» Places in the Heart

Places in the Heart Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Comment: I have watched Places In the Heart a number of times, and am always moved by it. It is a wonderful example of an extended family working together to survive. A beautiful movie!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: dvd
Comment: This is an excellent movie. The actors/actresses in it are perfect. The movie stays with you long after it's finished.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Incredible Movie
Comment: This is one of the BEST movies I have ever seen. A MUST HAVE for any collection.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A Forgotten Gem
Comment: 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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Customer Rating:
Summary: Outstanding movie!!
Comment: 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!!

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