The Shunning (2011)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

One of my all time favorites.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

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.

Absolutely lovely story about the coming of age of a young adopted woman. Especially impressed with the performances of Danielle Panabaker, who really nailed the Amish accent, and newcomer David Topp, who I hope will be brought back in what is sure to be a series of wonderful, family friendly movies. We are looking forward to the rest of the series.Would like to congratulate Michael Landon Jr. for choosing a terrific cast and crew, the beautiful filming of the movie makes it even more enjoyable. Also enjoyed the look inside the Amish culture, and, while I realize it may not all be exactly accurate, it is a compelling story which kept our whole family interested. We will be very disappointed if Hallmark does not decide to continue and finish the series. Would really like to see the same cast back for continuity, and because they were all really great!

Overall, this was a good movie and I really enjoyed it. However, I didn't like how it differed from the book in some aspects that are very important to the plot. I've read all three books in the series, so was excited to see the movie. I agree with a previous reviewer in that it does seem to be a bit rushed. Except for some things like wedding bands (real Amish don't wear any jewelry), it wasn't too Hollywood-ized. I expected it to vary from the book because every movie based on I book that I've seen did except for Band of Brothers. I do hope that Hallmark will continue with the series this year and not make us wait a couple of years for the next one as with the Sarah Plain and Tall series.

Okay, this was kind of mediocre up until the end, when it left everything hanging and did not resolve several of the major plot points. Are we looking at a series of films here?Unresolved issues included: 1. Does she get to see her mother before she dies? 2. Do her parents and the busy body midwife get into trouble for violating the shunning? 3. If her former boyfriend who taught her how to play the guitar (and who she promised to marry) still actually alive and living in a city somewhere? We are told that he drowned and that they never recovered the body, but he obviously wanted "out." (and where did he ever get that guitar in the first place?)4. Will she, if she returns, end up with The Bishop?Another thing... the shunning itself happened for the wrong reasons. You don't shun someone just because they left you at the altar and have some unresolved issues with their parents. This seemed like a contrived way to move along the plot. In reality, the Amish are a very forgiving people. They would not treat someone like this girl was treated for such minor things.Overall, I'd say that this was a very weak 4/10 (and that is probably being generous).