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I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I found this movie on Netflix streaming movies. I had avoided it all these years because just based on the title I didn't think I would enjoy it. Now I know that was an incorrect judgment. It really is an exceptional story and the movie treats it very well.The main character is played by Winona Ryder who unfortunately is often known mainly for her shoplifting conviction, but she is a good actress. She plays Finn, 26 and working on her Master's thesis. It seems she has changed topics more than once which is used as an illustration of some difficulties she is having making commitments.She is engaged to be married, her fiancé is played in an understated manner by Dermot Mulroney as Sam. He drops her off at her grandma's place north of Los Angeles, a house at the edge of a large citrus grove. She plans to spend the summer there working on her thesis and he will pick her up at the end of the summer. But she wonders if marrying Sam is really what she wants to do, and meeting an attractive young man complicates her decisions.The title arises from the comparison of a group of ladies, a "quilting bee", making a quilt. Certain choices must be made, the overall intent of the quilt must not be forgotten, but in the end choices must be made and chances must be taken. Outcomes can't always be accurately predicted.So it is in life. The ladies are making the quilt for Finn but at the same time she is uncertain about her choices. As the movie moves along each of the older women shares her tales, of loves gained and loves lost, of compromises they might have made, all having an impact on Finn and helping her sort out her own feelings, goals, and desires.

I'll save you some time. Gents, feel free to skip this movie. Based off the Whitney Otto novel, How to Make an American Quilt shows the audience a confused woman and the journey she takes to find herself as she talks to the women in her knitting group. If you like those kinds of "girl power" movies like Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood or Fried Green Tomatoes, you'll definitely want to watch this one.I don't happen to like those kinds of movies, so despite the large cast—Winona Ryder, Afre Woodard, Jean Simmons, Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, Maya Angelou, and Kate Nelligan—I didn't like this movie. Many women will find this movie touching and heartwarming, but it did nothing for me. The overriding theme is that every woman is a patchwork product of the other women in her life, so when we choose our path of love, it's not really because we're choosing it; it's because all the other women's experiences in love have taught us and shaped us. I've never been a huge fan of estrogen-fest films, but if you like them, rent this one with your girlfriends.

You don't come across a movie that tells so many stories that are so rich in emotion, as this one does. It is also refreshing to see that the emotions, and experiences depicted in this film, are not artificial, or a shadow of the true feelings that people harbour through the years. You find yourself both loving and hating the choices that Finn, and the many other women in the film have made. As a woman you are almost immediately attracted to her fiancé, Sam, who is level headed and unconditionally loving. He both compliments and evens out Finn's complex emotions and commitment phobia. Then there is Leon, the darkly sexy lover who seduces Finn and ultimately makes her realize how special Sam really is. It is not difficult to fall in love with the many characters and tales in this movie. From the tragic and beautiful tale of how Anna had her baby, Marie- Anna. Or the relationship between the aging artist and his ever loving wife. You also witness the unbreakable bond between sisters, and how it is sometimes easier to forgive than to bear a grudge. This film will always be a true chick flick classic, because it is both deep and simple. It has one message to give: Follow your heart.

I truly wanted to like this movie - what a cast ! But, I had problems deciding whom was who, except the fabulous Ann Bancroft - has she ever made a bad film ? - Maya Angelou, from whom I expected really good acting - I'm still trying to figure-out which one of them was Jean Simmons: the artist's wife ? Me, I want them to show a picture of the cast AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FILM, showing who's doing what. Unless you point to her and say, "that's Ryder", I wouldn't know her at all.Of course, this movie answers the question "can men and women be friends"? I guess they can't if they are heterosexual, but I know gangs of gay men and women who are very devoted friends - mostly, because the women know they aren't going to be hassled-off-to-bed by the guys. If something happens, that's a plus. It also answers the question can ordinary people be faithful to their spouses, and that answer is announced with a blasting "NO!" We like to say "it's women's lib" or the liberally modern attitude for today. Heck, all of the great classics are about infidelity, huh? Just wasn't as blatant as it is today. This is demonstrated by the "pretty swimmer-boy" who was telecasting he would become more than "friends" - did you see that finger on her leg ??? I truly believe the empathy between Bancroft and whomever that other sister was is possible. Many more of that kind of relationship going-on that is known, or talked about. Perfectly believable they both would come to realize we are all too sexually riled-up and forgiveness makes life beautiful. Why some were surprised that the sisters smoked grass between them is more of that "they're old" syndrome younger people carry today - pot has been around for a long time ! I've watched this movie twice and kinda enjoyed it - the colors were nice for cinematography; I really didn't pay that much attention to the score. How can you praise the script and direction if you're disappointed in the finished product? Maybe I should read the book and let it go at that. If there were any great acting or promise of Oscars in this film, it all escaped me. I like "talky" movies, but these stories were far too undeveloped to make any impression. I was totally surprised that Maya Angelou found the perfect, young, black man at the end of the rainbow, then got pregnant by a white nincompoop. Was she just "gettin' the air" under that tree? I'm not convinced. Maybe I'll watch it again and understand it better for a future review - I hope. I REALLY wanted to like this movie !