At Play in the Fields of the Lord (1991)

Martin and Hazel Quarrier are small-town fundamentalist missionaries sent to the jungles of South America to convert the Indians. Their remote mission was previously run by the Catholics, ... See full summary »

Director:

Hector Babenco

Writers:

Peter Matthiessen (based on the novel by), Jean-Claude Carrière (screenplay),

Stars:

Tom Berenger, John Lithgow, Daryl Hannah

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Berenger	...	Lewis Moon
John Lithgow	...	Leslie Huben
Daryl Hannah	...	Andy Huben
Aidan Quinn	...	Martin Quarrier
Tom Waits	...	Wolf
Kathy Bates	...	Hazel Quarrier
Stênio Garcia	...	Boronai
Nelson Xavier	...	Father Xantes
José Dumont	...	Commandante Guzman
Niilo Kivirinta	...	Billy Quarrier
S. Yriwana Karaja	...	Aeore
Jose Renato Lana	...	Uyuyu
Ruy Polanah	...	Kori
Carlos Xavante	...	Tukanu
Ione Machado	...	Pindi

Storyline

Martin and Hazel Quarrier are small-town fundamentalist missionaries sent to the jungles of South America to convert the Indians. Their remote mission was previously run by the Catholics, before the natives murdered them all. They are sent by the pompous Leslie Huben, who runs the missionary effort in the area but who seems more concerned about competing with his Catholic 'rivals' than in the Indians themselves. Hazel is terrified of the Indians while Martin is fascinated. Soon American pilot Lewis Moon joins the Indian tribe but is attracted by Leslie's young wife, Andy. Can the interaction of these characters and cultures, and the advancing bulldozers of civilization, avoid disaster?

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Plot Keywords:

missionary | tribe | civilization | nudity | environment | 

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Taglines:

An adventure beyond the limits of civilization, faith and passion.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and sensuality

Details

Country:

USA Brazil

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 December 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jugando en los campos del Señor

Filming Locations:

Belém, Pará, Brazil

Box Office

Budget:

$36,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$1,342,903 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Saul Zaentz Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

189 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The town of Mae de Deus was constructed on a large piece of land owned by Pirelli. After filming, the set was distributed to the locals as firewood.

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Quotes

Hazel Quarrier: Are we in Hell and just don't know it?

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Connections

Featured in Hollywood vs. Religion (1994)

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Soundtracks

"Just an Echo in the Valley"
Music by Harry M. Woods
Lyrics by Reginald Connelly

User Reviews

" If the Lord made them the way they are, why do you want to change them? "

Far from the boundaries of the modern world, live a primitive people who have existed naturally for thousands of years undisturbed. However, beginning with the European invasion of the 15th century and continuing unabated to the present, their culture, their tribal beliefs and even their very existence have come under siege. From a healthy population of thousands, they have been wantonly slaughtered and decimated to a handful of survivors. This film is one of a few which has the courage to illuminate the culprits of destruction. The Movie is called " At Play in the Fields of the Lord. " The story is that of Martin and Hazel Quarrier (Aidan Quinn and Kathy Bates) and their son Billy (Niilo Kivirinta) who were convinced by Leslie Huben (John Lithgow) and his wife Andy (Daryl Hannah) to move to South America and run a missionary outpost in the Brazlian jungle. Although it's Mr. Huben who's the fervent evangelical and enthusiastic force behind the mission, Martin desires to emulate him despite his inner doubts and misgivings. Into this mix is Lewis Moon (Tom Berenger) a modern Cheyenne originally hired to destroy the indigenous tribesmen, changes his mind and embraces their jungle life. Although warned by Commandante Guzman (Jose Dumont) and resident Catholic priest, Father Xantes (Nelson Xavier) not to expect success, the missionaries insist on forcing the natives to accept religious imposition despite the cost to the established tribes. The notion of change is contrary to the established peoples, but insisted on by the invading missionaries and their soul seeking agenda. Added to their destructive presence are the foreign businesses seeking wealth at the cost of the forest. The movie is a revelation of what is transpiring even now. The destruction of an entire Eco-system, the Rain Forest and the disappearing tribes are at the heart of this movie. Questioning his faith, Martin re-evaluates his decision when his son is stricken and his wife goes insane. The scenery of the pristine jungle and the tribes as well as the top notch acting of the cast is a plus for this incredible film. In the addition, its a prime candidate to become a Classic, despite it's length. ****