Field of Dreams is, in the words of its makers, a baseball film that "isn't about baseball". Rather, it's a magical film that works its spell on all but the most hard-boiled of viewers, an altogether superior slice of apple-pie sentimentality. Kevin Costner plays a young Iowa farmer who finds himself pestered by a whispering voice urging him, "If you build it, he will come". With the consent of an uncharacteristically supportive Hollywood wife (Amy Madigan) he sets about building a baseball diamond in the middle of his land. This action invites the prospect of bankruptcy--however, it also invites the spirit of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, a baseball superstar disgraced following his role in the 1919 World Series scandal. The supernatural voices continue to urge Costner to "go the distance"--and he seeks out reclusive writer Thomas Mann (James Earl Jones) and "Doc" Graham (Burt Lancaster), impelled by purposes he is as yet unable to divine. Field of Dreams works because it touches so endearingly on themes of redemption, inner peace and the possibility of second chances--the "dreams" which elude most of us. It also cites baseball as an idyllic metaphor for all that is decent and constant about America. Costner gives immense plausibility to an utterly, deliberately implausible scenario.
On the DVD: Presented in anamorphic 1.78:1, the vivid, almost unnaturally natural Iowa colours are depicted to vivid effect (much of the diamond grass had to be painted green when it died). Generous extras include a making-of feature, an interview with WP Kinsella, author of the novel on which the book is based, and Costner. Director/writer Phil Alden Robinson also provides a director's commentary in which he describes the logistical difficulties of assembling 1500 automobiles for the memorable final scene. --David Stubbs
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Yes - I could see the game too... ...although I loaned the film to a colleague at work who could not see the point of the film. I kinda thought that was partly the essence of it. I've since read the book too and have to say that I prefer the film although the novel is very well written but there are a few differences between the two. Well acted, well shot and it is the stuff of dreams. If you can't see the point you won't see the game...
Pushes all your buttons Every now and then you find a film that just pushes all your buttons, it really speaks to you, no not "the voice", but to your heart. I am not ashamed to say that I cannot watch this film without crying, and I must have seen it at least twice a year, for a number of years now. It always gets me. A father son relationship that fell apart leaving regrets that could never be resolved, the beauty of this film is that it plays on a common problem that many men have with their fathers, and gives us all the... more info
Guaranteed To Make You Feel Good About Life FIELD OF DREAMS is a film about a man who pursues a big dream against heavy odds. In the process he serves as a catalyst for some remarkable events. The film is guaranteed to leave the viewer feeling good about life. It is adapted from a novel about Shoeless Joe Jackson by W.P. Kinsella. Kevin Costner stars as the man who has the dream and the strong supporting cast includes Amy Madigan, Gaby Hoffman, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster and Timothy Busfield. James Earl Jones gives a... more info
One of my favourite films For years my dad kept telling me to watch this film, and for years I ignored him. Foolishly. I bought this DVD about a year ago and have lost count of the amount of times I have watched it. It is, in my opinion, the best sports film I have ever seen (and I love sports films!) Whilst the soul of the film is about dreams and always believing in yourself no matter how hard it is, for me the real strength lies in the tenderness with which it addresses not just baseball, but sport as a whole. The simply... more info
![Field of Dreams [1989]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HPQE9NXTL._SL160_.jpg)
