The Amish and the Reformation

The Amish and the Reformation released in 2017 is a thought-provoking documentary that takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the heart of the Amish community and their religious beliefs, skillfully directed by music composer and actor Joseph J. Graber.

The film is unique in its perspective, paying homage to the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in a distinctive, refined manner. It questions and explores the impact and the ripple effects of this milestone event on religious sects, specifically focusing on the Amish community and their resilient adherences to their faith and lifestyle. The movie looks into the pioneering religious reforms of the 16th century, initiated by Martin Luther and the vital role it played in shaping the Protestant Church, interweaving this seminal historical event with an in-depth narrative of the Amish and their unique religious practices.

The Amish and the Reformation not only delves into the history and beliefs of the Amish but also showcases the amplified distortion and disconnect from mainstream society, their passionate resistance to modernization, yet exhibiting an admirable depth of faith and community bonds. Graber intelligently unravels the complex layers of medieval theology and presents it in a comprehensible and engaging fashion to the viewer, offering an unusual revelation to understand Amish people beyond simplistic stereotypes.

Joseph J. Graber, with his established roots and a profound understanding of Anabaptist history and Amish communities, does an overwhelming narration and manages to weave colorfully abundant scenes of Amish life, their ways and critically dissect their deep-held beliefs. Graber's intimate knowledge of the subject matter and the understanding of the community aura substantially reflects in every bit of cinematic frames. His narration style is helpful to the audience in getting the authentic flavor of the spiritual, the historical, and the living aspects of Amish life. It is, nevertheless, essential to realize that Graber lashes not only his proficient filmmaking craft but also his heart and soul into this film— making it a personal, historical, and spiritual voyage into the core of a seemingly hidden world.

The film adopts nuanced cinematic techniques, proficiently merging historical commentary with features of modern documentary storytelling— making the characters in discussion seem vivid and lively. The historical recreations intersperse with interviews of scholars, religious leaders, and Amish elders. Defying a plethora of documentaries that sometimes compromise on viewer experience by excessively depending on verbal narration over visual elements, The Amish and the Reformation accompanies well-researched narratives with equally enriching visual sequences. Moreover, the use of on-screen illustrations, animations, and 16th-century art perfectly complements this historical exploration, providing an immersive experience to viewers.

A noteworthy aspect of this documentary is how it challenges popular perceptions of the Amish as reclusive, technophobic, and regressive, by illustrating their resilience, sense of unity, depth of their faith, and irrigation of rooted belief systems against the test of time and modernization. The film acts as a bridge between diametrically different worlds and offers fresh, insightful perceptions and authentic representations of this community to the audience far away from this part of the world.

The Amish and the Reformation is not just a film but a precise yet extensive exploration of history, faith, dissent, society, and souls united within a community, enriched by the profound narrative and storytelling prowess of Joseph J. Graber. It’s a riveting documentary that lets you peek into the complexities of theology, the roots and consequences of the Reformation, and the lifestyle of an intriguing community— disparate in appearance but resonating with universal human values.

This documentary is a must-watch for those interested in religious studies, cultural anthropology, Amish traditions, or the Protestant Reformation's historical aspects. Even general audiences would find the movie captivating due to its brilliant storytelling techniques and the thought-provoking questions it raises about faith, societal norms, and the influence of history on present-day communities.