Faith Like Potatoes (2006) User Reviews (47)

Exotic, heart wrenching, drama. Faithbuilding.

[decio24 · 8/10 · 23 November 2006]

The movie "Faith Like Potatoes" was excellent on several levels. First, the story itself, while heart wrenching, was inspiring. Remember the movie "Chariots of Fire"? Well, "Faith Like Potatoes" is about 10 times more evangelistic, 100 times more heart wrenching, and every bit as inspiring. Some will find the clear presentation of the gospel to be a turnoff. But others will appreciate the unflinching presentation of characters who have obvious flaws and struggles- especially struggles with faith in God.

Secondly, "Faith Like Potatoes" is about South Africans and it was made by South Africans. The sometimes uncomfortable tensions between racial groups in South Africa are not glossed over. But neither are they a focus of the movie. This is just everyday life in South Africa. The tensions in the backdrop of the movie enhance and even explain the drama as it unfolds.

Thirdly, the photography in "Faith Like Potatoes" was wonderful. The cinematography took full advantage of the fact that the setting lends itself quite naturally to stunning vistas and beautifully rugged terrain.

So why give the film an 8 rather than a 10? Two reasons: There were some scenes where the supporting actors were a bit flat and there were a few times when the plot did not flow smoothly (or quite make sense). But overall, this was an excellent film.

I compared "Faith Like Potatoes" to the movie "Chariots of Fire" because they have a similar use of words. I.e. they both use words very sparingly. They attempted to SHOW faith at work in someone's life rather than tell about it. And I think they succeeded.

Yes, miracles are unbelievable

[mailstel · 7/10 · 16 November 2006]

This film does not deserve the negative feedback it's been getting from (non-Christian)viewers.

Yes, the Christian content is strong, and that was the intent. Angus experienced miracles in his life and this is usually something that appears to be impossible or outrageous, hence the term "miracle".

If you've seen Frank Rauntebach's acting in 7e Laan (not too great), you'll agree he is very good and in his element in this film, especially during the prayer scene when fighting the fire, and the hospital scenes. And if you've ever worked/lived in rural South Africa, you'll recognize and appreciate the many small moments in the movie that will be missed by many!

There are a few weak points, but all in all it's an enjoyable, solid story with a good, positive message. SOmething that we need.

Kuhle!

Magic or miracle?

[videoboff · 8/10 · 9 November 2006]

I'm sure those of you who have been fortunate enough to watch this film have found it very touching and at times painfully honest. Faith Like Potatoes centers around the building of faith as something tangible and real - like a potato. There is no hiding the fact that this is a film with very strong Christian content so be prepared to be exposed to the truth of Jesus! The film may not be outstanding from the acting and screenplay side, but it more than makes up for this with its emotion and intensity. I found myself empathizing throughout as I have had first-hand experience of African farm life and the lifestyle and people in South Africa. I think it will be hard for someone who does not understand these facets of Africa to grasp the imagery and emotional tools used in the film; nevertheless I think that this film will provide every person with their very own experience that will keep them thinking about it long after the credits have stopped rolling.

If at all possible try to get hold of Angus Buchan's book by the same name. It is a must read! If anything, the book and/or the film will change the way you see your spiritual life and open your eyes to a new way of thinking that is not only exciting, but fulfilling. A great movie!!

A lot better than expected

[jerusha-5 · 20 October 2006]

Having been given tickets to the premier of "Faith" at the mission where it all took place, I went with very little expectation. Although the film is not brilliant, it is certainly not bad. Some of the cinematography and scenic shots were truly beautiful and the story and acting were heartfelt. Frank Rautenbach's performance seemed to be drawn from every reserve he possessed. I felt that Jean Wilhelm (Jill Buchan) was a little weak and overwhelmed by Rautenbach's sheer effort. It almost felt like she was trying to retain a sense of detached dignity. The scenes following Angus's nephew's accidental death were a little too long and drawn out and detracted from the tragedy. However, Hamilton Dlamini was wonderful as Simeon. Also, it was great to hear real Zulu on screen and enjoy its subtle humor. The scene where Angus chased off Isaac and Simeon after discovering the crashed tractor was a real giggle. All in all, a sterling effort that shows a lot of promise.

Christian film from South Africa

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 23 November 2015]

This post apartheid film from South Africa concerns a family of white farmers who've been kicked off their land in Zambia and have now settled in the Natal province of South Africa on an abandoned farm there. Even after being warned by some of the unreconstructed Boers to watch out for the native Zulus both Frank Rautenbach and Jeanne Neilson settle there and face a lot of hardships and one unspeakable tragedy. But their faith yields a harvest just like the potatoes they're growing on their land.

Faith Like Potatoes is a Christian film to be sure. But in can be seen by more skeptical audiences without too much complaint. In fact the Mandela and post Mandela South Africa has seen an inclusive government, reconciling even some people that Christians might object to.

I'd recommend this except to the most irreligious in the audience.

An excellent movie

[market-11 · 10/10 · 17 January 2007]

What a wonderful, heartwarming movie. The characters are genuine and can be identified with. It is an inspirational story leaving one with hope and faith. It does not matter what hardship you are facing, or how impossible a situation looks, if you have faith you will get through it. This does not mean that there will be no pain, in fact the pain is very real and dealing with it is extremely difficult, but not impossible.Our Father God is great and the message of the movie emphasis es that, without forcing it down anyone's throat. Exceptionally well-done Regardt van den Bergh and your cast. I saw the movie 3 times, and will see it again. May God bless everyone involved with the movie, as well as the real Buchan family. I trust that each and every South African will see this movie. If we can all master Angus Buchan's faith and attitude, we will at last see God's peace in South Africa.

Mundane South African biography about a struggling farmer who turns to God

[Wuchakk · 6/10 · 20 March 2018]

RELEASED IN 2006 and directed by Regardt van den Bergh, "Faith like Potatoes" is a drama based on the life of Angus Buchan in the late 70s who moved his family from the political unrest of Zambia to eastern South Africa to start a maize farm. Buchan (Frank Rautenbach) and his family/employees (Jeanne Neilson and Hamilton Dlamini) face many challenges in their new home as Angus eventually feels led by faith to grow potatoes despite a severe drought.

The documentary-like tone is similar to other African autobiographies like "I Dreamed of Africa" (2000) and "Nowhere in Africa" (2001), except with the added faith element. I've never heard of Buchan, but he went on to become a fairly significant South African evangelist (with a TV show). The movie focuses on his humble beginnings, his eventual conversion to Christ and service thereof but, surprisingly, the faith element doesn't even come to the fore until about the halfway point, which is when the film finally gets interesting.

Speaking of which, being based on an autobiography, the story lacks the compelling drive of the typical three-act script in preference for real-life mundaneness. Those other two films had the same issue. Yet this can be refreshing in that the movie just shows the way it was without resorting to exaggeration like, say, Oliver Stone's "The Doors" (1991), which opted for sensationalist (eye-rolling) mythmaking and contains utter fabrications.

Of course critics argue that this movie ALSO conveys mythmaking fabrications and, furthermore, that the theology is contradictory and troublesome. Does it? Is it? I don't think so, but I'm not going to explain because it would take too long and, besides, the answers are in the flick in a subdued way. Watch it, reflect on it and make your own call.

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 56 minutes and was shot in South Africa. WRITERS: Angus Buchan (book) and Regardt van den Bergh (screenplay).

GRADE: B-/C+

It Could Have Been Worse

[Watchgoodmovies · 2/10 · 8 September 2013]

if Kirk Cameron was involved.

How bad is this stinker? Let me count the ways:

1. No plot. In the beginning, Angus is a violent, angry man. His wife drags him to a local church where he is instantly converted. He "gives" his life over to Jesus, letting whatever happens, happen. When good things happen, it's God intervening. When bad thing happens, what then? There is no suspense, the main character is not changed except by his initial conversion, no temptation, no doubt, no conflict, he always gets what he prays for. The action lurches from one event to another, none seemingly connected. I get it that Angus moved his family to escape the violence. Aside from the radio news, it did not seem to affect Angus in any way. Were none of his friends affected? So then, he moves to South Africa where there is also violence. He seems oblivious to it, even traveling to Scotland for months while his family could possibly be in danger.

2. The screenplay. The characters consist of Angus and a bunch of satellite characters. No development at all, no emotion. Don't believe me? What is his wife thinking at ANY point in the movie? The only way I could tell the son from the nephew was the dialog before the tractor accident. Angus plows ahead, praying and getting whatever he prays for.

3. The message. Angus has a very simplistic religious view that could have been expanded, therefore making this movie bearable. Angus believes pray to Jesus & your wish will be granted. The movie bears this out. So, if God controls Angus's life, why did Allister die? Following Angus's belief system, God caused the accident and killed the nephew. If God caused the drought, provided the potatoes, then God killed the 1600 white farmers referenced in the movie. Does Angus never question his faith? This seems a little far fetched and frankly unbelievable.

4. The acting. Another poster called it wooden. That is being kind. After the nephew's death, Angus is inconsolable. So what does his wife do? She holds his hand. That's it. No words, no embrace, no tears. She is a seated statue. Even the minister offers minimal comfort. At least he didn't say the boy's death was "part of God's plan" or some other type of nonsense.

5. The cinematography. South Africa is a beautiful country, with majestic veldt, rivers, mountains, and coastline. We saw none of that. We see a field of maize, a field of potatoes, a farm, a town, and a stadium. This could have been filmed anywhere. Why not show the country?

Here is what I learned from the movie- - Pray to God and your wishes will be granted - God will get you out of bad situations even when it is your fault - God kills people, or allows them to die, for unknown reasons - Heathens can be easily converted - You need not be concerned with others' plights such as injustice, disease, hunger, or war. Just pray for yourself and your wishes will be granted - All answers are in a book written 2500 years ago by nomadic desert dwellers. - Giant potatoes can grow without photosynthesis.

A bold inspirational delight!!!

[user-7203 · 10/10 · 4 November 2006]

I went into Faith Like Potatoes expecting to see a below average movie with shoddy acting and the typical "beat-around-the-bush", "lets-not-step-on-toes" storyline. Yet I got quite the opposite!!! The performances of Frank Rautenbach and Hamilton Dlamini were especially astounding and had me eagerly awaiting their next appearance. The setting is really beautiful with good cinematography to boot; what really impressed me though was the boldness of this film in stating what they believe and not beating around the bush or making any attempt at "sugar coating"! I really recommend that you see it, it gives one pleasant respite from all the gloom in most movies and will inspire one to reach for greater heights in all aspects of life! Enjoy!!

Good story but...

[Steffankp · 7/10 · 20 July 2022]

It is a really inspiring and heart-touching story told in this movie, but the production of it is not very professional. It did strength my faith as a child and didn't think critically of production until I became older.

Has its moments

[lbennett-5 · 4/10 · 4 June 2007]

As a post-modern Christian with a high interest in indie film making, and as one who comes from an evangelical background, I watched this film with a great deal of trepidation; sadly, much of it was justified.

It has some pluses: good cinematography and it depicts rural South Africa pretty well - the sweeping vistas of the KZN midlands, the Zambian market places, the small town feel of Greyton and so on. And most Christian viewers will feel right at home with the evangelical content: the altar call, the 'go out and tell somebody what you did' approach to Christian growth, the 'God Told Me To Do This' approach to life. And I guess that seeing as it is based on a book which was written as a testimony to God's provision, one could expect no less.

I have a high regard for Regardt van den Bergh generally. But this script was really and truly painful at times - wooden and expository. We never really explored the growth of the characters or the relationship between husband and wife. The children, apart from little Alastair, were non-entities. And in terms of dramatic structure ... well, I was hard pressed to find it. The movie seemed to be a series of disconnected events in this man's life - small crises showcasing God's interventions. I kept waiting for the dramatic climax of the film ... each time the tension came to nothing, except when the kids rushed off to get on the tractor, I immediately knew what was going to happen, it was glaringly obvious. And the scenes following that were far too prolonged ... and how did the protagonist change as a result of that black moment? What did he do to fight back? I didn't see it ... it was just more of the same until finally, the stadium event happened after which Angus got his potatoes ... but what of the rest of KZN? Did the drought cease? Did the fighting cease? Did any one else's life change? I felt like I was left hanging ...

The actors did their best, I guess and there were some moments that were moving .. like little Alistair running to his dad.

My traditional, conservative, evangelical friends all like this film so I guess it is reaching the audience for which it was intended. But isn't this just preaching to the choir? What about those of us who wrestle with REAL doubts and for whom God does NOT come through? This film sems to promote the very dubious approach to Christianity which says Come to Jesus and All Your Problems Will Be Solved.

Life ain't like that in the real world, brothers!

beautiful movie

[Dessertstar536 · 9/10 · 21 June 2009]

I have to say I disagree with others who called this a "Christian film". It is a biographical film about a man who happens to be a Christian man of deep faith. I am not a Christian, and never felt that I was being recruited while I watched the movie. I didn't have the urge to run to church when it was over. Instead, I was so interested in learning more about this amazing man and the makers of the movie that I watched every minute of the extras.

I enjoyed the documentary as much as the movie itself and admired Buchan even more, as he NEVER said he raised people from the dead or cured anyone. He gave all the credit to God. In fact, he seemed more amazed at the events of his life than I was.

It was well-acted, I really felt for the actors when they cried. The cinematography was excellent-- I only wish they had shown more of that beautiful country. It is rare that I watch a movie twice, but I would gladly see this one again. And I'm buying the book tomorrow.

I had to leave half way through ...

[GNUflakes · 1/10 · 5 November 2006]

I must admit that I only saw about half of the movie. But that was enough. What started out as a somewhat dull story about a farmer and his family relocating to South Africa and starting over from scratch, suddenly turned into bible class.

We see a family being torn apart by frustration and failures with the man of the house driven to the brink of reason. Then one day, they are invited to church where Angus has a nervous breakdown and embraces Jesus. From then on, suddenly everything starts to work out. Now we see Angus lying around in the cornfields. We see him summoning rain during a runaway bushfire ....

... and when he starts resurrecting the dead, I just thought it was enough.

To put it frankly: If you are not a Christian and don't want to become one, it's a waste of time and money.

End of story.

Amazing!

[gbezuidenhout · 10/10 · 20 April 2007]

I am only 30, so I do not have a huge amount of films to talk about, but I have to say, I have never been as touched by any film, as I have been by this one! Francois Rautenbach impressed me so much! His performance was absolutely astounding! It is a pity that films with Christain themes tend to fade in the light of large Hollywood movies, but if you give them a chance, you will find a heart and spirit, that few big budget movies can ever create! The cinematography is amazing, and the music is like silk. What more could a movie goer ask for than brilliant acting, brilliant cinematography and brilliant music? It might be a South African tale, but it is more a story of how one man finds God in a world where he cannot find anything...his life was as dry as the barren land he tried to farm, and with a little faith in the Lord, his life, like his farm, become a place where great things can take form! So, no matter who you are, or where you live, this film will touch you and teach you that faith can move mountains.

Have you ever wondered what a Pro-Apartheid movie looks like?

[loberant · 1/10 · 2 October 2018]

Well then this movie is for you! If you ever wanted to vindicate your internal racism and need to believe that black people are lazy and need to have White Christians dominate them then you should watch this feel good movie for the person who just likes to kick back and relax while wearing a white hood.

He Who Has Ears to Hear...

[kylensarah · 10/10 · 9 December 2007]

I was sad to read the rather narrow and cynical view of one other person on this website, who seemed more interested in Hollywood glitz than real stories of real human lives being affected by a real God. I'd say a few commenters completely missed the message of this film. The story is well-balanced in addressing both the childlike faith that boldly receives miracles, as well as the hope and trust that gets one through life's most painful tests -- those times when it's hard to understand where God is in the midst of personal devastation. Sadly, there are even cynical Christians (demonstrated by the comments of a few on this site) who struggle with believing that God does ALWAYS comes through for us, even if the result doesn't always look like we thought it should.

I'm frankly tired of Hollywood "hype" movies that are only someone's fanciful imagination about life, or what someone wishes about life, or someone's cynicism about life -- though imaginative, fictional, art forms can be marvelously inspiring as well. But the best and most refreshing movies I've seen lately, like this one, have been true stories about ordinary people whose genuine faith in God changes their lives & the lives of those around them. Having grown up in the Southern USA under the last days of segregation and race riots, I found a film that includes the overcoming of racism as an important sub-plot still badly needed in this generation today. (That alone makes the film worthwhile, even for avowed atheists who at least recognize the evil of racism.)

The overall message that simple faith is more powerful than logic, personal ability, or common sense alone is one badly needed today by a self-worshiping, post-modern society that has become far too cynical & proud.

Below average Christian genre biography

[prp-6 · 1/10 · 16 October 2006]

"Potatoes" is nothing more than a publicity vehicle for yet another televangelist; this time with a 'miracle-farmer' angle. With a cast drawn from local soap operas, the film proceeds horizontally, and fails in its credibility to portray Angus Buchan as a heroic figure. The Christian fundamentalist undertones reveal it to be not a film, but comfort food to be gorged by the insecure lower-middle class who revel in the likes of faith healing. The audience can only wince at the director and actor's combined efforts at on-screen emotion. Its only merit is the scenery of the location in southern Africa but even this is undermined by amateurish cinematography.

Fantastic

[tommygallagher · 10/10 · 7 November 2006]

A faith inspiring film.

People are searching for answers and this shows how to find them. Watch this film with an open mind and it could change your life.

The film is well produced, well acted and has a good script.

The one criticism of it is it's pace which feels a bit "African" by which I mean slow. But it is an African film so we can't complain to much.

A fine piece of work, that's totally based on fact, even if the events that unfold seem "unbelievable" and hard to grasp.

Franky does a good job of portraying the farmer, Angus, who's life the film is about.

Really worth watching, stick out the pace and you will be rewarded

From a "movie" perspective

[johannsmithster-753-449079 · 4/10 · 31 May 2010]

I have no doubt that Faith Like Potatoes changed many lives in South Africa (I would like to believe for the good). From a (Christian) spiritual perspective, the movie was a huge success. The intention of the movie was to change lives and I think it greatly achieved that. My Vote for Value: 10/10

However, it is still a movie. And there I give it a 4/10. I was not impressed with the screenplay. 1) It was too long. I would completely cut the part where the boy was killed. Yes, it was a major event in the character's lives, but it killed the movie.

2) There were many senseless scenes. For example, in one scene Angus' wife was sitting at night, painting. They had the perfect suspense- building scene. She heard a sound. A savage? Murderer? No! One of the farm workers just came to tell her that her husband's a good man. No sense in having that scene.

Acting was mediocre to very bad, not convincing.

I don't get why so many people give their opinion when they are uninformed and know not what they speak of

[sirrsewmo · 10/10 · 22 May 2009]

Cinematography...excellent. Not many disagree with that one. Christian movie...of course... The usual fruitless acting ability as seen in most Christian movies...no...not even close.

I saw somebody criticize this movie for lack of story arc or so they meant. I hail this movie for the patience it takes to slowly unwrap the rebirth of it's central character, Angus. How can you not see the talent of this actor and the talent of movie directing to make this dramatic transformation on screen? If you don't understand that what they capture on film here is something special, then you know not what you speak of and shouldn't share your opinion until you do.

Someone else criticizes the prolonged agony scenes following the tractor accident...then criticizes the exercise as having no point. Wake up MAN! The point of the movie is here! That's WHY they spend so much time developing this point of the story arc. God doesn't step in at this moment to answer Angus' prayer. And Angus has to trust in his faith to get through it. That's why its crucial to see his anguish. And the actor sells this emotion on screen with a heart-wrenching performance. Finally, Angus receives the beginning of closure from the event in the middle of the night when his brother calls about the dream. Angus simply replies, "Thank you." That is all you can do in this life: Accept that tragedies happen and accept the healing sent from heaven in these small moments of closure.

Angus, as interviewed in the documentary also available on the DVD, shows that he still highly emotionally affected by his nephew's death after many years. You don't ever get passed something like that. So the movie, which tries to be as accurate and true to the story as it can, doesn't pretend to have Angus rectify completely. Instead it shows a simple scene of comfort in the middle of the night and leaves it up to the viewer to appreciate the meaning of the powerful scene.

You have to watch movies more carefully and closely if you're missing these elements I'm mentioning. And if you don't watch carefully, and you're missing these elements, then you know not what you speak of, you are uninformed, and you shouldn't be commenting.

Great movie. 10 stars for a movie that had to overcome a small budget and pulled it off without missing a beat. See this movie. It will change your life.

just not enough "child gets run over by tractor " movies out nowdays !

[dancing_infidel · 1/10 · 15 April 2009]

o.k. , basically , if you believe that your young son getting crushed & brutally killed in a tractor accident would be a GOOD thing & that he would be MUCH happier that way . . . then , by all means , run out & rent this piece of **** - one of the very few movies , in my whole life , that i have quit watching in the middle of because it's "message" was so sickening -

the "hero" raises a complete stranger from the dead ( RIIIGHT ! ) but then when he accidentally kills his friend's son , the same result just can't be repeated ( WONDER WHY ? ) and then when a local townsperson brings up this seeming inconsistancy , they are disdainfully put down as being "mean" -

possibly the most IDIOTIC movie i have ever seen !

Miraculous? Maybe not. But Still a Delightful Surprise

[nzallblacks_12 · 10/10 · 23 September 2013]

For sure, the producers have brought to bear some simple Biblical truths. And then they expounded on those to create a masterpiece film. Better yet, this film is a wonderful real life testimony to getting to know the universal and heavenly glory that is the, One, True Living God. The journey begins with Faith; matters little if the source is in the form of a tiny mustard seed or of something more common and useful. Like a dusty yet moist but always forever tasty mouth watering spud! I like mine mashed.

But I'm miffed as to why others would come on this site just to spew their vitriol for this film. Makes no sense when the target audience is altogether conspicuously disclosed in the title: FAITH like Potatoes. Guess they can can't help themselves. OK. We get it...

Back to the main points...

This film chronicles the plight of a white family's struggle to carve out an existence in Southern Afrika: plot weaves along nicely. Start to finish. The main character Angus Buchan, and his family fall on hard times. This necessitates selling the farm in Zambia. And then getting out. In a hurry. Taking what little possessions they have including a small stash of money ostensibly the proceeds left over from the sale, Angus begins the Exodus. Quickly he discovers a trail. It heads due south. More important, they'll steer free and clear of Zambia.

And Angus doesn't stop until the Peugeot wagon reaches the Republik: South Afrika. There he does what he knows best. He immediately buys another farm. Thus setting him and his family up for me to quote the old adage: History does repeat itself! The setting now is the bushveldt. They don't even have living quarters. An old travel trailer is the sole item available for shelter. It has to do even though it looks like squalor.

Now thoroughly ensconced in the new wilderness, Angus, begins the arduous task of tilling ground so that he can break bread each evening with his family. Although the going is tough, he enlists the help of the local natives. Some he is endeared to. Others are fired. Almost immediately. But Angus plows ahead.

The local South Africans are all too soon enamored with the transplanted ex-Rhodie Scot. They take him to the inner sanctum of the town's life as one of their own. But, Angus takes to drinking. A lot! He's unhappy; confides all his miseries to an understanding wife. She though can't handle his moods.

Then one bright shining Sunday morning the whole family winds up sitting in the front pews of the Methodist Church. Now hogtied, Angus hears first hand a testimonial of a recent 'conversion'. The South African oke spoke in earnest. I believed him. Not Angus though. He can't handle the truth; he heads straight to the ladies bar; he consoles himself much in the brandy; even shares his miseries with the town's policeman, who, is sympathetic and is in much need of company himself. The two bond.

At that point, there's just enough foreshadowing that suggests that God has other plans. A church elder attests to that same sentiment. His candor speaks aloud. "I believe God is tugging at your heart. Angus, you're a good man." And he, er, God was right.

Thereafter, Angus though unwittingly begins pondering the existence of God. He does this mainly while lounging amongst the corn stalks. Seriously, right then I was concerned for Angus' safety; hoped that those lingering, sneaky puff adders obeyed God's word too. No worries. Out of the blue, the epiphany light shone down....

Overall, this film despite it's low budget was better than I expected. The acting is superb. The disparate characters all fit the plot. And the cinematography though digital does deliver some breathtaking views of the Suid Afrikan bushveldt. And of course, the message was that Faith is the first step to know God. If you took that leap then you soon learned that the next step was equally important: Trust in the Lord. Angus did. Even when his mates told him that he had eaten too much mielie meal. But what did they know...

Now it's entirely apropos that I thank all those who helped make this film happen; that in itself is a miracle. One can only hope that there are more Christians out there. Just like you. Who in the blink of an eye would do the same; stand in the breach for the Faith.

Shalom.

Send it back to Hell

[prp-7 · 1/10 · 8 November 2006]

You need to have a tractor accident yourself (some brain damage would help) to enjoy this ''movie.'' The lead actor cannot doesn't know the difference between acting and melodrama and the lead actress is more wooden than a crucifix.

If you're the kind of person who falls for the 'growing leg trick' and believes in people coming back from the dead, you're in for a treat because 'Potatoes' just oozes with that small-town Bible belt brand of evangelism.

Everyone else can see straight through the movie and through Angus Buchan as another nobody making a name for himself through fraudulent faith healing.

Excellent South African Christian Movie..

[MissBee01 · 9/10 · 6 March 2008]

As a born-again Christian, I found the movie quite moving! It made me realise that we need to trust God more, have more faith as Angus Buchan has.

I think that all the actors were great and true to the characters that they were portraying. It was great to see how they made use of the natural beauty of Kwa-Zulu Natal in all aspects of the movie.

If the man on the street had an ounce of faith of what Angus Buchan has, we would see more miracles.

This movie needs to watched with an open mind. If you have expect nothing from this movie, then you will get nothing. This is a Christian movie.

It saddens me to see what others had written. If people have done their research, they would know that this movie is based on a true story and not something out of someone's imagination.

Myopia rules

[uniquedale · 1/10 · 2 February 2007]

The movie was not deserving of a 1 which is what I gave it. But neither was it deserving of all the 10's that it got. I just thought that I would balance it out.

Great use of the locations, and at times there is evidence of good cinematography. The storyline is pure schmaltz and can nauseate. The script needs to be reworked a number of times, and the acting is at best wooden. The leading lady should be lead off somewhere else. It was as if she was acting for a mirror.

This movie should not be seen unless you will accept any drivel just because it has some religious message attached to it.