Circle of Friends
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Movie Reviews of Circle of Friends
Movie Review: An Endearing Performance By Minnie Driver
Summary: 4 Stars
An endearing, Oscar worthy performance by Minnie Driver highlights "Circle of Friends," a poignant story of friendship, love and loyalty, set in 1957 Ireland, directed by Pat O'Connor. Driver stars as Bernadette "Benny" Hogan, a sensitive, somewhat self-conscious young lady (she sees herself as plain and over-weight), about to enter the University of Dublin, along with her two, life-long friends, Eve (Geraldine O'Rawe), and Nan (Saffron Burrows). At school she meets rugby star and med student Jack Foley (Chris O'Donnell), and falls in love with him; and, once he gets to know her, (and after a somewhat tenuous beginning), Jack realizes that he loves Benny, as well. Conflict intervenes upon their romance, however, and complications ensue when circumstances force them into a prolonged separation. Benny's home is a bus ride away from Dublin, and it becomes necessary for her to stay for awhile and help with the family store. Ultimately, it leads to an incident involving Jack and Nan, when Jack becomes unwittingly drawn into a particularly sensitive and unpleasant situation which has recently arisen between Nan and her wealthy suitor, Simon Westward (Colin Firth). Driver is the real story here, though, as she gives an incredibly touching performance that so adeptly conveys Benny's sensitivities; she is Benny from the inside out, wearing her heart on her sleeve and so vulnerable to the pain that life can seemingly inflict at will. She is so winsome, and accessible, that it enables you to share her joy and feel her pain; all due to Driver's incredible ability to make such an absolute emotional connection between her Benny and the audience. And having the capacity to evoke such empathy underscores what a truly gifted actress Driver is. As Jack, Chris O'Donnell gives one of his finest performances to date, as well. He manages to delve beneath the surface to tap Jack's indecisiveness, his self-confidence tinged with doubt, while fleshing out the moral aptitude which defines him, and it's reassuring to know that there's so much more to him than being the star jock of the rugby team, because Benny deserves more than that. The audience's identification with Benny is so strong that her endeavors must be rewarded with a man worthy of her affection; for Jack to be any less than he is would be unacceptable and unsatisfying. The wonderful supporting cast includes Alan Cumming (Sean), Mick Lally (Dan Hogan), Ciaran Hinds (Professor Flynn), John Kavanagh (Brian Mahon) and Britta Smith (Mrs. Hogan). Superbly acted and well directed, "Circle of Friends" is a captivating, memorable film, visually attractive and complimented by an engaging soundtrack of lilting, Irish melodies, and Benny is a young woman you'll take into your heart and keep there; for she is unforgettable. This is one of those rare films that penetrates the soul and takes a real look at the human condition, and how fragile at times it can be. It will make you think; but above all, it will make you feel.Movie Review: A Realistic and Touching Film
Summary: 4 Stars
I related very much to this story. I grew up Catholic and I was always the likeable but not stunning girl. This is truly a movie for anyone who ever loved someone they thougt was out of reach. Chris O' Donell is great as the loveable, charming, but human Jack, who sees the beauty within Minnie Driver's sweet, tough, but vulnerable Benny The book is a bit better but this movie is pretty close.Movie Review: Good, but a little sluggish in spots
Summary: 3 Stars
I'll say this, this movie has a fairly original pattern than the standard love stories. Girl meets boy, they develop loving feelings although girl is a little scared. Finally girl stops playing hard to get and her "friend" temporarilly steals boy away. However true love, strength of character, and willingness to forgive and be forgiven win in the end. Overall, a good story. However some fo the middle part lacks a certain spark which can make one's mind wonder. However, critical issues regarding sex and loyalty are explored pretty well in this movie.
Movie Review: not realistic
Summary: 1 Stars
After reading the book which was fantastic, this movie was awful. Minnie Driver was good,but there is no way the sexual antics of anyone would have been discussed in UCD in 50s, the Archbishop of Dublin would have had the place closed down.Saffron Burrows was very good as Nan Mahon, and Colin Firth as Simon Westward was excellent.The story leaves out a good deal that was in the book, such as Simon`s little sister Heather who becomes friends with her cousin Eve Malone. Alan Cummings was superb as the slimy Sean Walsh.However he does not try to rape Benny in the book, although he is stealing money. If you have not read the book then it is a good film in terms of the acting, which was excellent and scenery.However Ireland in the 50s was not like the film,it was far more repressed. The ending was terrible, in the book Benny tells Jack that there is no chance of a relationship.Movie Review: Did not focus on the book
Summary: 1 Stars
This movie strayed from the book. At least five characters were left out and there was no focus on the town or the upbringing of the two (what were supposed to be) main characters. After reading the book I was curious to see the movie. How such a great and interesting story could come up so bland is puzzling. Half the book was about the town of Knockglen and the personalities that live there. That whole part is left out of the movie. The movie barely touched on more than two chapters. Very disappointing. If you read the book do not see the movie.