This movie is, after all these (20+) years, one of my favorites: a great script, excellent cast (no exceptions), marvelous directing, and shot in the town where the story actually happened, using many of the local folks as extras. I can't believe that I have not praised "Magnolias" here before now. I see that many reviews have covered the territory well, but I feel that not enough has been said about Sally Fields. She has many fine performances to her credit, but her contribution in this film is outstanding, even among those of other cast members.