Lilies of the Field
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Movie Reviews of Lilies of the Field
Movie Review: Has a mythic universality
Summary: 5 Stars
This film teaches with an almost mythic universality. Into the Arizona desert come exiles from disparate places: Eastern Europe, Mexico, Africa. It isn't clear how many of them will be staying. But, still, a chapel needs building, for a new faith community. And the Mother Superior (Lilia Skala) is determined to get it built despite the poverty, even if she has to be pushy and sneaky about it. Into her life, and the lives of the other nuns, rolls an itinerant black handyman (Sidney Poitier). A product of modern life, he can seem loud and thick-skinned, but, inside, he's a genuinely nice guy. He's the perfect foil to be tricked into building something he does not yet realize he is aching to build.
Spoiler Alert! The following reveals the (rather obvious) ending:
The Mother Superior never quite thanks the handyman for staying and building the chapel, and the handyman never quite thanks her for giving him a chance to build something he would proudly sign his name to. But you can see the thanks in their eyes. This aspect of the film is part of its timeless allure. Through ambition, resentment, push, and shove; despite sometimes hilarious conflict, we get things done. In the end no one person wins, because everyone wins. A new chapel is built in the desert.
Movie Review: Life Affirming Experience
Summary: 5 Stars
I was born in 1963 the year "Lilies of the Field" was released. It's not possible for me to gauge the impact this gentle film had in easing tensions in a racially fraught time in our country. Fortunately, this film is not merely a time capsule curio but one whose message of universal kindness and understanding is timeless. Why this film is not a heavy-handed message film is that director Ralph Nelson leavens the proceedings with light-hearted humor that would win over the most hard-hearted cynic. The film is also blessed with a towering performance by Sidney Poitier as handyman Homer Smith. Smith is a talented but directionless man who does not find his life calling until a group of Eastern bloc nuns entreat upon him to build them a chapel to serve a Mexican migrant congregation. The impulse could have been for Poitier to play Homer as some kind of Superman but he manages to tap into the foibles and humor of the character. Poitier won the Oscar for this role and in this case the Academy got it right. I can't recall a film where he's been better. He's matched well with the stern taskmaster Mother Superior played by Lilia Skala. In this season of good will, or any time of the year, this film is essential viewing. Amen.Movie Review: Independent films of the 60's
Summary: 5 Stars
I watch this film repeatedly to feel good. It's simple, strong and to the point. Ralph Nelson, director, was lucky enough to get Poitier to bring vibrant life to the simple novel of William Barrett. Poitier won the Oscar, and most deserved (some may take issue that Albert Finney's Tom Jones should've). One thing that some people miss is the fact that the nuns had been through hell, and so has the Black man. Once they connect, and understand each others' hell (or redemption), life goes on and goodness happens. I take exception with previous reviewers who said the townsfolk were inadequate; Stanley Adams has always been a reliable actor (Summer & Smoke). The new respect for independent film makes me think that this is a better film than we realize. The best thing of all is that any actor, of any color, could play this role. Hispanics play an important part, though none of it is important. Working together, what a concept; even in 1963. I will always be impressed with this film. PS~After repeated viewings, I was thinking that when Homer first approaches the nuns habitat, with a different music score, this could be a slasher film. Thank God for the simple 60's sensibilities...Movie Review: A-men!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a classic film. I saw it new, in the theater, when I was a kid, but unlike most movies of the same time period (late 50s, early 60s) it is not dated at all. FINALLY, finally, finally, it is available for home viewing.
If you are too young to be familiar with this film, consider the following points:
This movie is the defining moment of Sidney Poitier's long and distinguished career. I would say it is the film that made Poitier famous, although some might disagree with me.
American popular culture usually does a really bad and dishonest job of dealing with religious issues, but this movie is an exception. It has as much integrity as Huckleberry Finn deciding to go to hell instead of betraying his friend Jim. This movie is much more light-hearted than Mark Twain, but they share an accurate view of the way people really approach religion in their personal lives. Juan has paid his insurance, Senor!
Last but not least, even if you are too young to have seen this movie -- even if you have never even heard of it -- you have sung the theme song at summer camp. Sing along and enjoy!
Movie Review: Amazing Catholic Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great movie in general and especially for any Catholic family. It is very entertaining with great acting from Sidney Poitier, as would be expected. But it is especially significant for Catholics. It shows us how God calls us to certain tasks in life. We can choose to disobey His Will, or we can choose to follow it. But if we choose to follow it, we should not expect thank you's, rewards, money, or even any recognition. The character played by Poitier is not treated well by the nuns at all, and yet he decides to accomplish what he was asked to do. Not that the nuns are portrayed badly, they are wonderful, pious sisters who humbly serve God and want the best for everyone, but are also determined and head strong: someone like Mother Teresa who if she was promised something by an official of a foreign government or company (for example building a orphanage), she would stubbornly pursue the issue until it was accomplished by that official. For those who love Catholic liturgy and history, figure out why the priest during the Mass in the movie is wearing sunglasses.