The Amish: A People of Preservation

The Amish: A People of Preservation is a 1975 documentary film that offers an in-depth exploration of the Amish community, their unique lifestyle and belief systems, and the struggles they face in maintaining their distinct entity in the modern, evolving world. This ground-breaking film features insightful interviews and candid footage, providing a rare first-hand perspective of Amish life that is both enlightening and poignant.

The documentary features real members from the Amish community, including the prominent leaders and scholars like John A. Hostetler, noted sociologist, author, and a prominent authority on Amish and Hutterite societies; and John L. Ruth, a Mennonite historian and storyteller highlighting the powerful narrative of Anabaptist and Mennonite history. Harley Wagler also brings to the screen, his experiences of growing up Amish, accentuating an authentic personal touch to the film.

As the title suggests, the film is centered around the core philosophy of the Amish community, which is preservation. The Amish are known for their traditionalist and insular approach to life, deliberately choosing to live in a time capsule, resisting mainstream American culture, which they often refer to as "English.” This includes a principled avoidance of the use modern technologies such as televisions, computers, and cars in order to maintain their way of life. They instead rely on horse-drawn buggies for transportation, traditional farming methods for sustenance, and strict face-to-face communication protocols for social interaction.

The film meticulously dissects the rich tapestry of Amish life, delving into their theology, their pacifistic principles and how they view the outside world. While it illustrates the resilient will of the Amish people to adhere to their lifestyle, it also underscores their struggles, particularly among the younger generation and the question of how long this approach can persist in the face of rapid societal and technological progress.

Notably, the documentary brilliantly highlights the pressing concerns of the Amish regarding societal assimilation and their fear of losing their young members to the allure of the "English" world. This often results in a rite of passage known as “Rumspringa” which allows Amish teenagers a taste of the outside world before they decide to embrace the Amish way of life fully. The film also examines this ritual and its impact on both individuals and the community.

Furthermore, the documentary sheds light on Amish relationship with the land and the key role agriculture plays in their life and economy. The Amish people continue to rely heavily on farming, using horse-drawn machinery and other age-old methods to cultivate land and produce food. It underscores an existing bond with the earth, an appreciation for manual labor, simplicity, and sustenance. It's a testament to their firm belief in hard work, discipline, and self-dependency, all fundamental to their culture and identity.

The documentary is not just about exploring the unique culture and lifestyle of the Amish community but also serves as a reflection on our own society. It invokes questions about the relentless pace of technological advancements and the loss of simpler living and human connections, a dichotomy that adds another layer of depth to this film.

Cinematic quality enhances the narrative, as the viewers are treated to sweeping shots of the Pennsylvania landscape, bustling Amish markets, picturesque farmlands and quaint, rustic homesteads, combined with the subtle, ambient sound of clip-clopping horse hooves, chirping birds, and wind whistling through the tall barns of the Amish countryside.

The unique locations, expertly filmed, wonderfully narrated, and backed by a moving soundtrack, knit seamlessly to create an intimate Insider's view of the Amish life, their long-standing traditions, their struggles, and a resilient spirit for preservation.

Sequential and comprehensive in its approach, the hour-long film allows each viewer to discover, understand, and respect this distinctive community and its way of life, navigating the juxtaposition of a modern society against the steadfast traditionalism of the Amish.

Overall, The Amish: A People of Preservation provides a sensitive, respectful, and insightful portrayal of the Amish, their traditions, their values, their challenges and especially, their unwavering commitment to preserving their way of life despite the pressing forces of change.