Rating: 
Summary: An Endearing Performance By Minnie Driver
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: An unlikely love story.
Review: This is one of my favorite movies. The story follows Benny(Minnie Driver) and her best friends Eve and Nan as the discover their own sexuality. Growing up Irish Catholic they have been taught to repress any of their feelings. Benny gets hooked on the cutest boy in school Jack(Chris O'Donnell). And Jack falls for big-girl Benny because she is so easy to talk to. Nan gets involved with an older, rich man Simon(Colin Firth). Benny's parents want her to marry "Creepy Sean Walsh"(Alan Cummings) but Benny refuses to go with him because she is in love with Jack. When Nan gets pregant she changes everyones lives. Defiantly worth watching. Enjoyable, and a great look at Catholics view on Sexuality. And Chris O'Donnell is looking exceptionally good.
Rating:
Summary: worth watching
Review: i read the book, but as usual, i try to refrain from comparing the movie to the book. because if you do, you're usually up for one big fat disappointment. i would highly recommend people to read the book too.this is a pretty straightforward and simplistic film. and my only complaint is that the film doesn't flesh out some things that i really would have liked fleshed out, and it had some loose strings left hanging in the end. for example, i loved eve and aidan as a couple, yet the film gave them pretty flat portrayals. on the one hand, you're left wanting to see more, but on the other hand, there is the possibility that the film could spread itself too thin in terms of plot. the movie was well cast. minnie driver is phenomenal. chris o'donnell doesn't get much credit. and my other favorite was the one who played eve. she really had spark! and alan cummings as the irrepressible sean walsh just makes me want to barf! all in all, the movie's plot is a little thin, but the cast and great scenery more than make up for it.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Love Story
Review: I first saw this movie several years ago when it was still in the theater and I immediately had to buy it as soon as it came out on video. Now that I have bought the DVD and rewatched the movie, I remember the first time that I saw the movie. I think that many people can relate to the character of Benny, portrayed beautifully by Minnie Driver in her first movie role. The rest of the actors are all well cast for their roles, esp. Chris O'Donnell. Two hidden treats in the movie are Alan Cumming as the creepy Sean Walsh and Colin Firth as Simon Westward. As another reviewer mentioned, no the movie doesn't get into too much of the book. If they did, the film would have been three hours long. To sum it up, it is a sweet love story for someone who never thought that they would get the most popular guy on campus
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely enchanting !
Review: What a little gem. Who says to make great movie these days it needs to be full of big names, sex and violence ? This movie takes a simple, yet sweet story adds a more than adequate cast, some wonderful scenery and the result is absolutely enchanting. I defy anyone not to fall in love, even just a little, with the character of Benny. She is a joy to behold.
The cast are brilliant. Chris O'Donnell shines as the golden child and romantic lead, but I must say the movie belongs to Minnie Driver. What a discovery ! She handles the role perfectly with just the right amounts of innocence, humour, compassion and bravado to deliver an astounding performance.
The DVD has quite a few extra's which is nice. Plenty of trailers and teasers, I would however, have liked to have seen a little more behind the scenes....this gang surely got on as well off screen as on, I mean, could they really act that well ?
I thoroughly recommend this DVD to anybody looking for pure entertainment with hints of yesteryear. A true gem !
Rating: 
Summary: Diappointment
Review: I'm amazed how they could have completely destroyed the theme of such a charming book when adapting it to the screen. The novel didn't focus on the love story of Benny and Jack, but more on how Benny becomes to love and accept herself through her relationship with Jack. Maybe one day someone will make an honest adaptation of this great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Read the BOOK
Review: Yes, it is a very good movie, but the book is so much better. It has a way better ending. I suggest first reading the book, it is so much better.
Rating:
Summary: One of The Best Movies I've Ever Seen!
Review: Wonderfully enchanting story of unlikly love, and heartbreak. Benny is an 18 year old College student being pursued by a much older employee of her father's business, Sean. Benny meets a heavenly man named Jack, he's hunk to say the least. He takes a liking to her, and they start dating. See is this love ends in marriage or in a gutter. Or if Benny finally falls for Sean. Wonderful movie yet it doesn't compare to the book. The book is about friends and isn't all in Benny's point of view.
Rating:
Summary: *Circle of Friends* is a must-have
Review: I just saw this movie on the ABC Family Channel and I enjoyed it thoroughly! The story is set in the 1950s in Dublin and a small town outside of it. Minni Driver plays Benny, an innocent Catholic school girl in this romantic film. She has been persued by her father's slimy partner at the shop. Her character embodies the typical insecurities that most girls have about themselves - not being the most beautiful, not being most popular, not having freedom from their parents and the church. She is a person who pretty much everyone can relate to. As with Christopher O'Donnell's character, Jack, who is a well-off son of a doctor who is unsure of his future. Benny grew up with her best friends Eve and Nan. Nan moved away to Dublin while the girls were young. All three ended up attending the same college, where Nan introduced Jack to Benny. Jack and Benny began spending time together and instantly bonded. This relationship turned into love and the two were inseperable. The story is amazing and the movie envelops you. I was crying hysterically and smiling hysterically. It has a great balance of happiness and sadness and the viewer becomes a part of it all. Watch/buy it today!!
Rating:
Summary: A quaint little film with lots of appeal!
Review: I have loved Maeve Binchy's work since I picked up the novel Circle of Friends. When the movie came out I dreaded what they would do to such a great piece of work, but I was pleasently surprised. They took some of the best pieces of the novel and made it into an enchanting film that made me want to read the novel all over again. I would have loved to see more included in the film, but in order to do that it would have been a five hour movie. Minnie Driver portrays Benny in such a wonderful way that I fell in love with the character all over again. And Chris O'Donnell is excellent. There were so many wonderful actors in this film, along with the wonderful irish background music & scenery. If you love quaint little flicks with excellent dialogue...check out Circle of Friends. "He could have anyone at all. Why would he look at me?"
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