At Play in the Fields of the Lord (1991)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Hector Babenco

Writers:

Hector Babenco (writer)
Jean-Claude Carrière (writer)

Release Date:

6 December 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

An adventure beyond the limits of civilization, faith and passion.

Plot:

Martin and Hazel Quarrier are small-town fundamentalist missionaries sent to the jungles of South America to convert the Indians...

Plot Keywords:

Missionary | Tribe | Civilization | Ancient Religion | Bravery

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win

Cast

Tom Berenger	...	Lewis Moon
John Lithgow	...	Leslie Huben
Daryl Hannah	...	Andy Huben
Aidan Quinn	...	Martin Quarrier
Tom Waits	...	Wolf
Kathy Bates	...	Hazel Quarrier
Stênio Garcia	...	Boronai
Nelson Xavier	...	Father Xantes
José Dumont	...	Commandante Guzman
Niilo Kivirinta	...	Billy Quarrier
S. Yriwana Karaja	...	Aeore
Jose Renato Lana	...	Uyuyu
Ruy Polanah	...	Kori
Carlos Xavante	...	Tukanu
Ione Machado	...	Pindi

MPAA:

Rated R for language and sensuality.

Runtime:

189 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Australia:M | Argentina:13 | Finland:K-12 | Netherlands:AL | Spain:13 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Belém, Pará, Brazil

Trivia:

The town of Mae de Deus was constructed on a large piece of land owned by Pirelli. After filming, the set was distributed to the locals as firewood.

Quotes:

Leslie Huben: Moon, you're under the influence of a dangerous drug, we need to know where you are.
Lewis Moon: I'm at play... in the fields of the Lord. At play... in the fields... of the Lord...

Movie Connections:

Featured in Hollywood vs. Religion (1994) (V)

Soundtrack:

Just an Echo in the Valley

A complex story with issues concerning religion, understanding different cultures and also identity

The length of this movie is possibly a detriment, however it is worth the time in most respects. One of the main issues explored is age-old in terms of how religion is brought to people that the civilized world sometimes arrogantly considers are "savages." Another issue is the finding of one's own identity. The main characters in the story, mostly missionaries from the United States, seem to each represent various perspectives and viewpoints that people can bring to living in another place and culture, in this story it is the Amazon and the Indians that live there. The acting was good -- not great great -- but good enough that you believed the character's various dilemnas. Adian Quinn did quite well in his role as he struggled with trying to understand the minds of the Indians and their concept of a god and blending this with his own Christian perspective. Tom Berenger's role was more complex and his acting was subdued. The other actors such as Darryl Hannah and John Lithgow had somewhat difficult parts that were handled competently. Kathy Bates, as always, added flavor as did Tom Waits.