Classics: A Review of Fried Green Tomatoes By Lauren Ennis

 "I found out what the secret to life is: friends. Best friends" Ninny Threadgoode declares. 1991's crowd pleaser Friend Green Tomatoes follows two friendships between four very different women in two drastically different eras. In spite of their differences each of the women have one thing in common; their lives have been forever changed by the love of a friend. In its one hundred-thirty minute run time the film explores the tragedies and triumphs that bond women together and the power of that bond even in the most adverse of circumstances. For a taste of the sweet when life is at its most sour cook up some Fried Green Tomatoes.

The story begins with recent empty-nester Evelyn Couch accompanying her husband while he visits his ailing aunt at a nursing home. While in the waiting room of the nursing home's residents, Ninny Threadgoode. Over the course of several visits Ninny shares the story of the friendship between her cousin, rebellious tomboy Idgie, and strait-laced beauty, Ruth. The pair first meet in the 1920's when Ruth is dating Idgies older brother, Buddy. Both girls are devastated when Buddy is struck and killed by a train in front of them. Years later, Ruth has resigned herself to a loveless engagement to Frank Bennett and Idgie is channels her grief into teenage rebellion. In an effort to curb Idgie's angst, her family recruits Ruth to act as her mentor for the summer. The two form a fast and deep friendship. Their bond is soon tested, however, when Ruth's marriage to Frank becomes abusive, sparking a series of events that put their friendship, freedom, and even their very lives at risk. Meanwhile in the present Evelyn's friendship with Ninny inspires her to follow Ruth and Idgie's example and reclaim her own life. By the film's heartfelt conclusion, all four women's lives will have been changed for the better.

In just over two hours Fried Green Tomatoes captures the ways in which through the simple act of friendship we can bring out the best in each other and ourselves. At the start of the film Ruth is bright but conventional and Idgie is original but destructive. Through their friendship, Ruth gains confidence and dares to pursue her own passions. Similarly, Ruth's calming influence inspires Idgie to use her rebelliousness in service of others rather than merely as a means of acting out. By the film's conclusion, their relationship has allowed both to grow from damaged girls to capabale, resilient, women. While less dramatic the friendship between Ninny and Evelyn is no less inspiring. Through their visits Ninny finds a renewed sense of purpose and finds the courage to finally move on from her past and live in the present. Similarly, Ninny's independence and tales of Idgie and Ruth inspire Evelyn to take control of her life. Under Ninny's influence she finally begins to stand up for herself and demands that her husband be an active participant in their marriage. Both relationships show the power, beauty, and sweetness that friendships brings to our lives even when life throws us sour green tomatoes.

The film brings Fannie Flagg's 1987 novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe to exuberant life thanks to the work of its cast. Jessica Tandy is the grandmother everyone wishes they could have as equal parts warm and witty Ninny. Chris O'Donnell conveys boy next door charm in his brief turn as Buddy. Nick Searcy makes for an apt villain in his menacing portrayal of Frank. Gailard Sartain is hilariously unaware as Evelyn's well-meaning but oblivious husband, Ed. Kathy Bates nearly runs away with the movie in her by turns hilarious and heartfelt performance as Evelyn. Mary Louise Parker captures Ruth's journey from repressed girl to resilient woman with nuance and depth. Mary Stuart Masterson is a force of nature as outspoken, unconventional, Idgie.

Fried Green Tomatoes captures the enduring power of friendship with a zest that more than lives up to its name. The script brings Fannie Flagg's novel to colorful life. The performances of the cast transport viewers to the comforts and dangers of 1920's Alabama. Taste the bittersweet power of friendship with a helping of Fried Green Tomatoes.