if Kirk Cameron was involved.
How bad is this stinker? Let me count the ways:
1. No plot. In the beginning, Angus is a violent, angry man. His wife drags him to a local church where he is instantly converted. He 'gives' his life over to Jesus, letting whatever happens, happen. When good things happen, it's God intervening. When bad thing happens, what then? There is no suspense, the main character is not changed except by his initial conversion, no temptation, no doubt, no conflict, he always gets what he prays for. The action lurches from one event to another, none seemingly connected. I get it that Angus moved his family to escape the violence. Aside from the radio news, it did not seem to affect Angus in any way. Were none of his friends affected? So then, he moves to South Africa where there is also violence. He seems oblivious to it, even traveling to Scotland for months while his family could possibly be in danger.
2. The screenplay. The characters consist of Angus and a bunch of satellite characters. No development at all, no emotion. Don't believe me? What is his wife thinking at ANY point in the movie? The only way I could tell the son from the nephew was the dialog before the tractor accident. Angus plows ahead, praying and getting whatever he prays for.
3. The message. Angus has a very simplistic religious view that could have been expanded, therefore making this movie bearable. Angus believes pray to Jesus & your wish will be granted. The movie bears this out. So, if God controls Angus's life, why did Allister die? Following Angus's belief system, God caused the accident and killed the nephew. If God caused the drought, provided the potatoes, then God killed the 1600 white farmers referenced in the movie. Does Angus never question his faith? This seems a little far fetched and frankly unbelievable.
4. The acting. Another poster called it wooden. That is being kind. After the nephew's death, Angus is inconsolable. So what does his wife do? She holds his hand. That's it. No words, no embrace, no tears. She is a seated statue. Even the minister offers minimal comfort. At least he didn't say the boy's death was 'part of God's plan' or some other type of nonsense.
5. The cinematography. South Africa is a beautiful country, with majestic veldt, rivers, mountains, and coastline. We saw none of that. We see a field of maize, a field of potatoes, a farm, a town, and a stadium. This could have been filmed anywhere. Why not show the country?
Here is what I learned from the movie- - Pray to God and your wishes will be granted - God will get you out of bad situations even when it is your fault - God kills people, or allows them to die, for unknown reasons - Heathens can be easily converted - You need not be concerned with others' plights such as injustice, disease, hunger, or war. Just pray for yourself and your wishes will be granted - All answers are in a book written 2500 years ago by nomadic desert dwellers. - Giant potatoes can grow without photosynthesis.

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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.

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Having been given tickets to the premier of 'Faith' at the mission where it all took place, I went with very little expectation. Although the film is not brilliant, it is certainly not bad. Some of the cinematography and scenic shots were truly beautiful and the story and acting were heartfelt. Frank Rautenbach's performance seemed to be drawn from every reserve he possessed. I felt that Jean Wilhelm (Jill Buchan) was a little weak and overwhelmed by Rautenbach's sheer effort. It almost felt like she was trying to retain a sense of detached dignity. The scenes following Angus's nephew's accidental death were a little too long and drawn out and detracted from the tragedy. However, Hamilton Dlamini was wonderful as Simeon. Also, it was great to hear real Zulu on screen and enjoy its subtle humor. The scene where Angus chased off Isaac and Simeon after discovering the crashed tractor was a real giggle. All in all, a sterling effort that shows a lot of promise.

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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.

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This film does not deserve the negative feedback it's been getting from (non-Christian)viewers.
Yes, the Christian content is strong, and that was the intent. Angus experienced miracles in his life and this is usually something that appears to be impossible or outrageous, hence the term 'miracle'.
If you've seen Frank Rauntebach's acting in 7e Laan (not too great), you'll agree he is very good and in his element in this film, especially during the prayer scene when fighting the fire, and the hospital scenes. And if you've ever worked/lived in rural South Africa, you'll recognize and appreciate the many small moments in the movie that will be missed by many!
There are a few weak points, but all in all it's an enjoyable, solid story with a good, positive message. SOmething that we need.
Kuhle!

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I went into Faith Like Potatoes expecting to see a below average movie with shoddy acting and the typical 'beat-around-the-bush', 'lets-not-step-on-toes' storyline. Yet I got quite the opposite!!! The performances of Frank Rautenbach and Hamilton Dlamini were especially astounding and had me eagerly awaiting their next appearance. The setting is really beautiful with good cinematography to boot; what really impressed me though was the boldness of this film in stating what they believe and not beating around the bush or making any attempt at 'sugar coating'! I really recommend that you see it, it gives one pleasant respite from all the gloom in most movies and will inspire one to reach for greater heights in all aspects of life! Enjoy!!

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I must admit that I only saw about half of the movie. But that was enough. What started out as a somewhat dull story about a farmer and his family relocating to South Africa and starting over from scratch, suddenly turned into bible class.
We see a family being torn apart by frustration and failures with the man of the house driven to the brink of reason. Then one day, they are invited to church where Angus has a nervous breakdown and embraces Jesus. From then on, suddenly everything starts to work out. Now we see Angus lying around in the cornfields. We see him summoning rain during a runaway bushfire ..
.. and when he starts resurrecting the dead, I just thought it was enough.
To put it frankly: If you are not a Christian and don't want to become one, it's a waste of time and money.
End of story.

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o.k. , basically , if you believe that your young son getting crushed & brutally killed in a tractor accident would be a GOOD thing & that he would be MUCH happier that way . . . then , by all means , run out & rent this piece of **** - one of the very few movies , in my whole life , that i have quit watching in the middle of because it's 'message' was so sickening -
the 'hero' raises a complete stranger from the dead ( RIIIGHT ! ) but then when he accidentally kills his friend's son , the same result just can't be repeated ( WONDER WHY ? ) and then when a local townsperson brings up this seeming inconsistancy , they are disdainfully put down as being 'mean' -
possibly the most IDIOTIC movie i have ever seen !

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I have to say I disagree with others who called this a 'Christian film'. It is a biographical film about a man who happens to be a Christian man of deep faith. I am not a Christian, and never felt that I was being recruited while I watched the movie. I didn't have the urge to run to church when it was over. Instead, I was so interested in learning more about this amazing man and the makers of the movie that I watched every minute of the extras.
I enjoyed the documentary as much as the movie itself and admired Buchan even more, as he NEVER said he raised people from the dead or cured anyone. He gave all the credit to God. In fact, he seemed more amazed at the events of his life than I was.
It was well-acted, I really felt for the actors when they cried. The cinematography was excellent-- I only wish they had shown more of that beautiful country. It is rare that I watch a movie twice, but I would gladly see this one again. And I'm buying the book tomorrow.

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As a post-modern Christian with a high interest in indie film making, and as one who comes from an evangelical background, I watched this film with a great deal of trepidation; sadly, much of it was justified.
It has some pluses: good cinematography and it depicts rural South Africa pretty well - the sweeping vistas of the KZN midlands, the Zambian market places, the small town feel of Greyton and so on. And most Christian viewers will feel right at home with the evangelical content: the altar call, the 'go out and tell somebody what you did' approach to Christian growth, the 'God Told Me To Do This' approach to life. And I guess that seeing as it is based on a book which was written as a testimony to God's provision, one could expect no less.
I have a high regard for Regardt van den Bergh generally. But this script was really and truly painful at times - wooden and expository. We never really explored the growth of the characters or the relationship between husband and wife. The children, apart from little Alastair, were non-entities. And in terms of dramatic structure .. well, I was hard pressed to find it. The movie seemed to be a series of disconnected events in this man's life - small crises showcasing God's interventions. I kept waiting for the dramatic climax of the film .. each time the tension came to nothing, except when the kids rushed off to get on the tractor, I immediately knew what was going to happen, it was glaringly obvious. And the scenes following that were far too prolonged .. and how did the protagonist change as a result of that black moment? What did he do to fight back? I didn't see it .. it was just more of the same until finally, the stadium event happened after which Angus got his potatoes .. but what of the rest of KZN? Did the drought cease? Did the fighting cease? Did any one else's life change? I felt like I was left hanging ..
The actors did their best, I guess and there were some moments that were moving . like little Alistair running to his dad.
My traditional, conservative, evangelical friends all like this film so I guess it is reaching the audience for which it was intended. But isn't this just preaching to the choir? What about those of us who wrestle with REAL doubts and for whom God does NOT come through? This film sems to promote the very dubious approach to Christianity which says Come to Jesus and All Your Problems Will Be Solved.
Life ain't like that in the real world, brothers!

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'Potatoes' is nothing more than a publicity vehicle for yet another televangelist; this time with a 'miracle-farmer' angle. With a cast drawn from local soap operas, the film proceeds horizontally, and fails in its credibility to portray Angus Buchan as a heroic figure. The Christian fundamentalist undertones reveal it to be not a film, but comfort food to be gorged by the insecure lower-middle class who revel in the likes of faith healing. The audience can only wince at the director and actor's combined efforts at on-screen emotion. Its only merit is the scenery of the location in southern Africa but even this is undermined by amateurish cinematography.

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You need to have a tractor accident yourself (some brain damage would help) to enjoy this 'movie.' The lead actor cannot doesn't know the difference between acting and melodrama and the lead actress is more wooden than a crucifix.
If you're the kind of person who falls for the 'growing leg trick' and believes in people coming back from the dead, you're in for a treat because 'Potatoes' just oozes with that small-town Bible belt brand of evangelism.
Everyone else can see straight through the movie and through Angus Buchan as another nobody making a name for himself through fraudulent faith healing.

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I'll rather not comment on the plot or motivations of the film. Suffice it to say that the film is aimed at religious (specifically Christian) denominations. Nothing wrong with that, it should be encouraged, rather than avoided.
The first thing that caught my eye was the use of digital filming. African landscapes and lighting is particularly suited for real film emulsions and to see it spoiled by cheap digital footage was a real disappointment. The colour was dull and the digital artefacts are very obvious. I don't want to dwell on the poor film quality so I'll move on.
The acting was particularly cringe worthy. Every time Casper Badenhorst started to speak I wanted to stick popcorn in my ears hum Sarie Marais. Francois Rautenbach and Matthew Roberts weren't bad and I could actually feel real empathy with their characters. Unfortunately the rest of the cast were hollow cardboard cut-outs. Richard van den Berg was particularly revolting. While the lead character was giving a particularly heart felt confession in his 'Green Cathedral' we had to endure the Mr. van den Berg slobbering on a piece of fruit and going 'mm, mm, um, ja' before ripping off a corn cob and scribbling in the sand like some prophet.
But the thing that shocked me most of all was the graphic depiction of a child suffering. Several audience members gasped and wept achingly when a small boy was run over by a tractor and started coughing up blood straight into the camera lens. The broken posture of the child was particularly upsetting. A little girl sat in front of me and I dreaded what went through her mind. When my wife started to cry I got very angry and lost the last bit of respect I had for the film. I felt the director had dealt a very low blow by using such a gruesome visual tool to advance his own religious agenda.
Unfortunately this film can never appeal to everyone since it excludes all who do not share a particular church's view. It is a great film for showing at church or prayer groups but technically and visually this film is one of the worst I have seen from South Africa. It should have been screened on television on a Sunday evening only.

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Well then this movie is for you! If you ever wanted to vindicate your internal racism and need to believe that black people are lazy and need to have White Christians dominate them then you should watch this feel good movie for the person who just likes to kick back and relax while wearing a white hood.

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I have no doubt that Faith Like Potatoes changed many lives in South Africa (I would like to believe for the good). From a (Christian) spiritual perspective, the movie was a huge success. The intention of the movie was to change lives and I think it greatly achieved that. My Vote for Value: 10/10
However, it is still a movie. And there I give it a 4/10. I was not impressed with the screenplay. 1) It was too long. I would completely cut the part where the boy was killed. Yes, it was a major event in the character's lives, but it killed the movie.
2) There were many senseless scenes. For example, in one scene Angus' wife was sitting at night, painting. They had the perfect suspense- building scene. She heard a sound. A savage? Murderer? No! One of the farm workers just came to tell her that her husband's a good man. No sense in having that scene.
Acting was mediocre to very bad, not convincing.

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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.

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I was sad to read the rather narrow and cynical view of one other person on this website, who seemed more interested in Hollywood glitz than real stories of real human lives being affected by a real God. I'd say a few commenters completely missed the message of this film. The story is well-balanced in addressing both the childlike faith that boldly receives miracles, as well as the hope and trust that gets one through life's most painful tests -- those times when it's hard to understand where God is in the midst of personal devastation. Sadly, there are even cynical Christians (demonstrated by the comments of a few on this site) who struggle with believing that God does ALWAYS comes through for us, even if the result doesn't always look like we thought it should.
I'm frankly tired of Hollywood 'hype' movies that are only someone's fanciful imagination about life, or what someone wishes about life, or someone's cynicism about life -- though imaginative, fictional, art forms can be marvelously inspiring as well. But the best and most refreshing movies I've seen lately, like this one, have been true stories about ordinary people whose genuine faith in God changes their lives & the lives of those around them. Having grown up in the Southern USA under the last days of segregation and race riots, I found a film that includes the overcoming of racism as an important sub-plot still badly needed in this generation today. (That alone makes the film worthwhile, even for avowed atheists who at least recognize the evil of racism.)
The overall message that simple faith is more powerful than logic, personal ability, or common sense alone is one badly needed today by a self-worshiping, post-modern society that has become far too cynical & proud.

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The movie was not deserving of a 1 which is what I gave it. But neither was it deserving of all the 10's that it got. I just thought that I would balance it out.
Great use of the locations, and at times there is evidence of good cinematography. The storyline is pure schmaltz and can nauseate. The script needs to be reworked a number of times, and the acting is at best wooden. The leading lady should be lead off somewhere else. It was as if she was acting for a mirror.
This movie should not be seen unless you will accept any drivel just because it has some religious message attached to it.

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A faith inspiring film.
People are searching for answers and this shows how to find them. Watch this film with an open mind and it could change your life.
The film is well produced, well acted and has a good script.
The one criticism of it is it's pace which feels a bit 'African' by which I mean slow. But it is an African film so we can't complain to much.
A fine piece of work, that's totally based on fact, even if the events that unfold seem 'unbelievable' and hard to grasp.
Franky does a good job of portraying the farmer, Angus, who's life the film is about.
Really worth watching, stick out the pace and you will be rewarded

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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.

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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!!

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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!!

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Cinematography..excellent. Not many disagree with that one. Christian movie..of course.. The usual fruitless acting ability as seen in most Christian movies..no..not even close.
I saw somebody criticize this movie for lack of story arc or so they meant. I hail this movie for the patience it takes to slowly unwrap the rebirth of it's central character, Angus. How can you not see the talent of this actor and the talent of movie directing to make this dramatic transformation on screen? If you don't understand that what they capture on film here is something special, then you know not what you speak of and shouldn't share your opinion until you do.
Someone else criticizes the prolonged agony scenes following the tractor accident..then criticizes the exercise as having no point. Wake up MAN! The point of the movie is here! That's WHY they spend so much time developing this point of the story arc. God doesn't step in at this moment to answer Angus' prayer. And Angus has to trust in his faith to get through it. That's why its crucial to see his anguish. And the actor sells this emotion on screen with a heart-wrenching performance. Finally, Angus receives the beginning of closure from the event in the middle of the night when his brother calls about the dream. Angus simply replies, 'Thank you.' That is all you can do in this life: Accept that tragedies happen and accept the healing sent from heaven in these small moments of closure.
Angus, as interviewed in the documentary also available on the DVD, shows that he still highly emotionally affected by his nephew's death after many years. You don't ever get passed something like that. So the movie, which tries to be as accurate and true to the story as it can, doesn't pretend to have Angus rectify completely. Instead it shows a simple scene of comfort in the middle of the night and leaves it up to the viewer to appreciate the meaning of the powerful scene.
You have to watch movies more carefully and closely if you're missing these elements I'm mentioning. And if you don't watch carefully, and you're missing these elements, then you know not what you speak of, you are uninformed, and you shouldn't be commenting.
Great movie. 10 stars for a movie that had to overcome a small budget and pulled it off without missing a beat. See this movie. It will change your life.

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This movie is definitely for the Christian viewer, someone who believes in God and acknowledges Him as Lord. It is a beautifully moving story about redemption and grace as seen in real life situations that people face every day. This is a movie without the glamor and glitz of a big budget Hollywood production, but without losing any of the emotion and simplicity which is so real to those who believe in God. A definite must see for strong at heart. Frank Rautenbach's portrayal of Angus Buchan is realistic and artful, capturing both the dramatic and intense moments of salvation and sin. Faith like potatoes could be offensive to the sinful and lost, those trapped in the arrogance of their own sinful desires.

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I had the impression the footage was too short for this movie. Several scenes look just like missing extra minutes (e.g. the move between countries at the very beginning, or sudden appearance of the children house). Also, a lot of false clues, absurd scenes which seem to mean something, build something, but at the end yield nothing (the apparently drunk black servant who may look so threatening to a painter household in the middle of the night).
The acting is good, once you take into account the poor script. The three main supporting characters appear lazy or jobless (a policeman, a preacher, a full time housewife), while the starring role looks sort of hyperactive. The black men around seem good people, but completely irrelevant to the story. This is a white plot for white men.
But the most annoying thing of the movie is that there's no warning message at its cover stating that the plot includes miracles, bible lessons and resurrections from a white man in a negros country.
Technically is a good movie, though. So good it could have taken some of the many false clues that otherwise may have made a good film of it.

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