I understand the idea that this is a Hallmark movie and it was probably done in a way that would not offend the Amish. That being said, the movie doesn't do justice to Lewis' book on a whole. The plot feels very rushed, and it appears as if Hallmark was trying not to offend the Amish with their portrayals. In the movie, as compared to in the book, even Katie's shunning seems to happen much too quickly. The flashbacks lack the meat that appeared in the novel, and the portrayal of the community was very stiff. I was unable to appreciate the movie itself because I've been so busy expecting it to be close to the book. Hopefully if Hallmark decides to continue the series it will be done in better continuity with the novels.
36 Reviews
OK-ish
mizbirch17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
As a resident of Lancaster County, I admit that I watch Amish-based movies for mistakes! 1) Shutters on an Amish farmhouse? Wrong. They don't use shutters.
2) Everyone much too pretty and handsome. (Except for Katie Lapp, who had a reason.) 3) The Amish adults are more likely to look the other way when their young adults experiment with "English" ways. And considering what some of the Amish kids get up to, I suspect most Amish parents would offer loud prayers of thanksgiving if all their sons or daughters did was sing "English" songs and play the guitar! 4) The Amish do not baptize their children -- that comes later, as an adult decision. Young people are expected to make the decision to join the congregation or not. They generally make this decision when they marry and THEN -- they join the church. Anyone who decides not to join the church is still considered to be a beloved member of the family, even if they go over to "English ways" and THEY WILL NOT BE SHUNNED. (especially if they own a car!) "Shunning" only takes place if you join the congregation and THEN leave. The movie does not make it clear whether Katie Lapp had joined the church or not. If she hadn't -- her shunning made no sense. (Not that it really did anyway...) 5) What's with the stilted speech of the Amish? I've heard them speak perfectly colloquial English. I'd really like to see an "Amish" movie spoken in Pennsylvania German dialect with subtitles! 6) The city standing in for Lancaster, PA? Lancaster, PA looks like that in its dreams... In real life, it has few retail stores and more Hispanic people in its downtown area.
What they got right.
The countryside looked authentic and so did the interiors. I've been in Amish kitchens and kitchens and the art director got it exactly right.
There IS an oppressive (to non-Amish minds) emphasis on getting married young, having babies, and waiting on your husband. For that reason, there are a lot of Amish women who do not get married, go to work and keep their money for themselves.
I agree with an earlier comment in that I kept waiting for Daniel to reappear. I think he staged his death.
Must admit that I want to read the book now!
2) Everyone much too pretty and handsome. (Except for Katie Lapp, who had a reason.) 3) The Amish adults are more likely to look the other way when their young adults experiment with "English" ways. And considering what some of the Amish kids get up to, I suspect most Amish parents would offer loud prayers of thanksgiving if all their sons or daughters did was sing "English" songs and play the guitar! 4) The Amish do not baptize their children -- that comes later, as an adult decision. Young people are expected to make the decision to join the congregation or not. They generally make this decision when they marry and THEN -- they join the church. Anyone who decides not to join the church is still considered to be a beloved member of the family, even if they go over to "English ways" and THEY WILL NOT BE SHUNNED. (especially if they own a car!) "Shunning" only takes place if you join the congregation and THEN leave. The movie does not make it clear whether Katie Lapp had joined the church or not. If she hadn't -- her shunning made no sense. (Not that it really did anyway...) 5) What's with the stilted speech of the Amish? I've heard them speak perfectly colloquial English. I'd really like to see an "Amish" movie spoken in Pennsylvania German dialect with subtitles! 6) The city standing in for Lancaster, PA? Lancaster, PA looks like that in its dreams... In real life, it has few retail stores and more Hispanic people in its downtown area.
What they got right.
The countryside looked authentic and so did the interiors. I've been in Amish kitchens and kitchens and the art director got it exactly right.
There IS an oppressive (to non-Amish minds) emphasis on getting married young, having babies, and waiting on your husband. For that reason, there are a lot of Amish women who do not get married, go to work and keep their money for themselves.
I agree with an earlier comment in that I kept waiting for Daniel to reappear. I think he staged his death.
Must admit that I want to read the book now!
Book to Movie - Not Translated Well
savatennoio10 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
It's been awhile since I read the book, but the translation to movie didn't quite work for me.
There were a number of things that felt wrong. For starters, the actress playing the main character, Katie Lapp, had makeup on in every scene. A lot of makeup. Amish don't wear makeup, and I even noticed some of it on her mother. This bugged the crap out of me, like they weren't willing to make their main actress look just a little 'less pretty' (in their eyes) to maintain authenticity.
Plus, I felt the actor for Daniel Fischer was much too young and didn't quite fit the picture in my head. Ah well, that happens though.
They rushed through the shunning scene much too quickly, as well. A pivotal scene in that book/movie, they should have shown it how it actually was (if I remember correctly, in front of the whole congregation).
I still enjoyed the movie, but overall the level of acting and the little details like makeup (and flawless hair for Katie Lapp) just didn't do it for me.
There were a number of things that felt wrong. For starters, the actress playing the main character, Katie Lapp, had makeup on in every scene. A lot of makeup. Amish don't wear makeup, and I even noticed some of it on her mother. This bugged the crap out of me, like they weren't willing to make their main actress look just a little 'less pretty' (in their eyes) to maintain authenticity.
Plus, I felt the actor for Daniel Fischer was much too young and didn't quite fit the picture in my head. Ah well, that happens though.
They rushed through the shunning scene much too quickly, as well. A pivotal scene in that book/movie, they should have shown it how it actually was (if I remember correctly, in front of the whole congregation).
I still enjoyed the movie, but overall the level of acting and the little details like makeup (and flawless hair for Katie Lapp) just didn't do it for me.
Disappontment?
dldnfoote17 September 2011
I bought this movie simply because Sherry Stringfield was listed in the cast. I watched it with my 16 year old daughter who is also adopted. She loved the story. I loved the premise of the story. We even found the whole illegal adoption part to be believable. I am also versed in Amish tradition but did not allow anything to detract from the story being told. I was disappointed because there were so many things left hanging. I would have loved to see more in regards to the Bishop's family dynamics. I would have loved to know more about how Laura went from dire straits to heiress. I really would have loved to see a physical connection with Laura and Katie to see where that relationship would have gone. And I really, really would have loved seeing Daniel and Katie finding each other again. Guess I am going to have to read the book. Sigh. However, many MANY kudos to Michael Landon, Jr. for attempting to bring back family friendly television viewing. He succeeded in MY house.
.. does Daniel's prophecy eventually get fulfilled
bjarias28 October 2014
If group psychological intimidation of members into submission is an actual practice, it paints a harsh, and strict portrait of cultural life in these communities. But it's movie-land so who really knows. Acting is very decent.. Danielle Panabaker.. binged.it/1te82U4 .. is wonderful in her part, all the cast is solid. Daniel departs to find his 'other' world, then Katie gets her chance as well.. eventually to somewhat cross paths in the next part of the series 'The Confession'.. bit.ly/17ovEHV (track it down online). Panabaker does not make the transition to part 2 (the only important one missing)... Sherry Stringfield does, with a much larger role. Part 2 has a much different feel, Katie LeClerc.. bit.ly/17qj4YI .. truly does a fine job, but those missing Panabaker are entirely correct. It was a blunder not making sure she'd return, and a real cop-out for producers to say an actor's 'not available.' Long running series with same cast members are created all the time... it's just bs, and exceptionally poor decision making preventing it from happening. Hope the final installment in the series comes out soon, to reveal if Daniel's prophecy gets fulfilled.
Feel Good Drama About An Armish Girl Figuring Herself Out.
icocleric10 March 2022
Although I'm quite skeptical about films with a strong religious element, I did very much enjoy this story still. It's a "feel good drama" and I do love to see lives different from my own, and I think this film does this well.
Although I do think many people can connect with trying to figure out who you are in the world, and not quite feeling like you fit in or belong. I think it's pretty well written overall. It has some cheesy lines from the religious folk, who try and help Katie, but I think they can be forgiven because the characters are quite endearing.
Although I do think many people can connect with trying to figure out who you are in the world, and not quite feeling like you fit in or belong. I think it's pretty well written overall. It has some cheesy lines from the religious folk, who try and help Katie, but I think they can be forgiven because the characters are quite endearing.
A young Amish woman finds out she is adopted.
lilajoysd24 September 2012
I thought that though it was not 100% true to the book, it did follow it pretty well for the time crunch. I did notice some things that were not true to the Amish, but it is also a hard thing to tell because many of the orders differ in their rules. I really enjoyed seeing Danielle Panabaker as Katie, I thought she expressed the emotions of the situation strongly! The entire cast was strong, with the exception of David Topp, who was okay, but seemed young for the roll, and was nothing like the young man described. Over all I felt like it was a nice transition to the screen and very worth watching if you are a Beverly Lewis fan.
This one sure leaves a lot of unresolved issues and plot holes.
jalapenoman17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, this was kind of mediocre up until the end, when it left everything hanging and did not resolve several of the major plot points. Are we looking at a series of films here?
Unresolved issues included:
1. Does she get to see her mother before she dies?
2. Do her parents and the busy body midwife get into trouble for violating the shunning?
3. If her former boyfriend who taught her how to play the guitar (and who she promised to marry) still actually alive and living in a city somewhere? We are told that he drowned and that they never recovered the body, but he obviously wanted "out." (and where did he ever get that guitar in the first place?)
4. Will she, if she returns, end up with The Bishop?
Another thing... the shunning itself happened for the wrong reasons. You don't shun someone just because they left you at the altar and have some unresolved issues with their parents. This seemed like a contrived way to move along the plot.
In reality, the Amish are a very forgiving people. They would not treat someone like this girl was treated for such minor things.
Overall, I'd say that this was a very weak 4/10 (and that is probably being generous).
Unresolved issues included:
1. Does she get to see her mother before she dies?
2. Do her parents and the busy body midwife get into trouble for violating the shunning?
3. If her former boyfriend who taught her how to play the guitar (and who she promised to marry) still actually alive and living in a city somewhere? We are told that he drowned and that they never recovered the body, but he obviously wanted "out." (and where did he ever get that guitar in the first place?)
4. Will she, if she returns, end up with The Bishop?
Another thing... the shunning itself happened for the wrong reasons. You don't shun someone just because they left you at the altar and have some unresolved issues with their parents. This seemed like a contrived way to move along the plot.
In reality, the Amish are a very forgiving people. They would not treat someone like this girl was treated for such minor things.
Overall, I'd say that this was a very weak 4/10 (and that is probably being generous).
Excellent family friendly drama you can watch with the whole family.
nmckeon19 April 2011
Absolutely lovely story about the coming of age of a young adopted woman. Especially impressed with the performances of Danielle Panabaker, who really nailed the Amish accent, and newcomer David Topp, who I hope will be brought back in what is sure to be a series of wonderful, family friendly movies. We are looking forward to the rest of the series.
Would like to congratulate Michael Landon Jr. for choosing a terrific cast and crew, the beautiful filming of the movie makes it even more enjoyable. Also enjoyed the look inside the Amish culture, and, while I realize it may not all be exactly accurate, it is a compelling story which kept our whole family interested. We will be very disappointed if Hallmark does not decide to continue and finish the series. Would really like to see the same cast back for continuity, and because they were all really great!
Would like to congratulate Michael Landon Jr. for choosing a terrific cast and crew, the beautiful filming of the movie makes it even more enjoyable. Also enjoyed the look inside the Amish culture, and, while I realize it may not all be exactly accurate, it is a compelling story which kept our whole family interested. We will be very disappointed if Hallmark does not decide to continue and finish the series. Would really like to see the same cast back for continuity, and because they were all really great!
Only part 1 of a trilogy but promising
phd_travel13 September 2019
Fairly engrossing story about an Amish girl played by Danielle Pannabaker who finds out she is adopted. She is actually an Englisher. No one wonder she likes pop songs! after she backs out of marrying a widower she is shunned. Sounds medieval. Anyway she decides to go out to look for Mom. Then just when things are getting interesting it ends.
Just love the Amish.
Just love the Amish.
Full of inaccuracies
Redpenciler17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Like reviewer MizBurch, since I live in Amish country, I can't help watching for factual errors in shows like this, because I have noticed them many times. MizBurch and others have pointed out some of these errors in "The Shunning." I saw additional mistakes, which were really elementary stuff someone could have easily checked out:
1. None of the Amish men and boys in the movie had the customary "bowl" haircut; they all had "English"-style short hair! And obviously professional haircuts, at that.
2. No one except an occasional rude tourist would stare at, giggle at, or take photos of an Amish person in the real downtown Lancaster, as portrayed in the movie. In any area where Amish live, such as Lancaster, they are not seen as unusual but as just other, normal neighbors. By the same token, the Amish don't stare at or coldly turn aside anyone who's "English"; they see us as neighbors as we do them.
The Amish I know are among the warmest and friendliest of people. I've seen other shows, such as "Cold Case," that portray them in an unflattering, "outsider"-rejecting light. This just isn't true.
3. Amish men don't wear wedding bands, as prominently photographed in the show. At least they got the beards right, I think, though they did look pasted on, with those "English" haircuts on the sides and back of their heads. I didn't see any unmarried men with beards, which would have been another huge mistake.
When mistakes like these and others start piling up, it takes the credibility out of the show. The plot certainly had its failings, and these errors just dragged it down further.
1. None of the Amish men and boys in the movie had the customary "bowl" haircut; they all had "English"-style short hair! And obviously professional haircuts, at that.
2. No one except an occasional rude tourist would stare at, giggle at, or take photos of an Amish person in the real downtown Lancaster, as portrayed in the movie. In any area where Amish live, such as Lancaster, they are not seen as unusual but as just other, normal neighbors. By the same token, the Amish don't stare at or coldly turn aside anyone who's "English"; they see us as neighbors as we do them.
The Amish I know are among the warmest and friendliest of people. I've seen other shows, such as "Cold Case," that portray them in an unflattering, "outsider"-rejecting light. This just isn't true.
3. Amish men don't wear wedding bands, as prominently photographed in the show. At least they got the beards right, I think, though they did look pasted on, with those "English" haircuts on the sides and back of their heads. I didn't see any unmarried men with beards, which would have been another huge mistake.
When mistakes like these and others start piling up, it takes the credibility out of the show. The plot certainly had its failings, and these errors just dragged it down further.
Great Family Movie
eeyore89-36-33227124 April 2011
Having read all the books in the series, I was really looking forward to this movie. Many people have complained about the fact that this movie did not follow the books. I think most movies that are made from books are quited different from the books themselves. Still, even though the book and the movie were quite different from each other I thought the movie was wonderful! The characters were very believable and if you just enjoy the movie without thinking of the book I think you will find it extremely enjoyable. I myself hope they continue on with the series and make each one into a movie. Even the Love's series by Janet Oke were quite different once put into a movie. Still, it is a great family movie and one that the whole family can watch without blushing or worrying about language. I am thankful for movies like this that prove you can have a good movie without all the trash. Keem em coming!!
OK, but a Bit Of a Jumbled Mess
jaholl1 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I have to check the spoiler box because I suppose I have to discuss aspects of this film that didn't make much sense to me.
While the movie was good for what it was (Hallmark), I felt many of the scenes were short and cut off abruptly, moving quickly on to something else. Like....several mini scenes all strung together to try and tell a story.
We then have Daniel...Katie's boyfriend from three years prior.
This part of the story didn't feel like it belonged or wasn't really necessary.
Who was Daniel and what was going on with that whole thing? He's some mystery boy who liked her music, but somehow disappeared and hasn't returned. It's like she talked to his ghost and a few scenes spent time showing memories of them. Why? They never said how he disappeared or why he never came back. He tells her to never give up her music in case something happens to him. Huh? Can this be more ominous?
Daniels part in this was lost on me....completely.
I LIKE the idea of this, but it wasn't executed correctly.
The movie ends leaving you feeling unsatisfied with it all.
Was it worth the watch? Yes, but could have been done so much better.
While the movie was good for what it was (Hallmark), I felt many of the scenes were short and cut off abruptly, moving quickly on to something else. Like....several mini scenes all strung together to try and tell a story.
We then have Daniel...Katie's boyfriend from three years prior.
This part of the story didn't feel like it belonged or wasn't really necessary.
Who was Daniel and what was going on with that whole thing? He's some mystery boy who liked her music, but somehow disappeared and hasn't returned. It's like she talked to his ghost and a few scenes spent time showing memories of them. Why? They never said how he disappeared or why he never came back. He tells her to never give up her music in case something happens to him. Huh? Can this be more ominous?
Daniels part in this was lost on me....completely.
I LIKE the idea of this, but it wasn't executed correctly.
The movie ends leaving you feeling unsatisfied with it all.
Was it worth the watch? Yes, but could have been done so much better.
Oy vey!
mags2214 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I was looking forward to this, as I tend to enjoy Hallmark movies, but this was just God awful! I couldn't get past the bizarre accents, which kept changing, English, German, even some French. WTH? They couldn't hire a dialogue coach? It was extremely distracting. The acting, too, was pretty bad, aside for Danielle Panabaker as Katie. Sandra W. Van Natta, as the mother, was almost painful to watch! Even Sherry Stringfield seemed to be phoning it in. The plot holes made Swiss cheese seem whole and solid. People here have alluded to the book/series. It would have been nice if they'd mentioned which book/series and the name of the author. I think I might have found it but I'm not sure.http://www.beverlylewis.com/ It appears that Hallmark/Lifetime wanted to tell a story using specific incidents but made no effort to tie them together cogently. All in all, it seemed pretty slapdash, was a waste of my time and a disappointment.
Trilogy
Jackbv12325 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The story in this movie is unsatisfying to me as a stand alone. You really need the other two stories in The Confession and The Reckoning.
It is well done with the exception of a few moments of poor acting by secondary characters. It is also deep. This is not a romance story, at least not this first chapter.
It is a difficult story with difficult issues. Amish shunning is at the heart of the movie. The torture endured by a victim of the shunning is shown well by this movie. Since the book is written by an author I don't know, but has written other stories about the Amish, I will presume that she didn't intend the bash the Amish, which is a flaw some of these movies fall into. I can't say this movie makes me feel good about them, but it does a pretty good job of showing both sides. The entire Amish community is based on protecting its members from outside influences which will lead them into sin and potentially away from the faith. The result is a very legalistic religion which is not what Jesus taught despite the quotation early on about it being better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone than to lead someone into sin. James 3 says that if you can't keep the whole law you are accountable for the consequence of all of it. And the point of that and everything Jesus taught is that only Faith in Him brings freedom from sin. Towards the end we see that the parents in the Lapp family have hidden a lie from everyone and so they need grace as well.
I often think that maybe the average Christian today has depended too much on grace and not enough on obedience, meaning me. This movie is a good chance to work through the practical issues of legalism vs grace.
I love Danielle Panabaker. She really looks the part here and yet her beauty shines through even in the Amish dress. She does well will Katie's struggles.
It is well done with the exception of a few moments of poor acting by secondary characters. It is also deep. This is not a romance story, at least not this first chapter.
It is a difficult story with difficult issues. Amish shunning is at the heart of the movie. The torture endured by a victim of the shunning is shown well by this movie. Since the book is written by an author I don't know, but has written other stories about the Amish, I will presume that she didn't intend the bash the Amish, which is a flaw some of these movies fall into. I can't say this movie makes me feel good about them, but it does a pretty good job of showing both sides. The entire Amish community is based on protecting its members from outside influences which will lead them into sin and potentially away from the faith. The result is a very legalistic religion which is not what Jesus taught despite the quotation early on about it being better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone than to lead someone into sin. James 3 says that if you can't keep the whole law you are accountable for the consequence of all of it. And the point of that and everything Jesus taught is that only Faith in Him brings freedom from sin. Towards the end we see that the parents in the Lapp family have hidden a lie from everyone and so they need grace as well.
I often think that maybe the average Christian today has depended too much on grace and not enough on obedience, meaning me. This movie is a good chance to work through the practical issues of legalism vs grace.
I love Danielle Panabaker. She really looks the part here and yet her beauty shines through even in the Amish dress. She does well will Katie's struggles.
Time to step out of the box!
Reno-Rangan24 February 2018
This is the first film, based on the Beverly Lewis' 'The Heritage of Lancaster County' trilogy. It is a television film series that was telecasted in the Hallmark. This channel is good at this kind of story narration. I have seen many similar films and one of those was 'Love Comes Softly'. The same filmmaker directed this as well.
The film is about a young Amish woman. I've never met one in my life, nor knew anything about them, until I'd learned everything through watching the films. So I've no good or bad impression on them. But watching the film, especially the first half did not show them in a good light. Until the storytelling ends, there's nothing to judge. And as expected, it'd given a good reason in the later part.
It was suspenseful at the opening. An English woman who has just landed in Lancaster county, looking for a particular person. Not everybody is interested in helping her. But somehow the message reaches the other end. Soon they are terrified and prepared for the bad thing. It's all linked to their daughter Katie. The truth always finds its way out and that's how Katie gets involved in it. Besides her instinct was always been on her side. The rest is about her expedition to unlock more truth.
-xX] No matter where god puts us, it's up to us how we choose to live. [Xx-
This is good for literature. But for screen adaptation, it does not have any chance to deliver a similar success. Not in the current generation. Would have been great half a century ago. Though for a television, it all makes sense. Because television audience is different. Consists mainly families, and that too as well women. So most of the television films are women oriented themes. On that aspect, this is a wonderful film. I too sometimes enjoy watching them. So I consider it a decent find, to watch in between the mainstream films.
I knew this filmmaker would deliver, but the cast as well been wonderful. The story did not reveal much. It played hide and seek, but it had enough contents the whole first instalment to carry on with. As well as the curiosity it puts in us about what might follow in the sequel is a good thing. It had enough depth in characters to take on a ride. Other than that, the story is yet to come out with an explanation to cover all the bases. In a way, it does not matter if it heads forward only to focus on the future developments.
A simple 90 minute drama, it does not have much topic to discuss. I've said everything I'd wanted to. So now I'm an inch closer to check out the next part. I hope it maintains the same rhythm. But I'm not liking it already as I'm finding something unfamiliar in the cast. I'll let you know what that's all about in the next review once I finished watching it. Meanwhile, it is not bad for once watching, but the original target audience should be watching it than anybody else.
7/10
The film is about a young Amish woman. I've never met one in my life, nor knew anything about them, until I'd learned everything through watching the films. So I've no good or bad impression on them. But watching the film, especially the first half did not show them in a good light. Until the storytelling ends, there's nothing to judge. And as expected, it'd given a good reason in the later part.
It was suspenseful at the opening. An English woman who has just landed in Lancaster county, looking for a particular person. Not everybody is interested in helping her. But somehow the message reaches the other end. Soon they are terrified and prepared for the bad thing. It's all linked to their daughter Katie. The truth always finds its way out and that's how Katie gets involved in it. Besides her instinct was always been on her side. The rest is about her expedition to unlock more truth.
-xX] No matter where god puts us, it's up to us how we choose to live. [Xx-
This is good for literature. But for screen adaptation, it does not have any chance to deliver a similar success. Not in the current generation. Would have been great half a century ago. Though for a television, it all makes sense. Because television audience is different. Consists mainly families, and that too as well women. So most of the television films are women oriented themes. On that aspect, this is a wonderful film. I too sometimes enjoy watching them. So I consider it a decent find, to watch in between the mainstream films.
I knew this filmmaker would deliver, but the cast as well been wonderful. The story did not reveal much. It played hide and seek, but it had enough contents the whole first instalment to carry on with. As well as the curiosity it puts in us about what might follow in the sequel is a good thing. It had enough depth in characters to take on a ride. Other than that, the story is yet to come out with an explanation to cover all the bases. In a way, it does not matter if it heads forward only to focus on the future developments.
A simple 90 minute drama, it does not have much topic to discuss. I've said everything I'd wanted to. So now I'm an inch closer to check out the next part. I hope it maintains the same rhythm. But I'm not liking it already as I'm finding something unfamiliar in the cast. I'll let you know what that's all about in the next review once I finished watching it. Meanwhile, it is not bad for once watching, but the original target audience should be watching it than anybody else.
7/10
Enjoyable decent watch
mosquitocyn27 April 2024
I have not read the book, didn't know this movie comes in a trilogy and I do not know much about Amish community. Only realised there is a book and the movie is a trilogy after I finished watching this movie and read the comments of reviews in this App. I must say the story is good, pace is fast moving and at times a bit rushed, acting is believable and the songs are nice. I find it pretty entertaining and a good family movie. I did not understand the over-dramatizing of being adopted, maybe the news was aggravated by the fact she is only told about it 20 years later. This movie is definitely interesting enough to make me watch the continuing 2 movies that make this a trilogy.
Misrepresents Amish discipline
steiner-sam17 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The film is set in fictional Hickory Hollow, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in modern times. It's based on the 1997 novel of the same name. It follows the life of a young Old Order Amish woman who tries to come to terms with the discovery that she was adopted at birth into an Amish family. This is a Hallmark movie and thus has a picture-postcard appearance with minimal violence and no more than chaste kisses.
Laura Mayfield-Bennett comes to Lancaster County from New York City to search for the child she gave away as a 17-year-old to an Amish couple who had lost their baby at birth. Katie Lapp is now a 20-year-old Amish girl who struggles with some of the limitations of Amish life. She likes to sing and play the guitar, but singing "English" songs is forbidden. Her boyfriend at age 17, Daniel Fisher, encouraged her individualism but then disappeared in an apparent drowning. Her parents, Samuel and Rebecca have always kept Katie's adoption a secret for puzzling reasons.
Katie is now engaged to be married to Bishop John Beiler, whose wife died three years earlier. He has two young sons. Katie flees her wedding when she realizes she cannot conform. Subsequently, she is banned and shunned. According to the film this meant no one can speak to her, eat with her, or do business with her until she confesses to the congregation. The community's midwife, Ella Mae Zook (Nancy Saunders) provides wise counsel and the family finally recognizes Katie's need to meet her birth mother who is dying.
This is the first of a three-part series, so a number of issues are left outstanding.
There are numerous problems with the movie in relation to Old Order Amish culture. Why was having a baby die at birth a need for secrecy? Twenty years have passed. No one is going to take Katie away because she was not legally adopted. The premise seems forced.
For some reason, the Amish women in the film wear wedding rings. Never happens. The wedding couple would have met with the ordained leaders for a substantial amount of time before the actual ceremony at the end of a lengthy service. Katie's misgivings did not need to unfold in public.
The shunning process was inaccurate and overstates the harshness of Amish discipline. The ordained leaders, which would have been the Bishop, the Deacon, and one or more Ministers, would have met directly with the "accused" to discuss her transgression. They would not have relied on her father's statements. The shunning would need to have been confirmed by the whole congregation. In this case the actual reason for the shunning is not clear.
If Katie had not yet been baptized, she couldn't be shunned. Since she was ready for marriage, I'll assume she was baptized. But even if shunned, it would not have prevented anyone from speaking to her. Yes, she would have to sit separately for eating. But she would still be able to do business with people in the community, though they would not hire her to work for them.
Amish young people sing English-language songs all the time at Sunday evening singings. The film makes the culture too narrow.
Other critics have noted the accents of the Amish characters, which are really quite bizarre.
Laura Mayfield-Bennett comes to Lancaster County from New York City to search for the child she gave away as a 17-year-old to an Amish couple who had lost their baby at birth. Katie Lapp is now a 20-year-old Amish girl who struggles with some of the limitations of Amish life. She likes to sing and play the guitar, but singing "English" songs is forbidden. Her boyfriend at age 17, Daniel Fisher, encouraged her individualism but then disappeared in an apparent drowning. Her parents, Samuel and Rebecca have always kept Katie's adoption a secret for puzzling reasons.
Katie is now engaged to be married to Bishop John Beiler, whose wife died three years earlier. He has two young sons. Katie flees her wedding when she realizes she cannot conform. Subsequently, she is banned and shunned. According to the film this meant no one can speak to her, eat with her, or do business with her until she confesses to the congregation. The community's midwife, Ella Mae Zook (Nancy Saunders) provides wise counsel and the family finally recognizes Katie's need to meet her birth mother who is dying.
This is the first of a three-part series, so a number of issues are left outstanding.
There are numerous problems with the movie in relation to Old Order Amish culture. Why was having a baby die at birth a need for secrecy? Twenty years have passed. No one is going to take Katie away because she was not legally adopted. The premise seems forced.
For some reason, the Amish women in the film wear wedding rings. Never happens. The wedding couple would have met with the ordained leaders for a substantial amount of time before the actual ceremony at the end of a lengthy service. Katie's misgivings did not need to unfold in public.
The shunning process was inaccurate and overstates the harshness of Amish discipline. The ordained leaders, which would have been the Bishop, the Deacon, and one or more Ministers, would have met directly with the "accused" to discuss her transgression. They would not have relied on her father's statements. The shunning would need to have been confirmed by the whole congregation. In this case the actual reason for the shunning is not clear.
If Katie had not yet been baptized, she couldn't be shunned. Since she was ready for marriage, I'll assume she was baptized. But even if shunned, it would not have prevented anyone from speaking to her. Yes, she would have to sit separately for eating. But she would still be able to do business with people in the community, though they would not hire her to work for them.
Amish young people sing English-language songs all the time at Sunday evening singings. The film makes the culture too narrow.
Other critics have noted the accents of the Amish characters, which are really quite bizarre.
I loved it!
deann319 April 2011
I don't care how accurate the film adaption of the Amish life is or whether the characters really look Amish. I think most people are not familiar with those details and are more concerned with how the film made them feel and was there a good story. I thought the story was very interesting, relate able and heartwarming. I haven't seen a film this moving in a long time. The best part of the movies is that it is a film my 10 year old daughter could watch. I thought the cast did an exceptional job, I especially liked the boy who played Daniel, David Topp. He is adorable and I think my daughter has found her new "teen idol". Would love to see what happens next. I am definitely going to buy the book.
Disappointment
DVK123416 June 2019
I thought this movie would be about a shunning. That part of the movie was glossed over. I was disappointed in the movie overall because the whole Daniel story left a lot of holes, and I was waiting for birth mom and daughter to meet, and that never happened. At the end when the daughter is going to find her birth mom, I felt very let down. I didn't get to see any interaction with them. Overall, I do not recommend this movie.
Production Needs To Do Much Better Research
sdaven51917 May 2011
Today is the first opportunity I have had to watch this movie, and so far I am in the middle of it and enjoying it a great deal. HOWEVER, there is one glaring error made in costuming the actors who are playing the parts of the Amish people.
All sects of Amish and most sects of Mennonites do not wear any kind of jewelry whatsoever, including and especially wedding bands. I have so far seen four actors playing Amish parts wearing gold wedding bands. The actor playing Katie's father is wearing a very wide gold band, and the mother has on a narrower band. The older Amish lady Katie goes to talk to early on after she has found out about her parentage is also wearing a gold wedding band, and another hand was seen wearing one, but I'm not sure who it belonged to because of the way the scene was shot and edited.
This should be something that is very basic to know about the Amish people, if one does even the most basic research on how these people live and worship. Strongly recommend that much closer attention be paid to such details if future productions are being planned.
All sects of Amish and most sects of Mennonites do not wear any kind of jewelry whatsoever, including and especially wedding bands. I have so far seen four actors playing Amish parts wearing gold wedding bands. The actor playing Katie's father is wearing a very wide gold band, and the mother has on a narrower band. The older Amish lady Katie goes to talk to early on after she has found out about her parentage is also wearing a gold wedding band, and another hand was seen wearing one, but I'm not sure who it belonged to because of the way the scene was shot and edited.
This should be something that is very basic to know about the Amish people, if one does even the most basic research on how these people live and worship. Strongly recommend that much closer attention be paid to such details if future productions are being planned.
Being Adopted is No sin
kpbcqfz27 March 2022
Overdramatisation of an adoption story. Being adopted isn't that big of a deal, and it shouldn't be showcased as life-changer. I speak from experience, BTW. Also, WHY was the girl wearing makeup when she was supposed to be a good Amish girl? They even went as far as lipstick. Sigh.
Not sure
blumdeluxe30 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"The Shunning" tells the story of a young Amish girl that increasingly feels wrong in her community. When a mysterious English lady comes and seems to have a huge impact on her parents, she begins to ask questions that aren't very welcome among her neighbors.
First of all, I'm very skeptical about the church or very near institutions making movies. I can't help to think that there might be some agenda behind it. I'm not an expert in the field of Amish communities but I do tend to think that their representation in this film would not appeal to them either. While the story of a young girl breaking out of her very religious and strict environment is surely inspiring and emotional, it gets a bit weird when the church presents it. Apart from those considerations, it is an okay drama, nothing spectacular but surely not bad.
All in all I like the general story but I would have preferred some changes in the production segment in order to base this plot more around biographical aspects and less around faith.
First of all, I'm very skeptical about the church or very near institutions making movies. I can't help to think that there might be some agenda behind it. I'm not an expert in the field of Amish communities but I do tend to think that their representation in this film would not appeal to them either. While the story of a young girl breaking out of her very religious and strict environment is surely inspiring and emotional, it gets a bit weird when the church presents it. Apart from those considerations, it is an okay drama, nothing spectacular but surely not bad.
All in all I like the general story but I would have preferred some changes in the production segment in order to base this plot more around biographical aspects and less around faith.
Not bad
marinesdaughtr17 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Overall, this was a good movie and I really enjoyed it. However, I didn't like how it differed from the book in some aspects that are very important to the plot. I've read all three books in the series, so was excited to see the movie. I agree with a previous reviewer in that it does seem to be a bit rushed. Except for some things like wedding bands (real Amish don't wear any jewelry), it wasn't too Hollywood-ized. I expected it to vary from the book because every movie based on I book that I've seen did except for Band of Brothers. I do hope that Hallmark will continue with the series this year and not make us wait a couple of years for the next one as with the Sarah Plain and Tall series.
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