November 20, 1995 -- ``How to Make an American Quilt'' is one of those women's films, like ``Steel Magnolias.'' Based on the reaction from my wife and her friends, it seems women like this film more than men do, and I think that was generally true of ``Steel Magnolias,'' as well.

I liked this film better than I liked ``Steel Magnolias,'' however. In parts, it is very moving. It also has some comedic elements as well.

``How to Make an American Quilt'' is about families, romantic relationships, broken marriages, betrayal, death, but mostly its about love. It features a fine performance by Winona Ryder, who plays Finn. She is upstaged by veteran actress Anne Bancroft, who turns in an Oscar-quality performance as Hy, Finn's great aunt. Ellen Burstyn, who plays Finn's grandmother, is also excellent. Poet Maya Angelou does a good job as a quilters, but Alfre Woodard, who plays her daughter, is better. There really isn't a weak performance in the film.

Finn is writing a thesis on quilt-making (the screenplay is based on a Whitney Otto novel based on her quilt thesis). The story burrows deep into the lives of the quilters, uncovering dark secrets and love that seems to overcome all obstacles. In flashback, we learn about them, and about why their quilt patterns look as they do. As expected, Finn learns a lot more about life, and how to live it, than she learns about quilting. This is one of those bitter-sweet life-affirming films that may not be for everyone. My only problem with it is that it seemed over-long.

Nevertheless, I give it a B, but my wife gives it an A and says men don't know beans about women's films. She's probably right.

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