Mjeteconer Just perfect...

Spoonatects Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

Ginger Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

thinker1691 Far from the boundaries of the modern world, live a primitive people who have existed naturally for thousands of years undisturbed. However, beginning with the European invasion of the 15th century and continuing unabated to the present, their culture, their tribal beliefs and even their very existence have come under siege. From a healthy population of thousands, they have been wantonly slaughtered and decimated to a handful of survivors. This film is one of a few which has the courage to illuminate the culprits of destruction. The Movie is called " At Play in the Fields of the Lord. " The story is that of Martin and Hazel Quarrier (Aidan Quinn and Kathy Bates) and their son Billy (Niilo Kivirinta) who were convinced by Leslie Huben (John Lithgow) and his wife Andy (Daryl Hannah) to move to South America and run a missionary outpost in the Brazlian jungle. Although it's Mr. Huben who's the fervent evangelical and enthusiastic force behind the mission, Martin desires to emulate him despite his inner doubts and misgivings. Into this mix is Lewis Moon (Tom Berenger) a modern Cheyenne originally hired to destroy the indigenous tribesmen, changes his mind and embraces their jungle life. Although warned by Commandante Guzman (Jose Dumont) and resident Catholic priest, Father Xantes (Nelson Xavier) not to expect success, the missionaries insist on forcing the natives to accept religious imposition despite the cost to the established tribes. The notion of change is contrary to the established peoples, but insisted on by the invading missionaries and their soul seeking agenda. Added to their destructive presence are the foreign businesses seeking wealth at the cost of the forest. The movie is a revelation of what is transpiring even now. The destruction of an entire Eco-system, the Rain Forest and the disappearing tribes are at the heart of this movie. Questioning his faith, Martin re-evaluates his decision when his son is stricken and his wife goes insane. The scenery of the pristine jungle and the tribes as well as the top notch acting of the cast is a plus for this incredible film. In the addition, its a prime candidate to become a Classic, despite it's length. ****

drystyx This film is a drama about a missionary who takes his wife and son into the jungles of South America. Big mistake. He meets his boss, a materialistic user of people, and his high maintenance young wife, who looks like she somehow found a health club in the jungle. The Christian missionary has his hands full, and tries hard to spread the word of Jesus to the natives. He makes another mistake when he puts a seed into the mind of a mercenary Native American pilot, who decides to join the natives, where his knowledge of the world makes him one of their most respected leaders. The dramas that unfold turn the missionary into a modern day Job, to say the least, while no one else seems to be affected. While it is true, that such people suffer, the director bends over backwards to make his points, and by the end, you just start shrugging and wondering if he's going to beat you over the head with his ideal world of horror. With a little more subtlety, he might have done so. His overkill is lost when weighed against efforts towards realism. "End of the Spear," a true story, gives a superior and realistic look at such a life style. This movie is certainly biased, and looks to be made out of complete ignorance.

happipuppi13 I viewed this on cable 3 years ago when seeing that it was going to be shown the same night I saw the ad. I had heard of this film,briefly,but never knew what it was about. After watching from start to finish I can honestly say,bravo! Bravo for it's fine acting,it's scenery and it's truthful depiction of life as the Native's know it.Every actor,including the young extras,does a superb job. Cathy Bates' performance was the stuff Oscar wins are made from. John Lithgow (5 years before 3rd Rock From The Sun) reminds us why he was a movie actor first,before doing a series.Some folks,I know,have trouble or are uncomfortable with the nudity shown in the film. In this day and age it takes a smart,responsible parent to explain the reasons for this being in the film to any child watching. If your concerns are that great,you should wait until your child is older to see this.If you want to be honest as you can,the best thing you can say is,"that's just how things are where those tribal people live". There's a great difference ladies & gentlemen between what's shown here and straight out child exploitation for devious purposes.The scenes depict how the young boy in the movie wants to fit in with the other boys (as we all want to fit in with others here at home)in his new jungle home. Since this is their custom there,the boy does this to be "one of them" and not be felt an outcast.In my own personal view,anyone who has a problem with "simple,non--sexual" nudity,has no right calling themselves "grown-up".Once again,if you view this with your children,be fully ready to explain things they may not understand. Otherwise,let them grow up a little and then maybe you can all watch this masterpiece together.(END)

knapp-10 This is one of my all time favorite films. There are many sad underpinnings to this film and it is difficult to watch without crying. Still, while I highly recommend it, the truth of its subject on missionary attempts to save the souls of "so called" savages often makes me sick! The self righteous who think nothing of destroying cultures in the name of their god is a sad tale but true. It has been going on for centuries and still happens today. On another sad note, I have been trying to buy the DVD for over 5 years and it's still not available. Can anyone tell me why you can buy garbage on DVD everyday of the week and yet an outstanding film with superb directing, acting, scenery and story has not been transferred to digital?