This is a wonderful movie. Very emotional, but still funny and full of laughs. Parents should watch this movie with their kids and discuss the emotional content. You will laugh and cry.
Steel Magnolias
(1989, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Three-hanky special, but with lots of laughs, too.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Steel Magnolias was written by Ellen MacKay
Parents need to know that this movie handles some mature material, including a mother watching her adult daughter die. Plus there are plenty of scatological epithets, and one crusty women curses a blue streak. The women also gossip relentlessly. Women may seem to rule the roost, but this is genteel Louisiana -- gender roles are firmly in place. Very few people of color appear.
Families Can Talk About
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More on Steel Magnolias
What’s the Story?
This adaptation of Robert Harling's play highlights the unwavering friendships that unite a group of Louisiana women as they confront loss and heartache. The story opens on the day of Shelby's (Julia Roberts) wedding to Jackson, a handsome Louisiana lawyer who assures her that he'll take care of her, despite her frail health. Shelby is diabetic, and has been warned that she shouldn't have children. Her mother M'Lynn (Sally Field) has hovered over her daughter for years, intervening whenever her blood sugar dipped. Shelby decides to have a baby despite the risk; her mother is appalled, but remains supportive. When Shelby's kidneys fail as a result, her mother gives up one of hers. But in the end, M'Lynn can't save Shelby from the ravages of her disease, and she ends up relying upon the salt-of-the-earth women that frequent the local beauty salon for support through her loss.
Is It Any Good?
This movie put Julia Roberts on the map and earned her an Oscar nomination, but Sally Field steals the show and there are many other memorable performances. As two rich, rival widows, Olympia Dukakis and Shirley MacLaine are delightfully snippy, despite their deep friendship. Dolly Parton shines as a "beauty technician" and lovelorn philosopher -- her salon is the backdrop for the best scenes. And Daryl Hannah is a timid beauty school graduate who grows into her own, nurtured by these strong women.
While the main storyline is a sad one, ending in Shelby's eventual death from diabetes, STEEL MAGNOLIAS is really about the friendships that sustain us through life's highs and lows. This movie has plenty of heart and offers a powerful picture of kindness and compassion between women. Adolescent girls may find the friendship theme especially compelling, as they begin to depend on friends' support through their own crises, from heartbreak to the dynamics of family relationships.
Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: Herbert Ross
Run time: 118 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/15/1989, DVD release: 12/28/1999
MPAA Rating: PG
Run time: 118 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/15/1989, DVD release: 12/28/1999
MPAA Rating: PG
Our Members Say
See all 8 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great, emotional, but funny movie.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
great family movie
this is a great movie for families. definitely about building strong relationships and dealing with difficult situations in a positive way.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
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I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
cool
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Really Great
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
great friendship movie
This movie is a heart warming movie for kids 12 and up. I personally liked it but it did have some langague in it. besides the langague I thought it was a great movie!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
This is a memorable movie between these woman and though not for younger veiwers (7 and under) can be a slight touchy in some subjects (mention of guns w/ hunting and beers in the fridge) can be a heart warming.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Lots of language and inappropriate for young children
This PG movie would be PG-13 if it were made today. Lots of language, male nudity in locker room and other material. Definitely not suitable for young children.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
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