In the spirit of “Steel Magnolias” and “Fried Green Tomatoes” comes another look into the tales of women and their plights through each generation.

“Divine Secrets” takes a look at the on-going feud between Vivi, a stubborn mother (Ellen Burstyn) and her equally stubborn daughter, Sidda (Sandra Bullock). An intervention by the mother’s three life-long friends brings the daughter face to face with her own past and that of her mother’s.

“Divine Secrets” is hands down a melodrama for the emotional. However, the film does showcase some wonderful performances. I loved the career move by Ashley Judd who plays the younger Vivi in flashbacks. Judd’s performance is strong and pronounced and we really do see the epic struggle Vivi and her family endured. I have always believed that the quiet moments in a performance are often the most interesting to watch and that is the case here. There is a scene where Judd runs away from her family and makes her way to a motel room. In that room Judd stares at her face for a good two to three minutes and we can see the character struggling with her identity. It is quite magical and proves Judd is continuing to evolve. She does deserve a best supporting actress nod for her performance but she will probably be missed come Oscar time.

I also really cherished the time the film spends with the Ya-Ya trio or Vivi’s three life long friends. The chemistry and years of experience these women have is phenomenal. Their chemistry reminded me a lot of the 80’s TV show “The Golden Girls”. Their friendship and loyalty to each other is a lot like that show except in this film it is more of a drama than comedy. These were great roles for these actresses.

My problems with the film were mainly due to how the film would shifted into the flashback sequences. Until I was able to make the connection between Judd and Burstyn, I had a hard time trying to figure out who was who. You really have to follow the names but it gets really difficult especially when they flashback to Vivi as a child. This shifting works a lot better in the mini-series format so that we can also get to know the people in the past as well as those in the future. You have to constantly remind yourself that this is Sidda and Vivi’s story and not the people around them. I am sure in the novel that the story does chronicle more on the lives of the other characters. If that were the case than I would have to say that maybe a mini-series format would have done the novel more justice.

“Divine Secrets” is surely a film that mothers and daughters should embrace. And as for the guys, just go with your mother or significant other and hold her hand. They will love you for it. Oh, and don’t forget the Kleenex.

(3 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.