Devil's Playground
2002 Directed by Lucy Walker
Synopsis
The Devil's Playground is a fascinating and moving documentary about a little-known aspect of Amish life. Amish are not permitted to join the church until their late teens, and have to do so of their own volition. The film explores Rumspringa, wherein young Amish are given the opportunity to explore the "English" way of life.
Cast
Genre
Popular reviews
More-
I have wanted to see this documentary for some time as I find the Amish lifestyle to be very interesting and intriguing. I grew up around many Amish people, there is a section of my hometown which is Amish-area, they have huge farms, stores where they sell baked goods and furniture. They also do work on your house if you hire them, good work, fast, efficient and cheaper than most contractors.
My Grandfather was from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he was 100% Pennsylvania Dutch, which means his family emigrated from Germany, where they most likely left to pursue their religion, which is very, very close to Amish. I remember every summer going down to Pennsylvania to visit his relatives, most specifically his…
-
Haunting documentary about the Amish youth who at 16 leave their homes to test their faith. Watched for research on Aphex Twin, whose music is used in the film.
-
An interesting enough insight into the difficulties and temptations faced by young Amish people deciding whether or not to devote their lives to the Church. Perhaps because of the age of those being filmed (mostly 16 year olds) the conversations and temptations are all fairly superficial i.e. the material world, wanting to drink, smoke, drive cars and play videogames. I feel their could have been more discussed about the deeper philosophical challenges faced by Amish people, conversing with astro-physicists or Atheists and having their fundamental religious beliefs challenged. The impression that I got was that the time away from the Amish community was basically to binge, not to question.
Recent reviews
More-
This is an incredible look at two very opposite modes of life. There have been a few times that I've asked myself if the complex and arbitrary system of competition and capitalism with an unhealthy blend of consumerism is the right way to go. Would I be happier if I just went out into the woods and focused on nothing but self improvement and family relationships?
I think so… But I also believe that there's work to do in the real world. An isolationist life is great and all, but I kind of enjoy having the weight of the world on my shoulders. it makes me feel important.
Anyways, about the film, this is a fascinating topic. I think I'm…
-
Unfortunately this film fell a bit short. Interesting topic, uninteresting documentary.
-
A documentary about Rumspringa, the time of freedom and exploration allowed to Amish youth at age 16. It’s educational, and a bit sad. Unfortunately it also feels a bit unfinished, and it doesn’t flow naturally. As much as I learned from it, I never felt like it reached into what these sheltered and confused kids are really thinking or feeling. Still, extremely interesting. Amish kids on drugs. Surprising.
-
I found this compelling and enjoyable, though the poor production values detract from the emotional impact of the film.
-
Haunting documentary about the Amish youth who at 16 leave their homes to test their faith. Watched for research on Aphex Twin, whose music is used in the film.
-
I have wanted to see this documentary for some time as I find the Amish lifestyle to be very interesting and intriguing. I grew up around many Amish people, there is a section of my hometown which is Amish-area, they have huge farms, stores where they sell baked goods and furniture. They also do work on your house if you hire them, good work, fast, efficient and cheaper than most contractors.
My Grandfather was from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he was 100% Pennsylvania Dutch, which means his family emigrated from Germany, where they most likely left to pursue their religion, which is very, very close to Amish. I remember every summer going down to Pennsylvania to visit his relatives, most specifically his…
-
Devil's Playground offers an interesting glimpse into a rite of passage for young Amish kids, but lacks any real scope, partly due to the secretive nature of the Amish, who don't like to be photographed.
-
Izrādās, ka visi Amish bērni 16 gadu vecumā tiek palaisti pasaulē izmēģināt visu pirms viņi oficiāli pieņem reliģiju. Rezultāts - narkotikas, cigaretes, alkohols un sekss 24/7. Dokumentārā filma par tēmu.
-
The subject matter of this film was something I was not very familiar with, but I was emotionally invested in the movie from the opening fifteen minutes. It is a very shocking and well done documentary. The study of the Amish cultural norms inside of American society is truly fascinating.