Spirit of Southern Friendship
Besides "Gone With the Wind", this movie is my favorite of all-time. What a cast! Dolly Parton, Sally Field, and Julia Roberts are outstanding in their acting abilities. Dolly Parton brings so much warmth to her role, I truly felt like she was my Southern mother. I loved seeing the Southern culture and all of its traditions (the armadillo groom's cake was hilarious) depicted in such splendor. I also liked the emphasis on friendship and how very important friendship is to surviving with the harshest trials of life. The importance of friendship is essentially the underlying theme of the movie. Just as "Gone With the Wind" shows how Scarlett O'Hara could survive any obstacle that comes her way, this movie shows how to handle the hardest life situation...death. Although the mood of the movie becomes somber, the ending really gives the viewer a real "feel good" feeling. I highly recommend this movie to those who love being immersed in the Southern culture and for those who simply want to watch an excellent movie.

Classic
One of the most heart-wrenching movies that shoes the true power of love and friendship. "Shelby, open your eyes!"

Fun flick....but what was the POINT of this movie???
I enjoyed the banter between the gals just as much as the other reviewers here. This the four stars.

BUT...stop and think: In my gut I believe the director was trying to portray Julia Robert's character as sympathetic/tragic.

The real tragedy was the fallout as a result of a selfish decision to go againt common sense and medical advice and have a baby.

So, at the end of the film, despite all the pretty flowers and softly filmed sunshine in the park we've got the following: a young man who is now a widower, a family devistated by their unnecessary loss (despite BEGGING her not to get pregnant), and a child who has no mommy.

Remember, this was all the result of her choices. Chillingly, this is a real life story.

Now THAT brings a tear to my eye!

A Wonderful Movie
If you have not seen "Steel Magnolia" at least once, this is a movie to add to your list. Not only jamm packed w/ wonderful stars, but has a wonderful story line. I did not know till years later, that this story, was the story of the Directors Sister. What a wonderful tribute. Watch out for the ending. It is a garanteed tear jerker. Curl up on the couch w/ this one and enjoy!!

Steel Magnolias....awsome!!!
Love this movie! A "chick flick" is you need to label it...but awsome movie!!