Faith Like Potatoes

I am only 30, so I do not have a huge amount of films to talk about, but I have to say, I have never been as touched by any film, as I have been by this one! Francois Rautenbach impressed me so much! His performance was absolutely astounding! It is a pity that films with Christain themes tend to fade in the light of large Hollywood movies, but if you give them a chance, you will find a heart and spirit, that few big budget movies can ever create! The cinematography is amazing, and the music is like silk. What more could a movie goer ask for than brilliant acting, brilliant cinematography and brilliant music? It might be a South African tale, but it is more a story of how one man finds God in a world where he cannot find anything...his life was as dry as the barren land he tried to farm, and with a little faith in the Lord, his life, like his farm, become a place where great things can take form! So, no matter who you are, or where you live, this film will touch you and teach you that faith can move mountains.

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.

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.

I have been inspired just reading some of the comments here on Faith Like Potatoes. It is evident that many who have written have experienced God in their lives and know what they lack. This film truly is a challenge, whether you want to judge the acting or the execution of the film, it none the less shines a spotlight on your own life. To muddle the intention of the film with any criticism of it not reaching your expectation of quality is completely missing the point. My understanding is that only one thing gets God's attention and that is faith. To wallow in self- pity and that victim attitude is not going to move God. This film shows why God has no favoritism. The rules are the same for all of us, the difference between great generals for God like Angus Buchan and the average Joe Blob is Faith! It is people like Zaccheus who catch the attention of Jesus, that causes him to say to the one man out of a multitude "I'm coming to your house!!" If we stopped philosophizing and putting action to our Faith we will also get God's attention. This film is the hope and inspiration that every person needs, it's not a life void of intense trial but charged with hope in all circumstances. Watch it with an objective heart!!

I'm sure those of you who have been fortunate enough to watch this film have found it very touching and at times painfully honest. Faith Like Potatoes centers around the building of faith as something tangible and real - like a potato. There is no hiding the fact that this is a film with very strong Christian content so be prepared to be exposed to the truth of Jesus! The film may not be outstanding from the acting and screenplay side, but it more than makes up for this with its emotion and intensity. I found myself empathizing throughout as I have had first-hand experience of African farm life and the lifestyle and people in South Africa. I think it will be hard for someone who does not understand these facets of Africa to grasp the imagery and emotional tools used in the film; nevertheless I think that this film will provide every person with their very own experience that will keep them thinking about it long after the credits have stopped rolling.

If at all possible try to get hold of Angus Buchan's book by the same name. It is a must read! If anything, the book and/or the film will change the way you see your spiritual life and open your eyes to a new way of thinking that is not only exciting, but fulfilling. A great movie!!