Rating: 
Summary: A BRIGHTNESS OF HOPE
Review: In our home, on Sundays, regular television broadcasting is entirely avoided, as well as most secular movies. We generally watch only what we call "scripture movies"--those specifically designed to support gospel teaching. "Lilies of the Field", while secular does indeed support gospel principles in a wonderfully subtle, simple, yet poignant and entertaining way. The film encourages serving others, recognizing that our Heavenly Father loves all of us equally despite our differences of race, religion, etc., that we are all blessed with gifts which He intends for us to use to serve His purposes and in so doing serve our "neighbor".
Sidney Portier's Oscar-winning performance is spectacular. But when has it not been? You finish watching this film and want to go out and perform some unselfish service for someone with as much grace, care and good humor as "Schmidt". Yes, initially, Homer would have liked to have been paid. As it turns out he was, just not in cash. He gained the view of himself as being of much greater worth than "mammon" and a peaceful release of a self-sabotaging pride in the of realization of at least one of his dreams. For once the chapel is complete, he carves his name in so obscure a place that no one else is ever likely to see it and give him credit for the building. But that's okay with Homer now, HE KNOWS that he may truly call himself contractor, engineer and Master Craftsman.
Not only is this movie delightful for its life lessons, but for its ability to appeal to anyone, hopefully, everyone. I have three sons, ten and under. All of them are as in love with video games and gratuitously, action-packed films as any other boys I know. Still, whenever the boys have a Monday off from school ("Lilies..." is feature length unlike "scripture movies",so they are allowed to stay up late enough to watch it), the Sunday viewing line up WILL, invariably, include "Lilies of the Field" -- THEIR choice. Indeed, my oldest claims it as one of his favorites, right up there with Star Wars films. It makes me happy since it is of such high quality and has been one of my favorites since childhood, too.
The HOPE I mention in my subject line refers to this film's managing to retain a full dose of it, notwithstanding the tests of time, the scarcity of respectable, humble male African American characters in film, plummeting values and standards in all forms of entertainment, fluctuating race/nation relations and the increasing frenzy to acquire money and things by any means--good or evil--necessary.
We watch this film on DVD and the quality is perfectly sufficient.
Rating:
Summary: Want the DVD Version of "lilies of the field"
Review: It's a wonderfull film but not on DVD. Please send my a e-mail how I become this film on DVD. Thank`s Amazon
Rating:
Summary: One of the great Classics of the 20th Century
Review: It's real simple. If you haven't seen this movie, IT IS A MUST SEE! While it is now 40 years old, it's age does not detract in the least. It's about man's relationship with himself, with others, and his understanding of a greater purpose in life. If I were trying to make a good impression on an alien from another planet - with respect to humanity - I would show him this movie.
Rating:
Summary: One of the great Classics of the 20th Century
Review: It's real simple. If you haven't seen this movie, IT IS A MUST SEE! While it is now 40 years old, it's age does not detract in the least. It's about man's relationship with himself, with others, and his understanding of a greater purpose in life. If I were trying to make a good impression on an alien from another planet - with respect to humanity - I would show him this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: "EVERYONE stand up!"
Review: Let me start this off with one irreversible fact: I am not a religious person. Thus it is a pleasant surprise for me to be charmed by a film which, quite simply, is about faith. Not faith in the traditional evangelical sense, which is perhaps why it appeals to me; it's about faith in other people, in honesty and commitment, and...sappy as it sounds...in doing good. One key reason why I enjoyed "Lilies of the Field" is because my favorite films are character-centred dramas (especially black and white ones!). This is just one in a list of such films released under MGM's "Vintage Classics" DVD label, joining the ranks of such greats as "12 Angry Men", "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "Elmer Gantry". They are simple, well-scripted and directed films that, when all is said and done, sink or swim on the quality of one thing: an actor's performance, in this case the legendary Sidney Poitier. He carries the character of Homer Smith with expert precision, neither making him overly-compassionate or overly-selfish (a lesser actor might have gone one of these two directions), and very much deserving of the Academy Award he won. He is of course joined by several quality supporting actors, most notably Lilia Skala as the cantankerous Mother Maria and Stanley Adams in a rare dramatic role as the gas station owner, Juan. Ultimately, the story is a little on the thin side - it is _very_ simplistic, even more so than most movies of its kind - and some characters, especially the other nuns, do little more than nod and smile, but the natural warmth and humor of the film carry it the full 95-minute length and leave the viewer feeling satisfied. It is a very charming picture and great for the whole family...especially during the holidays (despite having no actual holiday 'ties'). Even if you're a bit skeptical, give it a try - I don't think you'll regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Poitier Great in Small Movie
Review: Mostly its just Poitier showing his acting chops. He is awesome. One of his finest roles. Wise & funny. A simple man thrust into an absurd situation rises to the occasion. Poitier was all about dignity and responsibility.
Rating:
Summary: Amen.
Review: Simple, uncluttered, charming- sadly, this film could not be made today simply because the mentality of so many Hollywood studios is steeped in formulaic storytelling: more sensationalism (they would want Homer Smith to exude more action, and maybe have a hot romance), and more youth (the 36-year old Sidney Poitier would be considered too old for the role today; Hollywood would want a younger, and definitely "edgier" actor to do the role now. Ice Cube? Mekhi Phifer?) As it is, the story gets to the point in short order, and gives a stronger lesson about teamwork, tolerance, and faith in its 94 minutes than most modern films do today (I'm sure there are cynics who'll read this and pigeonhole it in so-called 'political correctness' because it dares to mention positive race relations, but whether you agree or not, that is part of the world we live in). One could even argue that Poitier's relationship with Mother Superior Lilia Skala never really reaches a warm-and-fuzzy breakthrough, but I accept that compromise based on the fact that the characterizations are tight as a drum, and leave little room for a 180-degree change. (After the completion of the chapel there are various facial ponders, but no further dialogue; only the chant of "Amen-" as it should be.) Check it out, and marvel at a film that cost less than a quarter million dollars to make.
Rating:
Summary: NOTICE HOW THERE AREN'T ANY RATINGS BELOW 5 STARS???
Review: The reason for that is simply because this movie is great. It's simple. Simply great. It's an all around nice movie, unlike so many ridiculous, time and money wasters being vomited from Hollywood these days.
If you just don't want to slog through another "HIT SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER OF THE YEAR!!!", then this is the one for you!
Rating:
Summary: Simple
Review: There isn't much more to say about it. It's a simple movie, to the point. Simple but great.
Rating:
Summary: Lilies of the Field is a Work of ART!
Review: This amazing movie used to be shown on TV, usually between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I fell in love with this movie from the 1st time I saw it. Sydney Poitier deserved his Oscar for this and you will immediately see why he became a star. "They don't make 'em like this anymore" is an understatement. Now, only available on video, I urge you to buy this movie. Sit down, relax and enjoy a real story line, no special effects, no violence, no swearing and the most amazing true talent you will ever see. To top it off, this is a story that leaves you feeling good and you will be humming "AMEN"
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