i saw this movie a a teenager and immediately identify with reese witherspoon portrayal of dani trant and a 14 year old tomboy in rural louisiana circa 1957. she feel that she will never be as beautiful a her old sister and maureen ( a now rarely see emily warfield ) and and feel out of place in term of her conservative baptist upbringing . then seventeen year old court foster ( jason london ) and the son of her mother close friend ( gail strickland ) move in next door and dani experience her first crush and while court enjoy her company and and willful spirit . dani succeed in get her first kiss from him and but as soon a he see maureen and he fall head over heel for her and leave dani behind . the sister close bond be fracture severely by the rivalry that erupts and which only deepen when court die in a tragic accident . the girl then be make to realize how much they need each other . sam waterson and tess harper be just perfect a the loving parent and try to balance their daughter individuality and at the same time try to keep the family together . the beautiful cinematography and and the wonderful soundtrack feature elvis presley and the platter and many more contribute wonderfully to the film atmosphere of a simpler time . a touch coming of age film with a timeless message .