Watch Places in the Heart

Places in the Heart is a touching and emotionally-driven drama film from the year 1984 that deals with the themes of resilience, hope, and family values. Starring the well-known actress Sally Field in the leading role, this movie depicts the struggles and challenges faced by a group of people from rural Texas during the Great Depression era.

The plot revolves around a woman named Edna Spalding, portrayed by Sally Field, who is left widowed with two children and with a farm to run after her husband is tragically killed. Unfazed by the difficulties, Edna takes upon herself the challenge of keeping her family afloat while also keeping the farm running by harvesting cotton. With the help of her loyal friends, like the blind boarder Mr. Will (John Malkovich) and the wealthy widow Jeremey (Lindsay Crouse), Edna tries to survive in tough economic times while dealing with bigoted townsfolk who look down upon her.

Things get even more complicated when Edna's farm is threatened to be seized by a ruthless banker named Tyson (Lane Smith), who shows no mercy towards farmers and only cares about profit. In the end, the characters in the film band together to try to overcome their difficulties and preserve their way of life.

What makes Places in the Heart stand out is its depiction of human resilience and the power of community in the face of slow-changing societal norms. The film is essentially a character study of Edna and the people she surrounds herself with. Through the little moments in everyday life, Places in the Heart eloquently demonstrates the kindness and inner strength of the characters, particularly Edna.

The performances in the movie are top-notch, particularly Sally Field who shines as Edna Spalding. Field delivers a raw and nuanced performance, portraying the character's grief, perseverance, and ultimate triumph with ease. The dynamics between the other actors also feel authentic, particularly Lindsay Crouse's portrayal of the socially daring and straight-talking widow Jermey, and Ed Harris' powerful performance as the alcoholic drifter, Wayne, who provides a surprising contribution to the cause of saving the farm.

The film's pacing is also noteworthy, as the filmmakers manage to balance the slow-paced moments of reflection and character-building with the more dramatic, action-packed parts of the film. The cinematography is beautiful and captures the essence of life in rural Texas during the Great Depression perfectly. The soundtrack, composed by John Kander, adds an emotional depth to the movie and complements the visuals effectively, giving it a classic and timeless feel.

In summary, Places in the Heart is an engaging and heartwarming film that showcases the power of resilience and community in overcoming challenges. Under the talented direction of Robert Benton, the film tells a powerful story with strong performances, impressive visuals, and a memorable soundtrack. Although it is set in the past, the struggles faced by the characters are still relevant today, and the film serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, compassion, and human connection.

Places in the Heart is a 1984 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 70.