Common Sense Media Review
Emotionally intense drama has mature themes, some laughs.
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Steel Magnolias
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a beautiful mix of humor and emotion, highlighting strong female friendships amidst themes of love, loss, and resilience. Despite some concerns about adult language and references, it’s deemed a perfect choice for mature young viewers and is frequently watched at family gatherings, leaving lasting impressions on audiences and fostering meaningful discussions.
- emotional depth
- strong female characters
- humor and sadness
- family-friendly themes
- mature content warning
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 (Dylan McDermott), a Louisiana lawyer who assures her that he'll take care of her and help her through her health challenges associated with her having Type 1 diabetes. Shelby has been warned that she shouldn't have children due to her condition, and 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 to support her through life's challenges.
Is It Any Good?
This movie put Roberts on the map and earned her an Oscar nomination, but Field steals the show and there are many other memorable performances. As two rich, rival widows in Steel Magnolias, 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. Adolescents 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 the theme of friendship in Steel Magnolias. Do you think the friendships are realistic? Why is friendship important, and what role does it play in the movie?
In the past, movies like Steel Magnolias, which center on female friendship, were often referred to as "chick flicks." Do you think that's a legitimate genre? Or is it overly simplistic to consider that a movie about women's lives would only appeal to other women?
How do the women in Steel Magnolias demonstrate compassion? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 15, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : December 28, 1999
- Cast : Daryl Hannah , Julia Roberts , Olympia Dukakis , Sally Field , Shirley MacLaine
- Director : Herbert Ross
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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