Steel Magnolias (1989)

Based on Robert Harling's play, this comedy-drama directed by Herbert Ross (The Turning Point) follows several years in the lives of women who regularly see one another at a beauty shop in their small Louisiana town. The story deepens as Julia Roberts, playing a serious diabetic and the daughter of Sally Field, goes downhill in her health. But as an ensemble piece, this is one of those enjoyably lumpy tearjerkers with many years' worth of stored truths suddenly being shared between the characters, lots of grievances aired, that sort of thing. Daryl Hannah and Shirley MacLaine assume the most eccentric roles, Dolly Parton the most fun, and Olympia Dukakis the most dignified, while Sally Field essentially provides the moral and emotional center of the movie. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

I saw it, I cried; I'm not ashamed to admit it...

I'll never understand the male stereotype that says you cannot admit to liking anything that doesn't involve bloodshed, sports or nudity. Sure, as a guy I can understand why those three things are appealing to my gender (although I am far from a sports fan) but I have never been one to hide my deeper feelings or emotions. I cry whenever I want to; I have deep and meaningful conversations with my male friends and I definitely watch whatever it is that I want to regardless of the intended fan base.

I say this, not because I think that this is a particularly good movie but because this seems to be a popular movie that men feel unabashedly ashamed in either watching or enjoying or, god forbid, crying at.

The film tells the story of a group of women who frequent the same hair salon and become a central part of each others lives over the years. There is M'Lynn, the kind hearted mother who only wants what is best for her daughter Shelby, who just so happens to be a serious diabetic. There is Truvy, who owns the salon, and Annelle, her new employee with a background no one is too sure about. There is the loudmouthed Ouiser and her loyal friend Clairee.

Together they make for one lively bunch.

The film mostly focuses on M'Lynn and Shelby as they struggle to come to terms with Shelby's growing independence. Shelby wants to get married and have children, but the doctors have warned her that childbirth will not be a smart move for someone in her condition. M'Lynn wants to allow her daughter to live her own life, but she also is the mother and mothers always know what is best for their children; right?

The film is tragically clichéd, which probably adds to the memorable factor, since we've seen it all before, but it takes away from the originality and my personal overall appreciation of the film. It's also very heavy handed, and it's not always smooth about it either. The acting is a bit spotty, sometimes so over the top it's annoying and other times so grounded in itself that it is stunningly superb.

Let's look at the two opposite ends of the spectrum; Shirley MacLaine and Sally Field. Two of my favorite actresses of all time spar off and only one is the victor; Field. Sally Field delivers what may be her finest performance ever, delving deep into the maternal spectrum of this woman's very being. M'Lynn aches to see her daughter live a full life, but she cannot look past the fact that a full life may very well kill her. It's heartbreaking to say the least. Shirley MacLaine, who may even be a better actress as a whole, is ridiculously overacting throughout this film. Her mannerisms are all over the place and her characters comedic timing borders on annoying. It's shameful, which is sad, because I love her.

Olympia Dukakis is stunning here, Dolly Parton is fun and Daryl Hannah is effectively naïve, even if neither do a whole lot to be remembered for. Julia Roberts was nominated for an Oscar for her performance, and was the favorite to win (although she lost) but her performance is decent at best, never really investing itself as deeply as Field's. She does a fine job, but nothing spectacular.

So, did this movie make me cry? Yes, it did, and I am not ashamed to say that. The ending is such a heartbreaker, and Field is so convincing in her tragic portrayal that anyone who doesn't cry is made of stone, really. Is the movie really as amazing as many make it out to be? No, not really. It works to an extent and sports a beautiful performance but its own clichés and spotty collective ensemble tear it down a few notches and keep it from being the classic many want it to be. See it for Field, for she is heaven-sent, but don't expect too much from the film as a whole. January 6, 2009

Steel Magnolias

One of the Funniest, and saddest, movies made. But, even after the sad instances, there would be a spirit lifting line or scene. I laughed hard and cried harder. November 27, 2008

STEEL MAHNOLIAS

I WOULD LIKE TO BUY THIS DVD OF STEEL MAGALIAS ON BLUE RAY FOR MY CHRISMAS PRESENT THIS YEAR.IT WAS A VERY VERY GOOD MOVIE TO WATCH OVER AND OVER AGIAN
I WOULD LIKE IT OUT CHRISMAS TIME.ON BLUE RAY.PLEASE LET ME WHEN I CAN AVANCE FROM YOU ON AMAZON.COM
THANK YOU DAVID SCHMIDLI November 2, 2008

The best women's movie

Steel Magnolias is the best "strong" women film. I enjoyed viewing this with my mother, and my sister. What a treat to be enjoyed time after time. November 1, 2008

poor !!!!!!!!!!!

never recived my DVD but did recieve reund was dissapointed wanted the movie real bad October 12, 2008

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