Watch Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias is a 1989 American comedy-drama film, directed by Herbert Ross and based on Robert Harling's play of the same name. The film boasts an ensemble cast of all-female leads, including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah. Set in the small, charming town of Chinquapin, Louisiana, Steel Magnolias explores the bonds of friendship that form among a group of Southern women.

The film revolves around a beauty salon, owned by Truvy (Dolly Parton), where the women gather to share their joys and sorrows. Shelby (Julia Roberts), the youngest member of the group, is about to get married and is determined to have a baby, despite her medical condition that makes pregnancy high-risk. Her mother, M'Lynn (Sally Field), is supportive but anxious about her daughter's decisions. Meanwhile, Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine) provides the comic relief and Clairee (Olympia Dukakis) is the wise and witty voice of reason.

As the story unfolds, the women support each other through various life events, including tragedy and loss, while still finding time to laugh and enjoy each other's company. The film highlights the strength and resilience of these women, who are nicknamed "steel magnolias" - tender on the inside, but tough on the outside.

The performances in Steel Magnolias are a highlight, particularly from Sally Field and Shirley MacLaine. Field, in particular, delivers a poignant portrayal of a mother coping with the difficulties of her daughter's medical condition, while still trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in her life. MacLaine, as Ouiser, brings her signature wit and humor to the role, stealing every scene she's in.

The film's tone is a delicate balance between comedy and drama, with the script keeping things light-hearted for the most part, but never shying away from the emotional weight of the characters' struggles. The friendship between the women is the heart of the film, and their dynamic is realistic and relatable.

Overall, Steel Magnolias is a beautifully crafted film that manages to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. It's a touching tribute to the strength and resilience of women and the power of friendship in the face of adversity. The performances are exceptional, the script is intelligent and poignant, and it's no surprise that Steel Magnolias has become a classic of its genre.

In conclusion, Steel Magnolias is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates character-driven comedies and dramas. It's a timeless film that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.

Steel Magnolias is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 56.