Faith Like Potatoes

Promotional Summary:

Frank Rautenbach leads a strong cast as Angus Buchan, a Zambian farmer of Scottish heritage, who leaves his farm in the midst of political unrest and travels south with his family to start a better life in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. With nothing more than a caravan on a patch of land and help from his Zulu foreman, Simeon Bhengu, the Buchan family struggles to settle in a new country. Faced with ever-mounting challenges, hardships and personal turmoil, Angus quickly spirals down into a life consumed by anger, fear and destruction. Based on the inspiring true story of Angus Buchan's autobiographical book, Faith Like Potatoes was adapted for the big screen by award winning actor and director, Regardt van der Bergh, and weaves together the moving journey of a man who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until the harvest. This inspiring true story of a rugged South African farmer, Angus Buchan, is set in the turbulent hills of the KZN Midlands. Angus' manic quest for material success is slowly transformed into a wild love for God and people, as he wrestles with faith, hope, natural disasters and tragic personal loss.

Strengths:  Believers will identify with the struggles of personal tragedy and witnessing presented in this real-life drama. Regarding the fundamentals of acting and movie-making, the film is solid.
Weaknesses:  A few scenes are needed to give imagery to the national violence that is occasionally referenced.  Also, clarity is needed when it comes to the claim of hearing God's literal voice.  Angus conveys quotes from the Almighty, inferring audibility.  But is this really the case? Doubt arises--not solely from Angus' testimony--but the fact that many today put quotation brackets around messages when no audible voice is present.