Steel Magnolias

Movie review by Ellen MacKay, Common Sense Media
Steel Magnolias Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Three-hanky special, but with lots of laughs, too.

PG 1989 118 minutes
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 14 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Steel Magnolias handles some mature material, including a mother watching her adult daughter die. Plus there are plenty of scatological epithets, and one woman 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. Also, very few people of color appear. But this is ultimately an emotional, heartwarming story about friendship, family, and lifelong bonds.

Community Reviews

Mark E.
Mark E. Adult
December 20, 2022
age 2+

Well, let's just say the film was about friends who want to move on their lives and do something good.

It has everything that we're looking for in a movie like Steel Magnolias. A great cast and crew who put it all together just right under Herbert Ross' deft direction. This also marked his final collaboration with producer Ray Stark, who died in 2004.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
melbie2001
melbie2001 Adult
October 30, 2021
age 16+

Parents of T1D

I used to love this movie until my daughters T1D dx. Negatively portrays T1D life. Although most likely accurate for time period, it does give T1D life a very sad portrayal. If your child (especially daughter) has Type 1 Diabetes, do not watch . If you do make sure to discuss beforehand that this was made before sensors and pumps were available to prevent such complications.
See all 9 parent reviews

What's the Story?

An adaptation of Robert Harling's play, STEEL MAGNOLIAS 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. She ends up relying upon the salt-of-the-earth women that frequent the local beauty salon for support her through life's challenges.

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 with a powerful death, 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether Steel Magnolias is a "chick flick.' What does that term mean, and is it derisive?

  • Do you think there's something powerful about movies targeted just to women -- or are you offended by the idea that a movie about women's lives and friendships would only appeal to other women?

  • How do the women in Steel Magnolias demonstrate compassion? Why is this an important character strength?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love strong female characters

Character Strengths

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Themes & Topics

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