How to Make an American Quilt

Finn (Ryder), a graduate student, decides to retreat to the country home where her lovely grandmother and great-aunt (Bancroft) are resolving their differences through collaboration on patchwork quilts (as you do - Ed.) Finn is dithering over an important question in her life: should she marry a good friend or trust her heart and have a passionate fling with a guy who makes her hotter than an Air-Fare pizza? (Not very, then - Ed.)

While she gets locked up in her indecision and existential angst, the quilt continues to take shape and the women exchange stories about their lives, loves and adventures - each patch symbolises their experiences. When she isn't being distracted by her sexy beast of a neighbour, Finn learns some valuable lessons about women's eternal quest for love and fulfilment.

Released during the Euro '96 period, which forced many a housewife out of the living room and onto the streets, How to Make an American Quilt is the best of the "chick flick" season which ensued during the footy months. The film boasts a strong story (based on a novel by Whitney Otto), nuanced and touching performances from a glut of women's picture veterans (Little Women's Claire Danes and Samantha Mathis put in appearances in one of the many flashbacks), and an interesting structure. It also has Winona Ryder in it, which has this reviewer stampeding to the front of the queue. (That's objective reviewing for you - Ed.) Quilt is everything it should be; bittersweet, funny, thought-provoking and warm. The perfect antidote from a weeks slaving away at a hot keyboard, why not come and watch these girls as they sit around, eat ice-cream, and discuss the nature of love? You may share their tears, but at they are the only ones putting on the calories.

Conrad Jarret