Faith Like Potatoes DVD Review

Faith Like Potatoes comes to DVD April 7th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. This award-winning faith-based movie is adapted from a best selling novel and was one of the top-grossing films of 2006 in South Africa. The inspiring story about a South African farmer and his Zulu farmhand now makes its US DVD debut.

The movie takes place in the hills of KZN Midlands, a rough part of the South African landscape, where farmers are routinely killed. Angus Buchan (Frank Rautenbach) and his family are struggling to maintain their livelihood. This has pushed Buchan to the brink and has caused him to take his frustration out on his family and his workers. Throw some natural distasters an a severe personal tragedy into the mix, and you can see the signs of a troubled life.

In the midst of his personal struggles, Angus, who has no formal higher education or theological training, makes the decision to give his life to God. He immediately begins to share his faith though not initially popular with his friends. Soon, Angus sets his sights on a large rally for the local farmers to pray for relief and rain. He goes on to help African AIDS orphans and develops homes for the homeless. The real life Angus Buchan built the “Mighty Men” project for farmers that drew over 200,000 men to greater faith and family leadership.

Faith Like Potatoes won the People’s Choice Award at the 2006 Saboath International Film Festival. It also won Best Feature at the 2006 Mumbai International FICTS Festival.

The movie Faith Like Potatoes is obviously dramatized a bit, but it is great to see the amazing real life story of Angus Buchan and his family and friends. It is a truly inspiring story of faith because it did not come easy to Angus. He had some real personal tragedies and issues to deal with. Out of his despair, though, God lifted him to great things and he went on to be a great servant to the people in his part of South Africa. This movie is a great family film and it delivers a nice message for men and families.

Faith Like Potatoes was directed by Regardt van der Bergh, produced by Frans Cronje and stars Frank Rautenbach, Hamilton Dhlamini, Jeanne Wilhelm, Sean Cameron Michael, and Candice D’Arcy.

Bonus Features Include:
• Documentary on the Real Life of Angus Buchan
• Commentary with Filmmakers
• Featurette: The Making of Faith Like Potatoes

Grade: B+

Starring: Frank Rautenbach, Hamilton Dhlamini, Jeanne Wilhelm, Sean Cameron Michael
Director: Regardt Van Den Bergh

Reviewed by Neil