Places in the Heart | Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse | Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

Places in the Heart | Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse | A Forgotten Gem

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Places in the Heart

	Places in the Heart Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse Sony Pictures, 2001 average customer review:based on 29 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

This is one of my all-time favourites since I watched this movie more than 20 years ago. I recently found this movie DVD from a public library and was so excited that I can watch it again now! Even it is my second time to watch this movie, I am still deeply moved by it!

The story of this movie took place in the rural Texas when racial discrimination was still a very serious social issue. Sally Fields is the widow Edna whose husband, a sheriff, was shot while on duty by a Black teenager. Her husband left nothing to her because of the Great Depression of the time. She all the sudden has to face the adversity of the real life - how to maintain her home and raise her two childs without any real financial supports.

At this time, a Black guy Moses came to ask for a job but eventually becomes her saviour during this most difficult time of her life. There is a blind man, Mr. Will, was "dumped" to her home as a tenant in order to help getting some rental. During the movie, there are times when the Black guy Moses is so strong, and the blind man Mr. Will is so helpless (e.g. in the cotton field and during the storm). However, there are also other times when it is exactly the opposite (e.g. the KKK incident).

All in all, without giving away the plot, I would say that every part of the plot of this movie is wonderfully and tightly knitted together. Every incident in this movie does not happen just for filling up the time but for a purpose - in fact, a very meaningful purpose. It shows that every individual as a human being is simply equal, regardless you are a Black person, a blind man, a widow, or a White man in a society such as this. It further dreams of an ultimate reconciliation - between the different races, social outcasts, and even the murdered and the murderer.

The ending is particularly powerful. In fact, it is the most stunning ending I have ever seen. It is symbolic and it is deeply moving. However, in order to fully appreciate that, you will have to watch the movie from the start to the end without jumping so that you will get a glimpse of what the final reconciliation really means in this story. Also, when you watch this movie, pay special attention to the beginning. As another reviewer rightly pointed out, the beginning and the ending forms a wonderful contrast.

I will give this movie a six-stars if possible! Not only for the beautiful story, but also for the wonderful performance of all the three lead roles and even the two kids. There are not too many other movies as moving and meaningful as this one.

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A Forgotten Gem

This moving film from director Robert Benton brings to life a time and place as few films have ever done. Benton based this on his memories growing up and everything is authentic to the smallest detail. He shows the good and the bad of this area and era in small town Texas. Sally Field deservedly won the Oscar for her natural and poignant performance and Danny Glover is just as memorable.

Waxahachie, Texas, in 1935 when jobs are scarce and justice often left in the hands of men hiding behind sheets is the setting for this tender look at times trying to change before people are ready to. Field is extraordinary as Edna Spaulding, finding she and her two children suddenly alone when her sheriff husband is killed by accident. She has no idea how to support her family and the bank wants her to sale her home and the land around it to pay off her mortgage. She is scared but determined to find a way to stay.

Along comes Moses (Danny Glover) to suggest she use the small amount of land to plant cotton. It will give her enough to save her home and feed her children. But Moses is a black man in a time when a black man is suppose to keep his place. His advice to the innocent Edna prevents others from cheating her and gives her a fighting chance. It also angers those who cannot fathom a black man being smarter than they are.

John Malkovich is terrific also as the blind boarder she takes in, who just happens to be the banker's brother-in-law. The three form a bond as they overcome every obstacle together and each helps out to form a makeshift family unit. Field gives a subtle performance as we see her loneliness for her husband and her love for her little boy Frank and his little sister Possum. The scene where she must now take over the disciplinary duties is particularly moving.

The hardships of nature are shown as well when a storm suddenly appears out of nowhere and even more suddenly turns into a tornado. Edna barely has time to deal with her sister Margaret's (Lindsay Crouse) marital problems. Wayne (Ed Harris) is having an affair with his wife's best friend Viola (Amy Madigan). All the performances have a realistic feel, capturing perfectly life in a small Texas town during the depression.

When Moses helps her make a go of it the racial hatred of the time is shown in a beating that will force him to leave or probably be killed. The scene between he and Edna near the end will surely tug at your heart and anger you at the same time. The anguish of Moses as he knows his time has not yet come is truly the most heartbreaking moment in the movie.

This was a landmark film and not to be dismissed. Many have tried to copy this formula but this one is the real thing. The final scene is one you will never forget. This is a film you must own.

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Incredible Movie

This is one of the BEST movies I have ever seen. A MUST HAVE for any collection.

Outstanding movie!!

I have watched this movie since I was a little girl and always have been enchanted by it. I am proud to own the DVD to it now! Sally Field, yes we do love you!!

dvd

This is an excellent movie. The actors/actresses in it are perfect. The movie stays with you long after it's finished.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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