Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28506 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-02-16
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Full Screen, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 98 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The same year as the BBC's Pride and Prejudice (1995) writer Andrew Davies and star Colin Firth were also hard at work on Circle of Friends, an Irish romance brought to the big screen by director Pat O'Connor (Dancing at Lughnasa). It's 1957 and three small-town friends Benny (Minnie Driver), Eve (Geraldine O'Rawe) and Nan (Saffron Burrows) arrive at university in Dublin, the scene set for an entertaining obstacle course along the path to true love. Jack, an excellent Chris O'Donnell, is the object of Benny's affections, and as the still unsure young woman beginning to find her way Driver gives an extremely engaging performance. Alan Cummings has a rather stereotyped role, which involves him in an attempted rape scene, one not only out-of-character with the rest of the film, but not even in the original novel. The transfer of 1990s mores onto 1950s Catholic Ireland jars a little towards the end, but whereas the cinema usually portrays Ireland as either a backdrop to "The Troubles", or--Angela's Ashes-style--as a land of hard working-class struggle, it's appealing to see it taking a look at the adventures of decent, ordinary middle-class people. The plot never springs any serious surprises, but makes for beautifully photographed Sunday-night TV-style nostalgia. --Gary S. Dalkin

Synopsis
In this sentimental study of life, friendship, and romance, three girlhood chums attend college together. One, a straightforward, rather plain lass (Minnie Driver), sets her sights on the best-looking boy in school (Chris O'Donnell), and their tender relationship belies their differences. The film is based on a novel by Maeve Binchy.

Customer Reviews

I love this story
This is a must have. I loved the book, which I read before seeing the movie. The endings are the same, and yet not. No matter what, the book or the movie, you'll enjoy it!
With sweet and chunky Minnie Diver, as Bernadette, who just want to be loved really, for who she is. Just because youre a bit of a rhinoceros - as she in the movie describes herself as,it doesnt mean you should settle for anything less, than what you dream of! - I so agree.

I cannot praise and recommend it enough to do it justice!!!!!
if you like classic romantic comedies, is a must! Starring Chris O'Donnell, Minnie Driver, Geraldine O'Rawe, and Saffron Burrows, the 1995 movie enchanted me last night while babysitting my beautiful baby nephew and bubbly staffy boy Zak into the night. It was based on the novel Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy and I cannot praise and recommend it enough to do it justice.

A very charming story!
Haven't read this book, but liked the movie very-very much. To be honest I have seen "Circle of Friends" 6 times, each time coming to like the movie more and more. It seemed as if this story is to some extent about me. The actors are great! I had never liked Minnie Driver before I saw this movie, but in "Circle of friends" she produced great acting skills. Unfortunately, Chris O'Donnel's performance was less convincing. Nevertheless, I can recommend this movie to anyone who likes true stories, but dislikes silly love stories!