic tongue, and, ultimately, a heart of gold. Her scenes with Dukakis are hilarious, yet full of the warmth that makes this film so special!

A couple of things usually overlooked, but worth mentioning; the enchanting film score (I wish the soundtrack would be rereleased!), and a bit part by Janine Turner, before 'Northern Exposure' made her a star.

This is a very special film, for both Roberts' fans, and anyone who wants to believe in the healing powers of friendship. Yes, this film can be defined as a 'chick flick', but guys, you'll end up enjoying it, too!

I think this will probably go on some list one day as one of the greatest movies of the 20th century. Not only was the cast diverse and perfectly chosen, they really brought out the truth of the movie. This movie really made people realize that no one has a perfect life, and that even when mirales happen, so do tragedies. Julia Roberts (Shelby) and Sall Field (M'Lynn) really entertained audiences with their dramatic, yet sometimes comedic, relationship as mother and daughter.

The town that this movie was filmed in is actually when I attend college right now--Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The town itself is almost exactly like it is protrayed in the movie: there really is an annual Christmas festival that is just as wild as it was in the movie, people really are friendly, and that cemetary where "Shelby" is buried at really does exist and is really creepy!

It's also exciting life like Shelby's really did exist. "Shelby"--although not her real name, in real life was a member of the Phi Mu Fraternity at NSU, and her little boy "Jack" is actually in one of my classes!

It's really neat knowing that such a classic movie was made right here in the town in which I am studying.

So, despite the horrible southern accents (the actresses were taught to speak like they were from Georgia and not Louisiana!), this movie is a great family movie and will cause your heart to drop and your eyes to tear. Five stars!