VHS : Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe [1991]

Rating: - Sweet, gentle tear-jerker
No matter how many times I watch this film, the charm of it's excessive sentimentality never fails to draw me in. This film is engaging and warm-hearted, bringing us into the life of Evelyn, a gentle and good-natured Southern woman who is going through the menopause, played by Kathy Bates. After going with her husband to a local retirement home to visit one of his relatives, Evelyn meets and befriends an elderly woman named Mrs. Threadgoode, played by Jessica Tandy.

The way in which the film seamlessly flits between past and present is admirable. After befriending each other, the two woman share the details of their lives, and Evelyn learns of the stories of Mrs. Threadgoode's various family members, from long ago, in a tiny little town called 'Whistle Stop'.

The past sequences are full of beautiful characterisation, lovely Southern locations and plenty of tear-inducing moments, if you're that way inclined. The way Mrs. Threadgoode describes the unwavering friendship between two of her relatives, Idgie and Ruth, and the various twists and turns of their lives, is at all times engaging, sometimes funny and sometimes sad. Throughout, however, this film is a sucker for sentimentality, but what prevents this from falling into pure American schmaltz is the high quality of both Jessica Tandy and Kathy Bates' acting, which is impeccable throughout.

Whether it's the mid-life crisis of Evelyn, who seeks to turn her life and her dull marriage around, or the truly moving friendship and loyalty between Ruth and Idgie, this film is never anything short of engaging. There are no dull moments, but plenty of saddening and humourous ones, which all contribute towards making this a classic tear-jerker. Allow yourself to cry at this sweetest of films.

---

Rating: - ultimate version
we are in the UK still waiting for this version to be released years later. This USA version includes behind the scenes and interviews with the cast and director, this is the ultimate extra to a fantastic film. I am sad the relationships have been toned down, but this was like the colour purple, I can only hope a specially director's version will come out in years to come.

---

Rating: - minimal extension
Fried Green Tomatoes is a great film, most of us already know this, just as we know that the only thing it lacks is for the romantic relationship between Idgy and Ruth to be realised on screen. Do not expect this from the extended version, the only hint of mysterious deleted scenes is at the end of a special feature documentary; while the credits roll - Ruth and Idgy are lying on a blanket (during their honey excursion). I'm surprised it didn't make the cut of the extended version. However, the documentary is good and the extended scenes, in the film, add a little more depth to the emotional ties between the characters.

---

Rating: - One of my all time favourite movies
Fried Green Tomatoes is an excellent feel good movie with wonderful performances by Jessica Tandy, and Kathy Bates, highly recommended.

---

Rating: - completely unexpected
i had heard from some friends that i really should read a book called ' fried green tomatoes', and as im lazy i bought the dvd.
i know it's wrong to judge a book by it's cover. and i saw the cover and though 'oh no'
But i was dumb-founded. I didnt expect the story line to go along as i did at all. The Twists in the story line. The Death of a closely loved brother. The abusive Husband, all intertwinded well with one another.
i found it funny, touching, and heartbreaking.
i definatly recomend this film