Rent Field of Dreams (1989)

A Magical Delight - Field of Dreams review by GI

This is an unusual film but it's so magical, heart warming and one of the few films that literally brings a tear to my eye every time I watch it. A film about life, its regrets and lost opportunities wrapped up in a gentle fantasy story that ranks alongside such classics as It's A Wonderful Life (1946) and Harvey (1950) (there's a small scene from this in the film). Even for a non-American the narrative focus on baseball matters not as this isn't a sports film despite that game playing a key part, as this is a story about getting a second chance to right wrongs. Kevin Costner is Ray who runs a small corn farm in Iowa with his wife, Karen (Amy Madigan) and their young daughter. When he keeps hearing a ghostly voice urging him to "build it and he will come" he is perplexed but it persists and Ray feels driven to plough over a cornfield and build a baseball pitch. This causes no end of financial trouble for Ray but something very magical happens. An unusual story and yet it works on every level from the reinforcing the strength of family, the idea to follow dreams and instincts in life and that ultimately there's more to life than one can possibly imagine. This is a real treat, a film to enjoy time and time again and hosts a stunning cast including Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster in his last film. In short it's perfect.