Faith Like Potatoes - Critical Review

Faith Like Potatoes (2006)

Plot: This captivating and heart-wrenching South African production is a story of one man’s struggle for a better life for himself and his family. Angus Buchan is a Scottish farmer living in Zambia when the area’s constant political turmoil finally leads him to believe he must settle in a new country if he ever hopes to be truly prosperous. But, after settling into the agriculturally fruitful KwaZulu Midlands, the family Buchan come to realize that starting a new life isn’t necessarily going to be easy. Angus starts on a downward spiral of despair from which only a momentous restoration of faith can save him. Told partially in the Zulu language, FAITH LIKE POTATOES is a remarkably life-affirming film. (rottentomatoes.com)

Review: Originally released in South Africa in 2006, Faith Like Potatoes finally made it to America a mere 3 years later. Even though it was a low budget film without crazy special effects and lacking any well known actors I really did enjoy this film. The fact that this is a true story leaves me awestruck at the power of God. For a small time project the acting in this film was very good. As Angus Buchan (Frank Rautenbach) decides to pack up and move his family to South Africa for their safety he pushes himself to the edge of sanity. Rautenbach gave us a fantastic portrayal of a man that has been torn apart and beaten down to his lowest point. While her husband is wondering down a path of self destruction the soft spoken Jeanne Neilson, who plays Angus' wife Jill, gently supports Rautenbach while he if faltering and encourages him to have faith. This relationship between the soft calming whisper (Neilson) and the helter skelter insanity (Rautenbach) made for great on screen dynamic.

Most of us are very aware of the political unrest that has been taking place across the Continent of Africa for the past few decades, but this story brings you this reality from a totally different point of view. I was unaware of the "white" farmers and their situation throughout Africa. Caught in the middle of nothing short of civil war, they're faced with a situation where they have a choice as to how to react. We see different characters handling these situations in different fashions and go on to see how these decisions turn out for them in the long run. A true story of faith, this movie follows the inevitable human path filled with ups and downs, and highs and lows. And it reminds us that we are not tackling this battle that we call life on our own. This movie is obviously not going to be liked by everybody due to it's heavy influence of faith, but I would encourage everybody to give it a chance. Each and every one of us could use a little spike of inspiration and recharge of hope. I would highly suggest a rental of this video. I know that this video is available at Blockbuster and in most Redbox machines. In our experience though it is hard to find in stock as there are not many copies on hand at these locations. Keep looking for it, you won't regret it! I have given this movie 3.5 stars out of 5 total.

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