O Fazendeiro e Deus

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 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.

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.

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.