'If you build it, he will come.' With these words, Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) is inspired by a voice he can't ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife Annie (Amy Madigan), Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true, a baseball diamond. Along the way he meets reclusive activist Terence Mann (James Earl Jones), the mysterious 'Doc' Graham (Burt Lancaster) and even the legendary 'Shoeless Joe' Jackson (Ray Liotta). A heartwarming experience that has moved critics and audiences like no other film of this generation, Field Of Dreams is a glowing tribute to all who dare to dream.
Directed by
Phil Alden Robinson
Written by
W.P. Kinsella (book) Phil Alden Robinson (screenplay)
Starring
Kevin Costner (Ray Kinsella); Amy Madigan (Annie Kinsella); Gaby Hoffmann (Karin Kinsella); Ray Liotta (Shoeless Joe Jackson); Timothy Busfield (Mark); James Earl Jones (Terence "Terry" Mann); Burt Lancaster (Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham); Frank Whaley (Archie Graham); Dwier Brown (John Kinsella). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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If you build it, he will come
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
Whether intentional or not Field of Dreams has strong Biblical connotations; the man, like Abraham, who hears a voice that comes from nowhere. Against all rationality he follows that voice; not caring for personal cost. And when he finally follows the voice that promises him "if you build it, they will come", he does indeed acquire an abundance of 'pilgrims'. There are a few minor issues in the film one could question, such as the promotion of the sixties nostalgia, a few swear words, and even a mention of good 'karma' at one point. These things make it surprising in some ways that the film has such clear Christian undertones, but at the same time they are small points, and do not detract away from the overwhelming message to follow your heart, your conscience, or even, if He comes calling, the Big Man Himself. Field of Dreams deserved its Oscar nominations for Best Writing and Best Picture, though in these days, with a dearth of real talent around, both Costner's and James Earl Jones's performances also stand out as being particularly exemplary. The synopsis to this film concludes "Field Of Dreams is a glowing tribute to all who dare to dream", it's also a glowing tribute to all those who dare to follow God's prompting in their lives.