I first saw A Small Circle of Friends (1980) while I was in college, and as it is about a trio of friends whose lives change dramatically when they attend college, the film really resonates with me.  Although critics disparage it (Leonard Maltin’s Video Guide rates it “BOMB”; Nick Martin and Marsha Porter’s Video Movie Guide rates it “1 1/2” on a five-star scale), almost everyone to whom I’ve recommended it has liked and appreciated it.

Three disparate students attend Harvard University during the 1960s.  Leonardo DaVinci Rizzo (Brad Davis) is a charming daredevil, unafraid to experience life to its fullest; Nick Baxter (Jameson Parker) is more intellectual and reserved; Jessica Bloom (Karen Allen) is the sassy young woman who attracts both of them, and the glue that holds the trio together through the momentous events of the 1960s.

The main theme of the movie is how each person grows and adapts (or doesn’t adapt) throughout a time of change.  Leo becomes more radical, Nick develops convictions he didn’t realize he felt and Jessica loves both men while trying to identify her own needs and yearnings.  The film’s biggest asset is that these three characters act and interact like real people whose friendship endures almost everything that serves to separate them.

This was Rob Cohen’s first film as a director; he actually studied at Harvard during the 1960s and his film benefits from his personal experience.  Though some of the plotting is by-the-numbers, its drama is heartfelt and very well acted by a cast that obviously believed in the project.  Other films have since trod similar ground (Four Friends, 1969, Forrest Gump, etc.) but the only one that I’ve really savored is this affecting drama, A Small Circle of Friends.  My rating:  ☆ ☆ ☆ ½.  (9:1).