Faith Like Potatoes
Tags: romantic

Plot synopsis:
When Angus Buchan, a white Zambian farmer of Scottish origin, emigrates to escape political unrest and worrying land reforms, he looks south for a better life. With nothing more than a trailer in the untamed bush, and help from his Zulu foreman, Simeon Bhengu, the Buchan family struggles to settle in their new homeland. Faced with ever mounting challenges, hardships and personal turmoil, Buchan quickly spirals down into a life consumed by anger, fear and destruction. Finally, his wife convinces him to attend a local church, where the religious testimony of other farmers influence his decision to give his life to Jesus Christ. His outlook takes a complete turnaround, and supernatural occurrences begin to happen when Angus prays in faith. He begins giving his testimony in different towns, and eventually gathers thousands of people in Kings Park Stadium for a time of unified prayer for the nation and for the land. Traditionally a maize and cattle farmer, Buchan decides to plant potatoes. Scientists had warned the farmers not to plant that season unless they had irrigation. Because of the unprecedented drought, planting potatoes would be a massive risk. Believing he is led by the Lord, he plants potatoes in the dry dust. When harvest time comes, there is a crop of giant potatoes.

Review: 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.
May God bless everyone involved with the movie, as well as the real Buchan family.
If we can all master Angus Buchan's faith and attitude, we will at last see God's peace in South Africa..
The movie "Faith Like Potatoes" was excellent on several levels.
Well, "Faith Like Potatoes" is about 10 times more evangelistic, 100 times more heart wrenching, and every bit as inspiring.
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 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.
I compared "Faith Like Potatoes" to the movie "Chariots of Fire" because they have a similar use of words.
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.
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!
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.
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!
I have been inspired just reading some of the comments here on Faith Like Potatoes.
The rules are the same for all of us, the difference between great generals for God like Angus Buchan and the average Joe Blob is Faith!
It is people like Zaccheus who catch the attention of Jesus, that causes him to say to the one man out of a multitude "I'm coming to your house!!" If we stopped philosophizing and putting action to our Faith we will also get God's attention.
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.
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.
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.
(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..
Excellent South African Christian Movie...
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 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..
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.
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.
It is a beautifully moving story about redemption and grace as seen in real life situations that people face every day.
This is a movie without the glamor and glitz of a big budget Hollywood production, but without losing any of the emotion and simplicity which is so real to those who believe in God. A definite must see for strong at heart.
The very fact that such an obviously Christian movie has made it to the big screen circuit is a miracle in itself.The storyline is simple and, amazingly, believable.
I enjoyed the film on a purely personal and emotional level, and am willing to predict that even non-Christian, or purely nominal Christians, will find this a wonderful journey of personal discovery.Whether you agree with the central message or not is immaterial, this is a must see movie for anyone who enjoyed films like "A River Ran Through It", "Dead Poet's Society", "My Girl" or similar.I'm going to stick my head out and predict that this movie will be a big financial success, even in today's secular society..
He regularly have sermons in Hopefield in the Swartland and miracles is an everyday part of life there just as it is in mine and every other person with a personal relationship with God.The miracles in the movies are easily believable and so is the whole story.
I'd been wanting to watch this movie for a while seeing as this guy has become a bit of a celebrity in South Africa, but i did not expect it to have such a profound effect on me.
It is really an inspirational story for anyone, across racial or religious barriers, and offers a fascinating look into the life of farmers in South Africa.
I couldn't fault the film, it made me proud to live in South Africa, and privileged to witness such an amazing true story..
Faith-based movies tend to get a bad rap for the qualities that they lack compared to secular films, so what's more important?
There are movies out there that have great performances, terrific casting, excellent cinematography, a good story, and well-written script, but are morally bankrupt with not an ounce of emphasis on personal integrity or honorable qualities.Then there are films which have poor acting, miscast actors, bland cinematography, a competent story, and a jagged script, but they have a lot more to offer a person in terms of value and virtue that's actually applicable to life.
It's got a great message and tells a real story, without being so far off in to the distance that it isn't good, as the main character is a man who begins flawed but grows in to someone much more mature in the end.
A lot of the credit would have to go to the acting because the work was put in, delivering believable performances, while the film on a story level could actually be unpredictable at times, even having the self-awareness to recognize the oddity within the title.
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..
It was wonderful to see this movie, a truly well filmed, well presented film that has high standards of cinematography and a well paced and well written storyline.
Sheer dedication of raw emotion coming through in the acting also makes this movie brilliant to watch.
A story about a man who knows of a God but doesn't really know God. It is a great film.
This is a Christian film from South Africa and possibly the best I've seen.
I watched it with great open mindness, because a lot of film directors are out to make you believe something that is not right.
We were both deeply touched and moved, at times with tears, while watching this movie.
It has a strong evangelical, Christ centered messaged based on the true story of Angus Buchan, a farmer who started Shalom Ministries in South Africa.It shows how God can use anyone who is surrendered to Him!
Wow what a great movie, it pulls on the heart strings and shows what can happen with some faith The acting was real, the acting was great the story was so so good and real, there i said it again So many movies out there have these happy endings and what not but this movie showed real like and heart ache.I can really relate with the main guy because i struggle with anger at times and it is cool to see it for real in a movie!
I like that there were a lot of struggles but he kept trying I think you should really watch this movie Enjoy!.
Christian film from South Africa.
Mundane South African biography about a struggling farmer who turns to God. 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 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.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 56 minutes and was shot in South Africa.
As I watched I began to grasp the story of this young family living in the wilds of South Africa, kind of like a more modern Little House on the Prairie (which I loved as a child).
However, I took no issue with this as it was a part of this man's true life story (which I'd become engrossed in) & had nothing but admiration for him as he overcomes many adversities & his new-found faith is tested.
It was quite inspirational how this simple farmer evolves into a man who through his faith had the courage to share the precious gift he received with not merely his local community but eventually to crowded stadiums, continuing through his book & movie to touch no doubt millions of people.
Needless to say I was moved, it was a film I will remember & left me wanting to learn more about this man, his family & the work they were doing.
(Now that I'm back online had the chance to see a video of the real Angus appearing on the 700 Club around the time of the film's original release.
He still lived in the original house they built & SHALOM expanded to help many more children - maybe faith is truly like potatoes after all)..
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!
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.
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.
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..
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 !
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.
The movie seemed to be a series of disconnected events in this man's life - small crises showcasing God's interventions.
it was just more of the same until finally, the stadium event happened after which Angus got his potatoes ...
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!.
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..
It is a great film for showing at church or prayer groups but technically and visually this film is one of the worst I have seen from South Africa.
I have no doubt that Faith Like Potatoes changed many lives in South Africa (I would like to believe for the good).
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.
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.
If you watch the 2nd DVD of how the movie was made, you will understand how the "flaws" of this movie is really a blessing.This was a wonderful family movie.The movie was shot on location where the events actually happened, and not in some place foreign like a lot of other movies based on true stories.I think every one should watch this movie.
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.
The main character Angus Buchan, and his family fall on hard times.
Frank Rautenbagh's acting as Angus is wonderful, while Jean Wilhelm's performance is a little weak, however, this could be due to the writing of the character in the script - perhaps not having enough room for development.