The Shunning

I don't care how accurate the film adaption of the Amish life is or whether the characters really look Amish. I think most people are not familiar with those details and are more concerned with how the film made them feel and was there a good story. I thought the story was very interesting, relate able and heartwarming. I haven't seen a film this moving in a long time. The best part of the movies is that it is a film my 10 year old daughter could watch. I thought the cast did an exceptional job, I especially liked the boy who played Daniel, David Topp. He is adorable and I think my daughter has found her new "teen idol". Would love to see what happens next. I am definitely going to buy the book.

Although I'm quite skeptical about films with a strong religious element, I did very much enjoy this story still. It's a "feel good drama" and I do love to see lives different from my own, and I think this film does this well.

Although I do think many people can connect with trying to figure out who you are in the world, and not quite feeling like you fit in or belong. I think it's pretty well written overall. It has some cheesy lines from the religious folk, who try and help Katie, but I think they can be forgiven because the characters are quite endearing.

I bought this movie simply because Sherry Stringfield was listed in the cast. I watched it with my 16 year old daughter who is also adopted. She loved the story. I loved the premise of the story. We even found the whole illegal adoption part to be believable. I am also versed in Amish tradition but did not allow anything to detract from the story being told. I was disappointed because there were so many things left hanging. I would have loved to see more in regards to the Bishop's family dynamics. I would have loved to know more about how Laura went from dire straits to heiress. I really would have loved to see a physical connection with Laura and Katie to see where that relationship would have gone. And I really, really would have loved seeing Daniel and Katie finding each other again. Guess I am going to have to read the book. Sigh. However, many MANY kudos to Michael Landon, Jr. for attempting to bring back family friendly television viewing. He succeeded in MY house.

If group psychological intimidation of members into submission is an actual practice, it paints a harsh, and strict portrait of cultural life in these communities. But it's movie-land so who really knows. Acting is very decent.. Danielle Panabaker.. binged.it/1te82U4 .. is wonderful in her part, all the cast is solid. Daniel departs to find his 'other' world, then Katie gets her chance as well.. eventually to somewhat cross paths in the next part of the series 'The Confession'.. bit.ly/17ovEHV (track it down online). Panabaker does not make the transition to part 2 (the only important one missing)... Sherry Stringfield does, with a much larger role. Part 2 has a much different feel, Katie LeClerc.. bit.ly/17qj4YI .. truly does a fine job, but those missing Panabaker are entirely correct. It was a blunder not making sure she'd return, and a real cop-out for producers to say an actor's 'not available.' Long running series with same cast members are created all the time... it's just bs, and exceptionally poor decision making preventing it from happening. Hope the final installment in the series comes out soon, to reveal if Daniel's prophecy gets fulfilled.

7.2 stars.

I somewhat enjoyed the poignant factors in 'The Shunning'. It's not at all what I was expecting. We see some short scenes of a girl who we know is Amish, yet she's living in the secular world. But that was only a short scene, so I'm wondering if it was a daydream, or a flash into the future, or if the whole film was a flashback. But I'm not bothering to rewind and see exactly what I missed, I'm going to move on to the sequel.

Like I said, this film is enjoyable enough for a viewing. I'll probably not watch it again...well maybe in 15 years or so, who knows. My re-watch list generally has to be a 7.5 or higher.

Not much else to say except it's a touching story, but there is too much wasted potential. The plot is too basic. I think that's because they planned two sequels. Maybe next time make one sequel, pack more of a wallup two movies, instead of watering down three.