At Play in the Fields of the Lord (2pc) [VHS]
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VHS Movie Reviews of At Play in the Fields of the Lord (2pc) [VHS]
Movie Review: Tragic Mission....
Summary: 4 Stars
The first thing I noticed about the film, "A Play in the Fields of the Lord" is that it was very, very long. There was a very complex plot line to the film, and no possible aspect of the story was left untouched. Although it may not have the superficial `happy ending' which some viewers might crave, the story presents a strong, and fascinating message to the viewer, and left me entertained. Personally, I enjoy a film that leaves me thinking at the end, and this film, with its many complex themes and social criticisms does exactly that.
The story revolves around two missionary couple who try their luck to convert the "savages" in the rain forests of South America. Their optimistic journey becomes tragic as things start to go wrong and tragedy strikes. The story provides an in depth look into native culture and religion.
Casting for this film was exceptional. Both Aiden Quinn and Kathy Bates were perfect for their roles and the Quarrier couple. Having seen the movie now, I want to read the book, and if you are someone who has already read the book, you should definitely watch this film!
Movie Review: Fantastic missionary movie
Summary: 5 Stars
At Play in the Fields of the Lord is a movie to have in your personal collection. It has stayed in my memory since my first viewing many years ago, and remains to date one of the best missionary movies ever made. Based on the book by the same name by Peter Mathiessen, author of In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, the film masterfully weaves the clash between Native peoples and the well meaning Christians who aim to convert them. Featuring stunning scenery, filmed entirely on location in Amazonia, and with an all-star cast, I can't recommend it highly enough. I also recommend Black Robe if you enjoy this movie.Movie Review: Culture clash...
Summary: 5 Stars
Here's a big book reduced to a three-hour film. I don't have a problem with that. The parts left out could make a whole 'nother film. The resulting film is quite profound and fascinating; Babenco got a big budget after his success with "Kiss of the Spider Woman", and made an epic which is unusually intimate. I appreciated the acting, all of it. Kathy Bates in particular was solid in her relatively small role, and one of these days Daryl Hannah will be taken seriously. Berenger and Quinn have the moxy to carry this film well. The photography is exquisite, especially some of the aerial shots, but also crystal clear close-ups that show every bead of sweat, etc. Stunning! I've read most of the other reviews before making my comments. This film had me from the beginning, and I'm sorry for those who didn't "get it". Films about trying to change the beliefs of natives are interesting (and upsettingly frustrating) for me. Another riveting film (for me) was 1966's "Hawaii", based on Michener, which told a similar story. "Windwalker"? "Roots"? The religious thing, to me, is merely a matter of interpretation. Who's to say that these natives aren't praying to the same God? Idols? Well, the Christian churches have plenty of their own, patron saints to various things; St. Christopher medals, cricifixes... Those movies about Columbus, or the Pilgrims, also told of similar situations. Imagine the confusion of those innocent people, who only died of age until the "Christians" came along. Nudity? Who cares. It's what they did. How dare I criticize another's culture, when my own is so screwed up. Babenco used authentic Amazonians, and I applaud him for it. This film pretty much put the kabosh on Babenco's legitimacy in Hollywood; alas, the film was a failure. I eagerly await the emergence of a DVD version of this film, as well as "Hawaii". A wide letterbox could show off some breath-taking panoramas and brilliant photography. Sorry if you don't like my opinions. I'm still an American and believe in the First Amendment; I'm also a Christian who is never ashamed, often embarrassed. UPDATE: The DVD of "Hawaii" is here, a fine film about culture clash, but I still haven't seen one as good as this.Movie Review: Finally!! A Movie For Adults!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have probably watched this movie 10 times and each time I see something I missed before. In this age of comic-book character drek movies,here's a story with characters and plot that makes you think. A movie for ADULTS!The story concerns a group of missionaries en route to the jungle to ram their religion down the throats of the poor indians (Lithgow, Hanna, Quinn and Bates). Tom Berenger is an American half Indian who is hired to bomb the people he discovers is of his own race. He decides instead to parachute himself into the tribe, thereby being considered their God.
From here everything goes downhill. Bates and Quinn's son dies of a fever, Bates goes mad; Berenger's character has a sexual fling with Hanna who is unknown to everyone, carrying a virus
which would not kill anyone in a first world, but is catastrophic to the Indians when Berenger returns to infect everyone.
The aerial photography at the beginning was some of the most beautiful you'll ever see in any movie. The South American topography looks like the Grand Canyon, only covered in green, green, GREEN!! The characters are very fleshed out and deep. This is a movie that leaves you wondering what happened to them after the movie ends. Too bad garbage like "X-men", "Spiderman, "Incredible Hulk", ad nauseum get all the big box office. I'm sorry this one did not do well either. But, then, considering the mentality of humanity these days, I'm not surprised.
Movie Review: In The Amazon
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie crys out for a powerful acting performance. It lacks what many good movies seem to lack. It lacks a standout actress or actor. Yes, Kathy Bates is good but she is a supporting actress throughout the movie. I would recommend reading the book before watching the film. Like all good movies the script started from a good source.
The matter of nudity is one of ignorance. Of course, it wouldn't be realistic to have everyone in jeans walking around the jungle.