A farmer is compelled to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield,
and it attracts the spirits of long-dead baseball players. DRAMA/FANTASY/SPORT
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Field of Dreams (1989)Written and Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Gaby Hoffmann, Timothy Busfield, Burt Lancaster, Frank Whaley Based on the novel Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score (James Horner) |
Field of Dreams is an endearing celebration of baseball history, and a fantastic family drama about second chances. Led by Kevin Costner's finest performance, and an equally charming performance from James Earl Jones, Field of Dreams has become an American classic, and deservedly so. And this is coming from someone who barely gives two shits about baseball. That's the beauty of this film. It uses baseball as a plot device, but you don't have to know anything about it to enjoy the movie. Thank God.
Costner plays Ray Kinsella, a reluctant farmer who never got to say a proper goodbye to his father. When he begins hearing a voice in his cornfield saying "If you build it, he will come," he realizes he's supposed to turn his corn into a baseball diamond. When he does, he is greeted by the ghost of White Sox player "Shoeless" Joe Jackson (Liotta). Joe's presence legitimizes the voice for Ray's family, and suddenly Ray is on a quest to discover his purpose in all this. It's a touching journey with a host of poignant moments, and a truly touching ending. Amazingly, Field of Dreams didn't nab a single Oscar at the 1990 ceremony, and only scored three nominations. Despite this, I think it's become the most celebrated film of the five that were up that year for the top prize. I've had people all throughout my life constantly tell me I need to watch Field of Dreams. Now, I finally have, and it's a wonderful movie. |