Movie of the Week: Faith Like Potatoes

Last Sunday we couldn’t make it to church because our driveway, which is at least a 45 degree angle, was a solid sheet of ice.  Even if we could have managed to slide safely down the drive, all the roads we take to our church were also covered with ice because we live in the state of Tennessee which owns all of about five snow plows.  So, we all grabbed our Snuggies and cuddled on the sofa to watch this film, which I had picked up before Christmas at a Christian bookstore for $5.

Faith Like Potatoes is based on the true story of a Scottish farmer, Angus Buchan, living with his family, first in Zambia and later in South Africa.  The movie follows the ups and downs of his farming and family life in a land that is wrought with hardships and violence.  It also highlights the spiritual journey of Angus, a man who struggles with doubt, substance abuse, and a hot-headed Scottish temper.

I will fully admit that I was not expecting to like Faith Like Potatoes as much as I did.  While the film is simply made, with no well-known actors or over-the-top special effects, the simple, believable story draws you in early on, and you find yourself cheering for Angus and his family to ultimately “make it”.

Highlights:

• Even without the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the movie doesn’t feel cheap and the acting was decent.
• The cinematography of the landscapes is beautiful.
• The story is the real gold nugget of this movie.  It is inspirational, and I’d be surprised if you don’t find yourself talking about how it has challenged you and your own family in the matters of faith, prayer, and evangelism.

Low points:

• The film feels a little sluggish in parts and overall, it’s just a bit long.  It simply needed better editing but is still worth watching despite that criticism.
• Sometimes I found it a little difficult to understand what some of the characters were saying with their Scotish and South African accents.  This was minimal for me, but kids in particular, might struggle with this.  I guess you could always turn the subtitle option on if it got too distracting.
• As far as watching with your kids, the movie is free from any bad language or any inappropriate material.  I don’t want to give away anything, but towards the end of the movie, there is one scene of violence that might bother some children.  I’d advise that if you’re unsure, to preview it first.  The scene could be easily skipped on a DVD player, and one would not necessarily lose the essence of the story.

This movie is might be a little hard to find in your local video store, but it can be purchased in many places on-line, and like I said earlier, I got my copy at a Christian bookstore.  It’s definitely worth the hunt!

Related links:

• Faith Like Potatoes, the official site, complete with a viewable trailer
• a more in-depth review from Christianity Today
• a biography of Angus Buchan