TAWANDA!

Did anyone ever win in the Jim Crow south? Fried Green Tomatoes is an incredible film based on the book called Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg, based in the 1930's and 40's. We are first introduced to Evelyn Couch, a middle aged, ‘80’s woman with a tendency to eat one too many candy bars. When Evelyn travels to see her husband's great aunt in a nursing home, she reluctantly meets Ninny Threadgood, who tells her a story she will never forget.

The story starts with Igie Threadgood, a wily, tomboyish young girl living in Alabama in the early 20th century, and her ever-loving, handsome brother Buddy. When tragedy strikes, Igie becomes even more secluded from her family, and Buddy's former girlfriend, Ruth Jameson, tries to befriend Igie and save her from her sinful and selfish life. As Evelyn hears this story, she finds herself wanting to come back to visit the nursing home, and eventually starts coming just to visit Ninny, not just her own relation to hear her story.

As the story continues, the characters Ruth and Igie develop a strong friendship despite their differences of lifestyle and actions. They have an unforgettable summer learning to love each other and spending time with someone unlike themselves. At the end of the summer, Ruth gets married, and Igie vows to never see her again. But when Igie receives a letter from Ruth (after suspecting her being abused by Ruth’s husband, Frank Bennet) asking Igie to come and get her, Igie forgives her and helps her leave her husband, even though Ruth is already pregnant. Ruth and Igie open the Whistle Stop Cafe, where there is barbeque and pie to die for, and all seems to be going just fine until Frank Bennet shows back up and tries to steal Ruth's baby boy.

The resounding events, tainted with mystery and suspicion, reveal the resolute bond of friendship between Ruth and Igie, the power of truth, and the defial of prejudice in a society laced with bigotry and falsehood. Evelyn Couch, hearing the story in incremental form, slowly grows and becomes a better woman through the loving influence of Ruth, Igie, and the ever-supporting advice and friendship of Ninny.

I loved this movie, because it showed a beautiful friendship that in turn influenced another person (Evelyn) to change her life for the better, and become the person she wants to be. Although there is one element in the end that is... questionable, the goodness of fiction and a healthy sense of humor in the viewer make it a funny, unique part of the movie, and certainly one you will never forget.

This movie shows the love for family, how women sucessfully lived in the Jim Crow south, the beauty of friendship, and the steadfastness of the human spirit amongst hard, trying times. I highly recommend it, and I hope that when you watch it, you will want to holler, "TAWANDA!" and seek to become a better person yourself.