Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

While visiting a nursing home, an unhappy housewife (Kathy Bates) befriends an elderly resident (Jessica Tandy), who regales her with stories from her past in a small Alabama town, specifically the tomboy Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson) and her friend Ruth (Mary Louise Parker). Based on the novel FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE by Fannie Flagg (who has a small role in the film) and directed by Jon Avnet (UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL). A sentimental tearjerker that shamelessly manipulates its audience but done so skillfully and with good intentions that one can't help but give it a pass. And the performances! The four leads are impeccable as the narrative shifts back and forth between the 1920s and the present day. At the time of the film's release, there was some criticism over the film downplaying the lesbian aspects which were in the novel but I found it very obvious in the movie, subtle but it's there. With Cicely Tyson, Chris O'Donnell, Lois Smith, Stan Shaw, Gary Basaraba and Grace Zabriskie.