SYNOPSICS
Faith Like Potatoes (2006) is a Zulu,English movie. Regardt van den Bergh has directed this movie. Frank Rautenbach,Jeanne Neilson,Hamilton Dlamini,Candice D'Arcy are the starring of this movie. It was released in 2006. Faith Like Potatoes (2006) is considered one of the best Drama movie in India and around the world.
Frank Rautenbach leads a strong cast as Angus Buchan, a African farmer on steroids of Scottish heritage, who leaves his farm to his loyal subjects in the midst of political unrest and racist africans and charged land reclaims and travels north with his family to start a another farming life in Central Africa. With nothing more than a mudhouse on a patch of mud, and help from his foreman, Simeon Bhengu, the Buchan family struggle to settle in a new country. Faced with ever mounting challenges, hardships and personal turmoil, Angus quickly spirals down into a life consumed by anger, fear and destruction. Based on the inspiring true story by Aangus Buchan the book was adapted for the big screen by Regardt van den Bergh and weaves together the moving life journey of a man who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until the harvest.
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Faith Like Potatoes (2006) Reviews
It Could Have Been Worse
if Kirk Cameron was involved. How bad is this stinker? Let me count the ways: 1. No plot. In the beginning, Angus is a violent, angry man. His wife drags him to a local church where he is instantly converted. He "gives" his life over to Jesus, letting whatever happens, happen. When good things happen, it's God intervening. When bad thing happens, what then? There is no suspense, the main character is not changed except by his initial conversion, no temptation, no doubt, no conflict, he always gets what he prays for. The action lurches from one event to another, none seemingly connected. I get it that Angus moved his family to escape the violence. Aside from the radio news, it did not seem to affect Angus in any way. Were none of his friends affected? So then, he moves to South Africa where there is also violence. He seems oblivious to it, even traveling to Scotland for months while his family could possibly be in danger. 2. The screenplay. The characters consist of Angus and a bunch of satellite characters. No development at all, no emotion. Don't believe me? What is his wife thinking at ANY point in the movie? The only way I could tell the son from the nephew was the dialog before the tractor accident. Angus plows ahead, praying and getting whatever he prays for. 3. The message. Angus has a very simplistic religious view that could have been expanded, therefore making this movie bearable. Angus believes pray to Jesus & your wish will be granted. The movie bears this out. So, if God controls Angus's life, why did Allister die? Following Angus's belief system, God caused the accident and killed the nephew. If God caused the drought, provided the potatoes, then God killed the 1600 white farmers referenced in the movie. Does Angus never question his faith? This seems a little far fetched and frankly unbelievable. 4. The acting. Another poster called it wooden. That is being kind. After the nephew's death, Angus is inconsolable. So what does his wife do? She holds his hand. That's it. No words, no embrace, no tears. She is a seated statue. Even the minister offers minimal comfort. At least he didn't say the boy's death was "part of God's plan" or some other type of nonsense. 5. The cinematography. South Africa is a beautiful country, with majestic veldt, rivers, mountains, and coastline. We saw none of that. We see a field of maize, a field of potatoes, a farm, a town, and a stadium. This could have been filmed anywhere. Why not show the country? Here is what I learned from the movie- - Pray to God and your wishes will be granted - God will get you out of bad situations even when it is your fault - God kills people, or allows them to die, for unknown reasons - Heathens can be easily converted - You need not be concerned with others' plights such as injustice, disease, hunger, or war. Just pray for yourself and your wishes will be granted - All answers are in a book written 2500 years ago by nomadic desert dwellers. - Giant potatoes can grow without photosynthesis.
A lot better than expected
Having been given tickets to the premier of "Faith" at the mission where it all took place, I went with very little expectation. Although the film is not brilliant, it is certainly not bad. Some of the cinematography and scenic shots were truly beautiful and the story and acting were heartfelt. Frank Rautenbach's performance seemed to be drawn from every reserve he possessed. I felt that Jean Wilhelm (Jill Buchan) was a little weak and overwhelmed by Rautenbach's sheer effort. It almost felt like she was trying to retain a sense of detached dignity. The scenes following Angus's nephew's accidental death were a little too long and drawn out and detracted from the tragedy. However, Hamilton Dlamini was wonderful as Simeon. Also, it was great to hear real Zulu on screen and enjoy its subtle humor. The scene where Angus chased off Isaac and Simeon after discovering the crashed tractor was a real giggle. All in all, a sterling effort that shows a lot of promise.
An excellent movie
What a wonderful, heartwarming movie. The characters are genuine and can be identified with. It is an inspirational story leaving one with hope and faith. It does not matter what hardship you are facing, or how impossible a situation looks, if you have faith you will get through it. This does not mean that there will be no pain, in fact the pain is very real and dealing with it is extremely difficult, but not impossible.Our Father God is great and the message of the movie emphasis es that, without forcing it down anyone's throat. Exceptionally well-done Regardt van den Bergh and your cast. I saw the movie 3 times, and will see it again. May God bless everyone involved with the movie, as well as the real Buchan family. I trust that each and every South African will see this movie. If we can all master Angus Buchan's faith and attitude, we will at last see God's peace in South Africa.
Exotic, heart wrenching, drama. Faithbuilding.
The movie "Faith Like Potatoes" was excellent on several levels. First, the story itself, while heart wrenching, was inspiring. Remember the movie "Chariots of Fire"? Well, "Faith Like Potatoes" is about 10 times more evangelistic, 100 times more heart wrenching, and every bit as inspiring. Some will find the clear presentation of the gospel to be a turnoff. But others will appreciate the unflinching presentation of characters who have obvious flaws and struggles- especially struggles with faith in God. Secondly, "Faith Like Potatoes" is about South Africans and it was made by South Africans. The sometimes uncomfortable tensions between racial groups in South Africa are not glossed over. But neither are they a focus of the movie. This is just everyday life in South Africa. The tensions in the backdrop of the movie enhance and even explain the drama as it unfolds. Thirdly, the photography in "Faith Like Potatoes" was wonderful. The cinematography took full advantage of the fact that the setting lends itself quite naturally to stunning vistas and beautifully rugged terrain. So why give the film an 8 rather than a 10? Two reasons: There were some scenes where the supporting actors were a bit flat and there were a few times when the plot did not flow smoothly (or quite make sense). But overall, this was an excellent film. I compared "Faith Like Potatoes" to the movie "Chariots of Fire" because they have a similar use of words. I.e. they both use words very sparingly. They attempted to SHOW faith at work in someone's life rather than tell about it. And I think they succeeded.
Yes, miracles are unbelievable
This film does not deserve the negative feedback it's been getting from (non-Christian)viewers. Yes, the Christian content is strong, and that was the intent. Angus experienced miracles in his life and this is usually something that appears to be impossible or outrageous, hence the term "miracle". If you've seen Frank Rauntebach's acting in 7e Laan (not too great), you'll agree he is very good and in his element in this film, especially during the prayer scene when fighting the fire, and the hospital scenes. And if you've ever worked/lived in rural South Africa, you'll recognize and appreciate the many small moments in the movie that will be missed by many! There are a few weak points, but all in all it's an enjoyable, solid story with a good, positive message. SOmething that we need. Kuhle!