Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet Irish romantic drama has adult themes, sexual content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Circle of Friends
Parent and Kid Reviews
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
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Savoy Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Self-control
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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