My Amish World
The story is set in the 70’s in a community where a group of Amish people live. We witness in this film their simple way of life. But the kind of simplicity that they live is very different from what you probably think. It is the kind where everything is so backwards. The Amish people only use very minimal machinery and limited electricity, for example. All women wear similar form of clothing, as well as men.
Women should cover their heads with a veil and men are supposed to wear a hat and not grow a moustache. They are not even allowed to use a battery-operated radio, express any artistic and musical talent or interest, and show affection, like hugging, to anyone they love. They believe that they will burn in hell if they do all of those things. So, if any member of the church gets tempted to do any of these, he or she needs to confess in front of everyone in the church.
Jake and his wife, Sarah, have been doing their best to fit in the Amish community. They try to train their children in the way that their church has required them to do. But Jake is so conflicted because he wants his children to live a comfortable life. He‘s also been going to parties occasionally because he wants to spend time with his English friends. Another problem is that his children are bullied at school and he’s tired of turning his other cheek and just depend it all to God. One of his children, Samuel, is also expressing amazing talent in sculpting and he somehow wants to support that talent. The family’s situation got so difficult because it has come to a point when they are rejected inside and outside the community. Their church excommunicated them. Sarah was so afraid for the future of their children. So, Jake decided to accept the church’s decision and asked help from some of his english friends to be able to get by outside the Amish community.
I am moved with the film’s premise showing how a father would protect the best interest of his family. It may not be the best decision that most people would agree, but if that’s what it takes to be able to provide the best, then so be it.
The screenplay is so well-played out by the actors. There is a great possibility that the viewers will get so emotionally invested in this film. The actress who played as Sarah deserves a lot of praise from her performance in this movie. One of her finest scene in this film was towards the end when she told all her children that she wants to break the Amish rule of expressing love and affection. The way she portrayed her lines and gestures made the scene so convincing and touching. The child actor who portrayed Samuel was also very impressive. His role in this movie is a heavy one for a child and he was able to convey it amazingly well.
The overall cinematography is perfect. The elements in the film perfectly captured the target for the setting, which is an Amish community in the 70’s. This film will surely catch the attention and interest of the audience.
