HARVEST OF FIRE

REVIEWED BY LINDSAY GRAHAM

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Because of: mild thematic elements

Rated:

A peaceful people, the Amish are dedicated to keeping the past alive; they dress and live simply as their ancestors before them did. Yet when an arsonist brings violence into their non-violent world, the very basis of an Amish sect is undeniably shaken. Suspecting a series of hate crimes is transpiring, the Palmersfield police department calls on the FBI. Agent Sally Russell (Lolita Davidovich) is sent to investigate.

Far from pleased about being sent to the middle-of-nowhere, Sally feels the Amish couldn’t be any more peculiar if they were aliens from another planet. After being told, “Don’t find him for us, he’ll have to answer to God for what he did. We’ve already forgiven him,” she feels certain they must have been planted there by an insane asylum. However, she has no intentions of giving up on the case. As an “Englischer” the Amish feel she isn’t to be trusted and offer little support. Her leads turn up nothing but when Amish widow, Annie Beiler (Patty Duke) allows Sally to win her trust, can two women from such different worlds overcome the outer differences to build a lasting friendship and find the arsonist?

Who could possibly perpetrate a crime against the non-violent Amish? Is it the suspiciously friendly real-estate agent, two frequenters of the local bar, or could this arsenal be hidden within the Amish community itself? Throughout the film new leads begin turning up everywhere and although you may suspect who is setting the fires, you will be kept guessing until the very end.

Though not capable of possessing perfection, the film contains very little objectionable content; violence is present yet does not overpower the viewer. Barns burning down left and right are the main premise, as well as the implication that many animals died in the fires. A scuffle between an Amish boy and an “Englischer” results in a broken window as the former is pushed against it, the result is a minimal amount of blood. There is also an attempt to “scare” someone by nearly running them down with a car. Sensuality is very limited, consisting of some kissing, a slight implication of affectionate behavior between unmarried couples, and a few immodest outfits. A few scenes also take place in a bar where alcohol and tobacco are present. Some local hooligans take pleasure in insulting the Amish on a regular basis. Thankfully, there is no profanity whatsoever.

Close-knit Amish communities have been under speculation by directors and producers for years, however in my experience this Hallmark Hall of Fame production is the only one that comes close to giving an accurate portrayal of these peace-loving, resourceful people. The Amish lifestyle is endearingly portrayed, yet their daily hardships are not downplayed. Visually and morally, Harvest of Fire stands firmly on solid ground. In fact, films like these are a breath of fresh air. The reaction of the Amish after their barns are burned down is what our reactions should be when beset by adversity -- that, “We are here to greet a beautiful new day. God is merciful.” Even though entitled Harvest of Fire, the subject of fires does not wholly consume the film, but a certain amount of humor is allowed to creep into the plot. The characters are likable, the costuming quite lovely in its simplicity, and the casting is excellent (many fans of Jennifer Garner will also be pleased to see her in a small role as Annie’s eldest daughter).

Even still, I wouldn’t entitle it a “family film” exactly. Most children would find the film’s premise very dull unless they are interested in the Amish, and a few might even become frightened by images of burning barns. Yet these objections shouldn’t prevent your family from seeing Harvest of Fire, it is a golden nugget filled with many wonderful Biblical truths.