Devil's Playground

I suppose that I have a somewhat overidealized appreciation for the Amish, and when I first heard about this documentary I figured it was just a sensationalistic attempt at exploitation. I had no intention of watching it, but a few years later after reading Rumspringa, I finally decided to see what it was all about. I'll admit, the first time it really shocked me, and I considered it to be just what I had expected it to be. I watched it again several times, my feelings about it unchanged; after shelving it for about six months, I've watched it again a number of times, and my attitude towards it has change a little. I no longer consider it to be "exploitation" as it does try to depict the Amish in a somewhat sympathetic manner, and in some respects the true underlying goodness of the Amish people filters through despite the movie's subject matter. Having listened to the commentary--which is essential if you really want to understand the documentary itself--it does strike me, though, that the movie has to be viewed with a critical eye. While the type of behaviour depicted is clearly something that does occur among modern Amish youth, what's not clear is how widespread it is. According to the director, it took quite some time to find the people featured in the movie; no one wanted to be involved in the project at first, and so eventually it was mostly only people who were pretty fargone that did because they didn't really care anymore what people thought. So we have Faron--drug addict and dealer--as "the main character," and Velda, who left the church because it wouldn't allow her to be "the girl I want to be" and is now is shunned by her family, figuring prominently, as well. The former extremely rare, the latter with an axe to grind. Some of the lesser "characters" are not as extreme, and a few even decided to join the church in the end, but it's difficult to say for sure because they don't received the same attention. Moreover, in the commentary, it's easy to tell where the director's etc. sympathies lie--praise for Velda for writing and publishing a "feminist poem," critical remarks about certain Amish practices, the director's naive claim that maybe Faron would be a meth addict if he could just continue his education--not to mention the general tone of the discussion. Another thing to keep in mind: the documentary is very brief and general when it comes to Amish culture and history; it does not differentiate between the various sects, for instance. Of lesser significance, the inclusion of home movie clips does not make it clear that these people are not related to anyone in the movie, nor are they in fact even Amish. I understand why they were included, but it seems a little deceptive to me; well, I think they could have been left out altogether, or included as extras. So in the end, I'm left with mixed feelings about the movie; it was certainly fascinating and revealing, but there is an underlying agenda and it is does not fully explore the nature of Amish culture by which the viewer can measure the behaviour depicted in it. Is this kind of behaviour really the product of being released from a strict religious culture, or is it something that these children would have engaged in anyway had they not been born Amish and thus an example of why the Amish are justified in their rigid worldview? Many will conclude from this documentary that it is the former, while I tend to think the latter is correct. In the end, I would recommend the movie, but caution that it should be viewed critically.

I enjoyed watching the documentary tremendously.If you always wanted to know what the feelings and attitudes of young Amish are concerning their religious tradition and restrictions this is a very good chance for `English`people like us to glimpse into their Amish world. It is very interesting how they deal to balance religious tradition and modern society.What I really enjoyed was watching the movie a second time but this time commented by the movie maker. That way you realize how hard it must have been to get Amish people on camera and even talk about their life, feelings and fears.Still if you already know a lot about Amish and their life especially about the period of 'rumspringa' in which teenagers are able to experience the English world before they decide whether or not to join the Amish church, this documentary does not give you deeper information.But still it is the best you can find about Young Amish and their controverse life.

Devil's Playground is a documentary on the Amish tradition of rumspringa, which is the time after the age of 16 until embracement of the Amish religious beliefs. The Amish believe that the decision to believe in the Christian faith can only be made by adults. This decision can only be made after the age of 16, and during this time the Amish young adults are free to explore their faith. During this exploration the teenagers are given complete freedom; including having modern trinkets, partying, drinking, doing drugs and living a life of their choice. However, when they have made the decision to embrace the Amish faith they are embraced by the Amish community and if they join the church and later reject the Amish faith they are shunned. In the end this film becomes a testimony showing Amish teenagers are very much like other teenagers, which offers an interesting cinematic experience.

This is a very real look at what teenagers go through when they go through Rumspringa. You follow these teens throughout the film, watching them grow, make mistakes and educate us on their Amish heritage. It was raw and honest and I'm thankful they were willing to take us on their journeys. Some chose to stay Amish and some decided to find their own dreams.Emma Miller (Faron's former girlfriend) was last known to be living in London, England having graduated from college. The information I have for Gerald Yutzy (who owned the mobile home pictured in the film) is that he appears to be living a non-amish lifestyle. He is married and has a Facebook page which shows his wife and a little boy. Velda lives a life outside the Amish community with her husband and children.Out of the teens profiled in the film, I believe, Joann Hochstetler was the only one who decided to be baptized in the amish church. .

After hearing about this film a few years ago i finally desided to go ahead and buy the dvd. I have to say it was pretty interesting to see how these teenagers are gievn such freedom coming from the Amish community. We all know a thing or two about how close and quiet the Amish are, but whenthese kids are given the chance to do whatever it is they want it surprised me how far they took it. I like the fact how they were given the choice to return home after how ever much time to deside if they want the Amish way of life. Its was pretty good !!!

This documentary can be very important for all parents of all teens. It is about the culture of family life and the importance of parental love as a resource in young lives. Amish parents are, above all, very realistic in their understanding of adolescence and adolescent hormones. The video also calls certain elements of non-Amish culture into question. It shows the importance of simplicity and humility. It will bring many tears as you realize that the Amish are not quaint people living in the past, but people who have found values that transcend time and popular culture and bring joy to everyday life.

My husband came from an Amish background, so I found this Video very interesting. I never knew these kind of events went on ...to this extent. I for one do not think the Amish should let their children run "wild" & then try to keep them in the Amish life by making them feel quilty. This video was an eye opener. I am glad I purchased it.