At Play in the Fields of the Lord

Watch At Play in the Fields of the Lord

"An adventure beyond the limits of civilization, faith and passion."
  • R
  • 1991
  • 3 hr 9 min
  • 6.8  (3,503)

At Play in the Fields of the Lord is a 1991 drama film directed by Hector Babenco and based on the novel of the same name by Peter Matthiessen. The film stars an ensemble cast consisting of Tom Berenger, John Lithgow, Daryl Hannah, Aidan Quinn, Kathy Bates, and Tom Waits. The story is set in the Amazon Rainforest, where a group of missionaries and mercenaries clash with the native tribes over land and religion. Martin Quarrier (Aidan Quinn) and his wife Hazel (Kathy Bates) are American missionaries who have been sent to evangelize the Niaruna tribe. They persuade two pilots, Lewis Moon (Tom Berenger) and his partner, to take them deep into the Amazon. However, upon arrival, they find that the Niaruna are not interested in their religion and are instead living peacefully in harmony with their environment.

Meanwhile, a group of mercenaries led by a disillusioned American Indian named Wolf (John Lithgow) and his partner, Billy (Daryl Hannah), have been hired to clear out the Niaruna from their land, as a big oil company is planning to start drilling there. When the missionaries and the mercenaries cross paths, tensions rise and conflict ensues, resulting in a dramatic and ultimately tragic conclusion.

The film explores themes of colonialism, cultural imperialism, and the clash of civilizations. The clash between the Westerners and the native tribes is portrayed as a clash between different ways of life: one based on exploitation and domination, and the other based on living in harmony with nature. The film also raises questions about the role of religion in the context of colonization and the impact it has on the native peoples.

At Play in the Fields of the Lord is a visually stunning film, with breathtaking cinematography and incredible scenery. The Amazon rainforest is depicted as a vast, mystical, and dangerous world full of wonder and terror. The film's music is also notable, with Tom Waits' haunting vocals providing an eerie backdrop to the story.

The performances of the actors are also noteworthy. Tom Berenger and Aidan Quinn deliver strong performances as two very different people whose lives are deeply impacted by their experience in the jungle. John Lithgow gives a chilling portrayal of Wolf, a man who is deeply conflicted about what he is doing, but who ultimately feels he has no choice. Daryl Hannah gives a nuanced performance as Billy, a woman who is both tough and vulnerable.

Overall, At Play in the Fields of the Lord is an intense and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about our relationship with nature, the impact of Western influence on traditional cultures, and the role of religion in colonization. It is a film that will leave a lasting impression on viewers and is definitely worth watching.

At Play in the Fields of the Lord is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.

At Play in the Fields of the Lord
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At Play in the Fields of the Lord is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent At Play in the Fields of the Lord for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1991
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    3 hr 9 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (3,503)
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