Circle of Friends
Sweet Irish romantic drama has adult themes, sexual content.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Circle of Friends
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Circle of Friends is a charming romantic drama based on a best-selling novel with adult themes and some scenes of a sexual nature. The movie centers around a group of Irish Catholic girls -- Benny (Minnie Driver), Eve (Geraldine O'Rawe), and Nan (Saffron Burrows) -- who attend the same university and follows their various romantic pursuits. There is mention of sin, shame, and guilt as the three friends are introduced to the worlds of alcohol, boys, and sex. Cigarettes are smoked and alcohol consumed to the point of mild intoxication. Sexual intercourse is shown on-screen, but there is nothing too explicit and only partial nudity is shown. While most of the movie is lighthearted, there is a scene involving an attempted sexual assault. Abortion is also referenced, as is the death of parents, while a dead body is shown on-screen. There is occasional mild language, such as "bastard" and "bloody," and one use of the word "s--tty."
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, Benny (Minnie Driver), Eve (Geraldine O'Rawe), and Nan (Saffron Burrows) meet at a Dublin university, after growing up as friends in the same Irish village. Benny quickly falls for sports star Jack (Chris O'Donnell), while Eve starts dating his friend Aidan (Aidan Gillen), and Nan sets her sights on Simon (Colin Firth), a wealthy older man from back home. As they balance their studies and family responsibilities with their newfound freedom, it both cements and tests their friendships in equal measure.
Is It Any Good?
A strong, incredibly likable performance from Driver in her debut feature role, really pulls this sweet and charming -- but fairly predictable -- story of friendship together. Circle of Friends boasts an impressive cast. But it's Driver's easy, natural portrayal of a sheltered young woman traversing the complications and temptations of adulthood that is the standout performance. It's rich with naivety, honesty, and moments of strength in equal measure.
The three girls are assigned their roles at an early age, and the characters develop into exactly those, sometimes veering a little into cliche. But the casting is spot on, and all three performances are full of light and energy. As for the supporting cast, Firth is in familiar territory as the rich cad, while Alan Cumming gives an almost impossibly -- often delightfully -- slimy performance as the local man determined to make Benny his wife. Awash with pastoral beauty and alive with the fluttering of youthful discovery, this is a tenderly told coming-of-age story of changing friendships, and one that remains a classic of its genre to this day.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Circle of Friends portrays sex. Is it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How are drinking and smoking depicted in the movie. Are they glamorized? What are the consequences? Why does that matter?
Discuss the theme of friendship in the movie. How does Benny, Eve, and Nan's friendships change over the course of the film?
How do the girls' religious upbringing affect their views as young adults?
How is 1950s Ireland portrayed? Can you think of any other films set in a similar time period?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 7, 1995
- On DVD or streaming: March 31, 1998
- Cast: Minnie Driver, Saffron Burrows, Geraldine O'Rawe
- Director: Pat O'Connor
- Studio: Savoy Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Integrity, Self-control
- Run time: 103 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: sexual content
- Last updated: July 21, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Brooklyn
Poignant immigration drama is romantic, thought-provoking.
-
Far from the Madding Crowd
Strong female role model in emotional literary adaptation.
-
Southside with You
Witty, winning, but sometimes long-winded tale of love.
For kids who love romance
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate