First things first - nice title. Faith Like Potatoes? Yeah, that will get the DVDs flying off the shelves.

"Hey Honey, do you want to watch Bolt, The Wrestler or Yes Man?"

"I don't know...is there anything with a nonsensical title that sounds like an immigrant confusing a metaphor?"

Faith Like Potatoes. Nice title.

Okay, on with the movie.

Outstanding cinematography, notable performances, good story...all stretched out to make it all go on and on longer than it needs to.

Angus, a quick tempered Scotsman farmer is forced to leave his Zambian farm because of the racist land claim by the government - white farmers were getting their lands taken from them. He relocates his family in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and starts fresh. He begins with nothing but a tractor and a small plot of land. He fails, has trouble and a deeply transforming tragedy which leads him to give his life to God. He changes his focus which changes his life and the lives of those around him. The story is positive, meaningful and interesting. The film doesn't fully live up to the story but it does give a valiant effort.

Director Regardt van den Bergh clearly knows what he's doing but in this instance it appears the story gets away from him from time to time. He has trouble smoothing out the transitions and Angus' emotional arcs. He flips from one scene to the next with the gentleness of yanking on someone's collar. The scenes don't quite fit, or at least they don't pass to one another organically. The transitions have a television feeling, rather than those from a film.

Frank Rautenbach, who is South African, gives an impressive performance. The man is a good lead. However, his accent may be too thick for some American viewers. There are times where the South African doing a Scottish accent can be a bit trying. If you can grapple with the accent you will find a surprisingly strong actor in his first big role.

Again, the film does drag in many scenes. I don't think one can accurately review this film without mentioning the dry spots. Admitting this, the film does still have quite a bit to offer. It takes place in a part of the country that's largely ignored. It shows the chaotic life and the awkward race relations in Africa in a honest manner. It also deals with the issues of faith and the redemptive power of God to change people. The spiritual aspects aren't overwhelming and handled with respect but also with some delicacy. Angus is an ass, but he redeems himself and the transformation makes for some good drama. Luckily, the film manages to avoid the preachy, hollow vibes of other faith-based films.

But, phew, there are some scenes that are so dry I expected a tumbleweed to blow by in the background.


Christian Films:
Heart of Texas (2008)
The Visitation (2006)


Other Critic's Reviews:
DVD Verdict
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Labels: Christian film, Frank Rautenbach