Circle of Friends | Chris O'Donnell, Minnie Driver | Minnie Driver driving a movie that's all there

Circle of Friends | Chris O'Donnell, Minnie Driver | Love this Irish gem

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Circle of Friends

	Circle of Friends Chris O'Donnell, Minnie Driver Hbo Home Video, 1997 average customer review:based on 65 reviews view larger image
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Minnie Driver driving a movie that's all there

Set in post-World War II Ireland, namely the late 1940's and late 50's, Circle Of Friends tells of three girls, Eve, who was raised in a convent because her parents died, the stunning Nan Mahon, and the plain but pleasant and charming Benny Hogan, who's father is the local tailor. She narrates the film from time to time, and Minnie Driver's charming voice aids in what's quite a charming little movie about being sure of and true to oneself despite changes.

The three go to the college in Dublin, attend classes, and go back on the 10 past 6 bus to the village. In an anthropology class, she learns of an obscure tribe and their culture, one of which is that men and women mingle freely without shame or guilt, a contrast to the repressive Catholic upbringing the girls have. But this learning also parallels her meeting Jack Foley, a handsome blonde with blue eyes and a nice smile. She's quite taken when he asks her out to a dance, only to be gradually disillusioned when he doesn't as time goes on. When he finally does ask her, she tells him that she doesn't like being messed about, but further that despite being a rhinoceros, a reference to her perceived bigness, she has a thin skin. She is heartened that he feels comfortable talking to her honestly. He sees that she's all there, more grounded, sure of herself. In contrast, Jack wants to play rugby but is going for the medical program because of his father's wishes and despite the fact that he faints at the sight of blood. Through her interactions, she learns that she is capable of being loved and to love, but she never goes all the way. Jack indeed is a preferable pick from the oily Sean Walsh, an employee of Mr. Hogan's shop who aspires to be a partner, but also wants to marry Benny. It's further his dream to run the shop when Mr. Hogan retires. However, Benny is quite turned off by Sean, much to her parents' disappointment. This learning at school is making her self-aware, and she's made up her mind who she wants to marry, should she do so. What's the point of learning all that knowledge, only to go back to her little village and be a good little wife, something also explored in the later Mona Lisa Smile.

The divide between Protestants and Catholics is seen here in the form of Simon Westward, a member of the landowning family who wants to marry the right girl. That is what Nan is looking for, a real man, seeing her peers as just boys, as tryouts. Things don't go the way she plans, leading her to disrupt Benny and Jack.

It's easy to see why Minnie Driver became a star. As the shy, hopeful, intelligent, and sensitive Benny, she's a fresh face. And she's unique with that slightly wide face of hers, She is mostly seen without much makeup, and she still looks wonderful, and with that accent and beaming countenance, totally believable as a daughter of the Emerald Isle. I'd definitely go for someone like her. Geraldine O'Rawe lends strong support as Eve, who turns out to be more loyal and true to Benny. Chris O'Donnell also gets a thumbs up as Jack, a likeable enough person, less sure of himself, well-meaning, but with a few failings.

As in all the other films I've seen him in, Alan Cumming (Sean) is another slimy, lizard-like, fawning toadie (Titus, Spiceworld, Eyes Wide Shut). He is a bit pathetic with his greasy black hair and sickly smile, but he's a character to be reviled as time goes on.

With a nice closing song, "You're The One," sung by Maire Brennan and Shane McGowan, Circle Of Friends is a film that doesn't go for the predictable drama of most romance movies. No, this is a movie that's all there.

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Love this Irish gem

Set in 1950's rural Ireland, this movie follows Benny as she goes to University with her friend Eve. There they met up with an old friend Nan, a girl who is beautiful and looking for a rich husband.

Benny falls in love with Jack, who is also at the Uni and plays on the Rugby team. Eve falls for Aiden, one of Jack's friends and Nan is after the rich Simon. But when Nan finds out she is pregnant and Simon pays her to 'get rid of it' she decides to get Jack drunk so they she can tell him that the child is his. When Benny finds out she is heartbroken. It is Eve who finally works out the truth and Jack come back to see Benny whose father has died and she is working in the family store.

A beautiful film with stunning performances from Minnie Driver as Benny, Chris O'Donnell as Jack and Colin Firth as Simon and not to forget Alan Cummings playing the sleazy Sean.

The movie is not faithful to the book, but I would say personally I thought it was much better. This is a film for all those romantic at heart people. Lovely to watch with some chocolate and don't forget the tissues.

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Absolutely enchanting

A film about friendship, first love, innocence and values. I absolutely love it. My favourite movie for years!

reviews: 1, 2, page 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

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