The Shunning

7.2 stars.

I somewhat enjoyed the poignant factors in 'The Shunning'. It's not at all what I was expecting. We see some short scenes of a girl who we know is Amish, yet she's living in the secular world. But that was only a short scene, so I'm wondering if it was a daydream, or a flash into the future, or if the whole film was a flashback. But I'm not bothering to rewind and see exactly what I missed, I'm going to move on to the sequel.

Like I said, this film is enjoyable enough for a viewing. I'll probably not watch it again...well maybe in 15 years or so, who knows. My re-watch list generally has to be a 7.5 or higher.

Not much else to say except it's a touching story, but there is too much wasted potential. The plot is too basic. I think that's because they planned two sequels. Maybe next time make one sequel, pack more of a wallup two movies, instead of watering down three.

Although I'm quite skeptical about films with a strong religious element, I did very much enjoy this story still. It's a "feel good drama" and I do love to see lives different from my own, and I think this film does this well.

Although I do think many people can connect with trying to figure out who you are in the world, and not quite feeling like you fit in or belong. I think it's pretty well written overall. It has some cheesy lines from the religious folk, who try and help Katie, but I think they can be forgiven because the characters are quite endearing.

Having read all the books in the series, I was really looking forward to this movie. Many people have complained about the fact that this movie did not follow the books. I think most movies that are made from books are quited different from the books themselves. Still, even though the book and the movie were quite different from each other I thought the movie was wonderful! The characters were very believable and if you just enjoy the movie without thinking of the book I think you will find it extremely enjoyable. I myself hope they continue on with the series and make each one into a movie. Even the Love's series by Janet Oke were quite different once put into a movie. Still, it is a great family movie and one that the whole family can watch without blushing or worrying about language. I am thankful for movies like this that prove you can have a good movie without all the trash. Keem em coming!!

I bought this movie simply because Sherry Stringfield was listed in the cast. I watched it with my 16 year old daughter who is also adopted. She loved the story. I loved the premise of the story. We even found the whole illegal adoption part to be believable. I am also versed in Amish tradition but did not allow anything to detract from the story being told. I was disappointed because there were so many things left hanging. I would have loved to see more in regards to the Bishop's family dynamics. I would have loved to know more about how Laura went from dire straits to heiress. I really would have loved to see a physical connection with Laura and Katie to see where that relationship would have gone. And I really, really would have loved seeing Daniel and Katie finding each other again. Guess I am going to have to read the book. Sigh. However, many MANY kudos to Michael Landon, Jr. for attempting to bring back family friendly television viewing. He succeeded in MY house.

I don't care how accurate the film adaption of the Amish life is or whether the characters really look Amish. I think most people are not familiar with those details and are more concerned with how the film made them feel and was there a good story. I thought the story was very interesting, relate able and heartwarming. I haven't seen a film this moving in a long time. The best part of the movies is that it is a film my 10 year old daughter could watch. I thought the cast did an exceptional job, I especially liked the boy who played Daniel, David Topp. He is adorable and I think my daughter has found her new "teen idol". Would love to see what happens next. I am definitely going to buy the book.