Product Description

Traditional and modern values collide when a big city journalist becomes the sole guardian of her Amish sister's children, and she must decide what ki

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7170 in DVD
• Brand: Fox
• Released on: 2008-01-15
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
• Dubbed in: English
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 103 minutes

Amazon.com
Directed by Michael Landon, Jr., Saving Sarah Cain is a sweet film with an Afterschool Special vibe about a family thrown together by unfortunate circumstances. When her Amish sister dies, Sarah (Lisa Pepper, What About Brian) is forced to question her priorities. Should she move to Pennsylvania where the children feel safe within their Amish community, or should she relocate them to Oregon where she has a successful career as a newspaper columnist? Presuming that the children are more adaptable than she is, Sarah opts for the latter and gives it a shot at making the kids feel at home. But the five orphans have a difficult time trying to fit in to the modern world. They also are still grieving the loss of their mother, whose ways were much different than that of their more abrupt aunt. Like his father, the younger Landon has a deft touch at creating scenarios that are heart-tugging, but not too maudlin. The fish-out-of-water concept isn't a new one, but it's executed well by both Pepper and the young actors portraying the children. Though the film tries to force a surprise ending, the outcome is expected and welcome. And while no one has a miraculous change of heart, the viewer can see that the sextet is creating its own kind of family--one that works for within the frame of their unique circumstances. --Jae-Ha Kim

Customer Reviews

Favorite Lewis book now a favorite movie! 5 Stars all the way!
I was hesitant to buy this movie since I love the book by Lewis and thought no one could make a film to do it justice. I also live in Western PA among Amish and know many well. I didn't think they could be portrayed right either. I was so wrong! Landon did an excellent job! I cried! This movie is so touching! The acting is EXCELLENT! The story of redemption shines through clearly. I have to buy this movie for many who feel like Sarah in the beginning...hurt by life and very hard toward God and others...this movie shows the way back home to God & family... We need more movies like this!

Very rough start but ends strong
This adaptation of Beverly Lewis' novel The Redemption of Sarah Cain is another commendable addition to the oeuvre of telefilm producer/director Michael Landon, Jr. Taking great liberties with the plot of the novel, the picture turns the usual Witness-esque story of the 'English' trying to adapt to the life of the Amish on its head. It places the devout orphans of the protagonist's recently departed sister in the heart of a major city and explores the effect it has on their hearts and their family dynamic.

The beginning of the film is worrisome due to extremely clunky dialogue that sounds like it was cobbled from a book of movie journalism cliches. All the editor (played with sorely-needed light humor by Elliott Gould of M*A*S*H and Ocean's 11 fame) needed was a cigar to chomp on and he'd be straight out of a comic strip.

Fortunately, things improve dramatically once Sarah Cain starts interacting earnestly with her sister's children. Landon's skill at drawing convincing performances from kids is highlighted throughout the rest of the film and, by the end, YOU may want to adopt some of them! And leading lady Lisa Pepper (of Anthony Hopkins' indie film Slipstream) is frequently good and shows great potential for success. She's very easy on the eyes (it's part of the Hollywood equation, folks) and definitely plays well opposite children.

My favorite part may be the flashback sequence at the end. I won't spoil it for you but it's very appropriate to the character and is beautiful, ethereal, evocative, and expertly photographed and edited.

Good to watch - then have family disussion
Good FAMILY movie.
It will be a reference point for family discussions about life, values, even death of a parent.
Best of all, no part of this movie is not child friendly.

It didn't "hold" my older girls attention....but I bet she will want to watch it again.
I bought the book too and hope to start it soon.