How to Make an American Quilt (1995)

Based on the bestseller by Whitney Otto, this film seemed to miss all the poetry and the ephemeral charms of the wispy novel by trying to make a concrete movie out of it. Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (who made a similar hash out of A Thousand Acres), the film centers on Winona Ryder, who is debating her impending marriage and decides to make up her mind while spending the summer with her grandmother (Ellen Burstyn). This leads to a variety of encounters with Grandma and her sewing circle (which includes Anne Bancroft, Kate Nelligan, and Maya Angelou, among others), who reminisce about men, love, and marriage. It's put together piecemeal, like a quilt, but the parts add up to a fragmented, unsatisfying whole, despite some solid acting. --Marshall Fine Amazon.com essential video

 How to Make an American Quilt
I did not expect to enjoy this film as much as I did. It is about a group of women that have been working in a quilting circle together for many years. Each contributes a square to the quilt using the theme where love resides. As each member works on their individual square, we are taken back in history with them to see how events and choices have shaped their lives. This is a very intense and poignant story that will have a hankie moment or two.
April 5, 2008

 An American Movie
Such a Great movie. all around, will watch for years to come February 8, 2008

 loved this movie
This is definitely a chick-flick. A hormonally-induced celebration unlike any other. Very sweet and poignant. Ms. Ryder is perfectly cast and the rest of the cast is brilliant. A MUST SEE. Highly recommend it if you have not seen it. August 30, 2007

 A "Feel Good" movie women can relate to
I have seen the movie and subsequently read the book, years ago. They are both distinct entities. The movie is a "feel-good" movie, with "satisfying" painful moments and happy ones.

It is a great challenge for movie directors to do justice to books made into movies, because they are completely two distinct art forms. Movies made from books generally are an entity of their own, which can be a total delight if done well. Not only can they enhance the book, they can totally bring it to life in a very memorable way. This one meets that test, as does (in my opinion) "Cold Mountain" and "Fried Green Tomatoes".

The most satisfying aspect of this movie for me is the recurrent theme of forgiveness. Each of the main characters faces a situation where forgiveness is desperately needed, either from someone else or themselves. That's what this movie is really all about for me. We all need forgiveness for our mistakes, which we don't always get. That's why it's nice to watch it happen for someone else. Thank you to the makers of this movie. It made me "feel good"! August 28, 2007

 How To Make An American Quilt
This has always been a favorite of mine & now I'm happy to own it! June 27, 2007

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