Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Field of Dreams came out back in 1989. It was directed by Phil Alden Robinson, who also wrote and directed the movie "Sneakers" in 1992, which stared Robert Redford, and Dan Akroyd. While he has not had very many films to his credit over the years, he is one of those Directors that excels at every film that he is involved in. Field of Dreams was nominated for 3 academy awards in 1990, which included Best Picture, and best writing. Though the film did not pull out a victory, it just goes to show how good this film really was.


The movie stars Kevin Costner, as a farmer living in Iowa who hears a voice in the field one day. Minding his business, checking out his cornfields, he hears a voice whisper "If you build it, he will come." Now Costner, of course, has no idea what this means, but after thinking about it, and discussing it with his wife (Amy Madigan), he comes to the conclusion that the "voice" wants him to build a baseball field. Now, I know, this is starting to sound like the man is going crazy, and everyone around him thinks the same thing. That is everyone, except his wife. She supports anything that he decides to do, and when he decides to build the field, she stands behind him 100%.


Of course, building a baseball field is by no means a cheap thing. On top of that, to build the field, Costner must plow under his entire crop of corn. This is very costly, and soon the family is in debt to the bank with no source of income. Even after the field is built, Costner has no idea exactly why he has been told to build the field, or what he is going to do with it. Costner puts all of his heart and soul into building this field, and the end result is a treat for the eyes indeed! Just looking at it can bring back memories of seeing baseball games in the past.


I am sure it was the intent of the Director to present something that would be very pleasing to the eye of the audience, and make us think that it was a familiar sight to anyone involved in baseball. But when Costner is done, the field just sits there. And sits there. Then, all of a sudden, a baseball player shows up on the field and this shocks Costner immensely. The baseball player turns out to be Shoeless Joe Jackson (and is played by Ray Liotta). Joe Jackson was a ballplayer who became great playing for the Cleveland Indians in the early 1900's. He went to the Chicago White Sox and became wrapped up in the Black Sox scandal of 1919. What happened here, was the starting 8 of the Black Sox were found guilty of throwing games in the World Series for money. Because of this, these players were thrown out of the game of baseball, and told never to set foot on the field again. Liotta does a great job of playing a ball-player who just wants another chance to be in "the game."


The interaction between Liotta and Costner is great, and they play off of each other very well in their roles. Finding that he has a great time on the field, Liotta asks permission to bring back some of his friends to play on the field. Those friends happen to be the 7 other people who were kicked out of baseball. They are all just trying to find a place to play ball. The mysterious thing always happens at the end of the day though. The players walk into the corn stalks in the outfield, and suddenly disappear. It leave the audience to determine on their own exactly what they are and where they are from.


The movie does not stop there though, a Costner hears the voice again. He is sent to find the character played by James Earl Jones (Terence Mann). Mann is a writer, and the mystery grows as the audience tries to determine what role he will play in the film. Jones's character is very well played, and he complements the film perfectly. I will stop there with my plot description so as to not give away too much of the movie. But, let me assure you that from this point on in the movie, the acting, and the story itself becomes too good for words. As the family tries to save their farm, they are also faced with the question of why the people are coming to the field.


Want a twist in the plot? Only Costner and his daughter can even see the players at the beginning of the film. The question soon becomes: are they simply imagining the whole thing?


This is by far the best baseball movie ever made. It not only glorifies the game of baseball, but makes the black marks on it seem insignificant in the big picture. But, this movie goes far beyond just baseball, and delves into the thoughts of family, the desire to reconcile with ones loved ones, and resolutions in life as well. With Costner, Jones, and Liotta, all at the top of their acting games, this film soars. In fact, it soars right into what I would consider one of my top 10 favorite films of all time.


The film is one that the whole family can enjoy for a couple of reasons. The language stays pretty tame throughout the duration, and it has none of the violence that seems to be needed in today's films. This is a film that will touch your heart, and make you think about what life could all be about. I highly recommend this movie to anyone that is a fan of baseball, or a fan of movies themselves.








Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12