Faith Like Potatoes

I was sad to read the rather narrow and cynical view of one other person on this website, who seemed more interested in Hollywood glitz than real stories of real human lives being affected by a real God. I'd say a few commenters completely missed the message of this film. The story is well-balanced in addressing both the childlike faith that boldly receives miracles, as well as the hope and trust that gets one through life's most painful tests -- those times when it's hard to understand where God is in the midst of personal devastation. Sadly, there are even cynical Christians (demonstrated by the comments of a few on this site) who struggle with believing that God does ALWAYS comes through for us, even if the result doesn't always look like we thought it should.

I'm frankly tired of Hollywood "hype" movies that are only someone's fanciful imagination about life, or what someone wishes about life, or someone's cynicism about life -- though imaginative, fictional, art forms can be marvelously inspiring as well. But the best and most refreshing movies I've seen lately, like this one, have been true stories about ordinary people whose genuine faith in God changes their lives & the lives of those around them. Having grown up in the Southern USA under the last days of segregation and race riots, I found a film that includes the overcoming of racism as an important sub-plot still badly needed in this generation today. (That alone makes the film worthwhile, even for avowed atheists who at least recognize the evil of racism.)

The overall message that simple faith is more powerful than logic, personal ability, or common sense alone is one badly needed today by a self-worshiping, post-modern society that has become far too cynical & proud.

I have expected some negative comments on this movie, but the last views seems like mere attacks of hatred. I can tell you that Agnus is as true in his words as the Bible are the Words of God. He is humble and have a heart for people, there is no boasting or searching for fame. He regularly have sermons in Hopefield in the Swartland and miracles is an everyday part of life there just as it is in mine and every other person with a personal relationship with God.

The miracles in the movies are easily believable and so is the whole story. I know many people who have had similar life experiences and had a turnaround even more dramatic. I can see how many will scoff at this, but that won't change a thing. God would love to bring you the same riches and glory, but only if you are willing to risk everything in life that you are holding on to so dearly. Its absolutely worth it, God will give you more than you ever had, you will never be needy again!

As a born-again Christian, I found the movie quite moving! It made me realise that we need to trust God more, have more faith as Angus Buchan has.

I think that all the actors were great and true to the characters that they were portraying. It was great to see how they made use of the natural beauty of Kwa-Zulu Natal in all aspects of the movie.

If the man on the street had an ounce of faith of what Angus Buchan has, we would see more miracles.

This movie needs to watched with an open mind. If you have expect nothing from this movie, then you will get nothing. This is a Christian movie.

It saddens me to see what others had written. If people have done their research, they would know that this movie is based on a true story and not something out of someone's imagination.

PROS

+ Great testimony of the conversion of a racist farmer in Africa.

+ Good actors.

+ Beautiful scene of his conversion.

+ Authentic display of the struggle and the hard labor of farmers.

NEUTRAL o It is very much appreciated that the movie includes some sequences of conversations in the Zulu language. But it is inadequate that those sequences do not offer subtitles.

O The mircles of the healing of the woman, the rain upon the wildfire and the crops seem somehow over the top, but are perfectly possible with THEOS. There is also a healthy balance when the child dies and no supernatural resurrection is even intended.

CONS

• Intentional promotion of divisive denominationalism (Methodist Church).

• He preached in de-facto women's clothing.

• He preached only a few weeks or months after his conversion, but the Bible rather models 3 years of discipleship before going into the world (see the example of IESOUS, but necessarily descriptive).

• The conversion appears only as lip service, no baptism is shown nor any display of active repentance towards those whom he verbally and physically abused.

Addendum 15/12/2024: This movie includes many scenes which have the potential of creating doubts in weak believers. Its producer 'Frans Cronjé' has also created the movie 'Born to Win' which includes a nearly identical pattern of alcoholism and rebellion leading to conversion and a pastor. 'Born to Win is highly problematic in regards of very rebellious language towards THEOS, desecreates a copy of the Bible and shows 3 female angels.

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.