Places in the Heart (1984)

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

This is a fine movie, certainly, lit up by some truly great performances.First of all Sally Field's turn as the woman who has to learn how to run a cotton farm in the Depression when everything was stacked against her.Followed by Danny Glover's underwritten performance as Moze, the man who helps her do that.But, despite the fact that it received an Academy Award, I think the problem here, to the extent that it is a problem, is the script. It tries to cover too many stories, rather than developing the other main characters.Nor was I a fan of the directing. Too many atmospheric shots. I would rather have learned more about some of the characters, especially Moze.Still, a good movie, and one that will repay your watching it.

If you are looking for a film you'd describe as 'fun'....well, "Places in the Heart" is not the picture for you! However, it is still an exceptional film...lovingly made and well worth seeing.The film is set during the Great Depression. A Texas man is senselessly killed...leaving his wife with bills and two children to feed. Her situation looks pretty hopeless and the bank is recommending that she send her kids to live with relatives or a Home...which she will NOT do. With the help of a homeless black man (Danny Glover) and an unwilling blind boarder (John Malkovich), she struggles against all the odds to make a go of it.This is a very good film, filled with nice underplayed performances. My only quibble, and the reason I cannot give the film a 10, is that there is a subplot involving Ed Harris and Amy Madigan which simply has nothing to do with the rest of the film and is completely unnecessary. Still, you would have a hard time finding a better film from the era.

Sally Field is at her best here. 1984 was her year. 5 years earlier she did "Norma Rae" that won her an Oscar. And she does it again in "Places in the Heart". Set in 1935 Texas. The Great Depression was in affect. Field plays Edna Spalding, a housewife who ends up being a widow when her husband is accidentally shot and killed by a young drunk African American. He in return is dragged and later hanged. After the bank tells her that money is scarce, she is forced to sell her property. A drifter name Moses (Danny Glover) wanted to help Edna with the cotton fields. She declined the offer, but gives him a meal. Since both are in desperation, he steals the silver spoons, and she gives Moses the offer. Experienced in cotton picking, Moses explain on how it works. Though the bank was a bit unwilling with Edna's persistent nature, he enlisted his blind brother-in-law, Will (John Malkovich) to help the widow and Moses. Obstacles came out to hinder things: The storm. And the KKK after the first sale of cotton. Edna was grateful for Moses for his help, and he took it well with pride. Pride can get in the way of life, when someone offer you a hand, Take it. This movie is a winner. No doubt about that. Sally Field did very well, for the second time. This movie is a gem. A must see. 5 stars.

A wonderfully simple film, lovingly detailed art direction and costume design. The cinematography is excellent. The performances from everyone are notable. Sally Field gives a very convincing and heartfelt performance. The supporting cast is exemplary. Ed Harris, who is memorable in just about every film he is in, Lindsay Crouse, Amy Madigan, John Malkovich, and in particular Danny Glover. Impressive production throughout. There are a couple of scenes that are a little overdone, the tornado and the endless cotton picking scene, but overall the film comes together very well and it always held my interest throughout. Sally Field won an Oscar for her fine performance.