Run the Wild Fields

Run the Wild Fields is a heartwarming drama film that was directed by Paul A. Kaufman and released in the year 2000. It stars Joanne Whalley, Sean Patrick Flanery, Cotter Smith, Alexa Vega, and Pleasance Crawford. The movie has a runtime of 92 minutes, and it tells the story of a woman named Ruby (Joanne Whalley) and her two children, Opal (Alexa Vega) and Beryl (Pleasance Crawford), who are struggling to keep their farm property in Virginia after the sudden death of Ruby's husband.

The story of Run the Wild Fields revolves around the struggles of Ruby as she tries to hold her family farm together while dealing with the grief of her husband's loss. Her deceased husband was a Marine, who passed away while serving his country, leaving Ruby with a young family to raise and a farm to run. With very little money, Ruby begins to feel the pressure of making ends meet and keeping the family farm afloat.

As the story progresses, viewers are introduced to the mysterious and charming Tom (Sean Patrick Flanery), a drifter who is passing through town. Ruby is wary of the new stranger, even though her children are captivated by his easygoing personality. Tom offers to help Ruby around the farm, and this help turns into a thing of necessity as the farm starts to fall into disrepair. As Tom becomes more involved in the family's lives, Ruby begins to wonder about his true intention and what his presence means for the future of the farm.

As the characters move through the story, the viewer is taken through various scenes of rural Virginia, where the vast landscapes and rolling hills take center stage. The cinematography captures the simplicity and raw beauty of the countryside, emphasized by the various physical tasks performed by the family as they tend to their land. The film also explores the relationships between Ruby and her children as they each experience the loss of their husband and father in different ways.

Throughout the movie, the tension builds as the audience is left wondering whether Tom will stay to help or if he will leave as suddenly as he came. Meanwhile, Ruby is struggling with her fears and uncertainties about her future, and her children are trying to find their place amidst the turmoil. As they all work together to keep the farm afloat, Ruby and Tom's relationship begins to deepen, and there is a blossoming attraction between them.

In conclusion, Run the Wild Fields is a touching movie that deals with grief, acceptance, and moving on. The film portrays the struggles of a family trying to keep their farm running amidst loss and financial hardship. As the characters navigate their feelings and relationships with one another, the viewer is left with a sense of hope and togetherness. The story is well-acted, with strong performances from the entire cast, and the cinematography captures the beauty of the Virginia countryside. The movie is recommended for anyone who enjoys heartwarming, character-driven dramas that explore the complexities of human emotion.