Steel Magnolias became my favorite film after high school when my tight knit group of friends began going separate ways for school. Many times when we were together we would watch this movie, even to the point of knowing almost every line in it. Each of us could relate with one character in particular because of similar attitudes and mannerisms that were similar to our own. After seeing Steel Magnolias multiple times, I realized that the main focus of the film was Shelby’s death; rather it was the strong bond of friendship that held the group together. Similarly my friends and I have always been around for each other not only for the fun times, also during the toughest times of our lives. Even though we are all living in different cities now, I know without a doubt I can call one of them and they will be there for me.
The southern culture in Steel Magnolias is easy for me to identify with because of where I lived as a child. Throughout the movie the ladies constantly gossip about someone that they have known their whole lives. Their beauty shop talk at Truvy’s was always about the latest scandals in their small town of Chinquapin Parish. In the small town where I grew up, everyone knew everyone. I cannot remember ever going to the local grocery store without seeing multiple people that I knew. Just like in Steel Magnolias there was always the latest gossip to be told whenever spending time with my friends. The life events portrayed in the movie, such as Shelby’s wedding, the birth of Jack Jr., and Shelby’s death, exemplify southern tradition. Whenever there is a major life event, the entire community is there to support their neighbors.
The actors in Steel Magnolias do an excellent job of making the audience feel what they feel. Each time I watch this movie, I experience a wild emotional roller coaster: happy to sad, crying to laughing until I cry. The events that take place in the movie are moments that everyone experiences at some point. The excitement of Shelby’s wedding, the tension of Shelby’s high risk pregnancy, the joy Jack Jr.’s birth, and the sorrow when Shelby dies are things that all viewers can relate to on a personal and emotional level. In keeping with true Southern Tradition, each of these events in the movie is accompanied with food from neighbors and friends. In the neighborhood in which I grew up, there was not a birth, death, or personal hardship that could not be eased with soul food from the community.
The most emotionally appealing part of the movie for me is the closeness of the Eatenton family. My family is very close and, just like the Eatenton family, we are oftentimes dysfunctional. Through the ups and downs of the movie the entire family is there for one another, no matter what has been dealt them. All families have their own share of ups and downs but not all families stick together during physically or emotionally trying times. Watching this movie and understanding the emotions the characters are portraying makes it even better for me.
Steel Magnolias is a movie that has literally made me lose it. Both laughter and tears have come from watching this movie. Most importantly many memories have been made during the two hours spent with friends.