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Saving Sarah Cainx$16.00
  (28 reviews)
Best Price: $22.98 $16.00
Based on the award-winning book from author Beverly Lewis and directed by Michael Landon Jr. comes the story of a city girl forced in to country life when she s asked to be the sole guardian of her nieces and nephews and learns life lessons of loss love and redemption. System Requirements:Run time: 103 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA/PARENTHOOD Rating: PG UPC: 024543489535 Manufacturer No: 2248953
Directed by Michael Landon, Jr., Saving Sarah Cain is a sweet film with an Afterschool Special vibe about a family thrown together by unfortunate circumstances. When her Amish sister dies, Sarah (Lisa Pepper, What About Brian) is forced to question her priorities. Should she move to Pennsylvania where the children feel safe within their Amish community, or should she relocate them to Oregon where she has a successful career as a newspaper columnist? Presuming that the children are more adaptable than she is, Sarah opts for the latter and gives it a shot at making the kids feel at home. But the five orphans have a difficult time trying to fit in to the modern world. They also are still grieving the loss of their mother, whose ways were much different than that of their more abrupt aunt. Like his father, the younger Landon has a deft touch at creating scenarios that are heart-tugging, but not too maudlin. The fish-out-of-water concept isn't a new one, but it's executed well by both Pepper and the young actors portraying the children. Though the film tries to force a surprise ending, the outcome is expected and welcome. And while no one has a miraculous change of heart, the viewer can see that the sextet is creating its own kind of family--one that works for within the frame of their unique circumstances. --Jae-Ha Kim
MPN: 2248953 - UPC: 024543489535
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Customer Reviews
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Favorite Lewis book now a favorite movie! 5 Stars all the way!
By A181V2065EWUPT on 2008-01-12
I was hesitant to buy this movie since I love the book by Lewis and thought no one could make a film to do it justice. I also live in Western PA among Amish and know many well. I didn't think they could be portrayed right either. I was so wrong! Landon did an excellent job! I cried! This movie is so touching! The acting is EXCELLENT! The story of redemption shines through clearly. I have to buy this movie for many who feel like Sarah in the beginning...hurt by life and very hard toward God and others...this movie shows the way back home to God & family... We need more movies like this!
Not at all like the book---Very Disappointing
By A31I8YI7UJCYMJ on 2008-01-20
I had never read or knew of "The Redemption of Sarah Cain" until I had seen the trailer for "Saving Sarah Cain" on another DVD. I borrowed a copy of the book and read it in preparation for when the movie itself would be on DVD. I bought it and watched it last night, and I will be throwing it in the trash. What a waste of $18!! The sexual inuendo is one thing that bothered me; I also had to mute it many times during transitions as they loudly played rock type music.
As for the story itself, Ivy DID leave a will, the children never left Lancaster County(much less the state of PA), Sarah becomes born again, and those are only a few of the major discrepancies I found.
While there were some cute and funny parts, (which were not in the original book), they don't make up for the shortcomings of the story otherwise. Why did Mr. Landon even bother with this book, if he was going to butcher it so badly??
Saving Sarah Cain...`
By A33PNAQ33DGBJG on 2008-02-24
As a good clean movie, this one does the job. The acting is fine and the story line is fine. If they could afford to spend a bit more on the production and make the movie a bit deeper it would have been better. There are some plot lines that just didn't add up.
Good to watch - then have family disussion
By A1OTRYENM32JYQ on 2008-01-20
Good FAMILY movie.
It will be a reference point for family discussions about life, values, even death of a parent.
Best of all, no part of this movie is not child friendly.
It didn't "hold" my older girls attention....but I bet she will want to watch it again.
I bought the book too and hope to start it soon.
Very rough start but ends strong
By ARLKYF9JL3QKB on 2008-01-29
This adaptation of Beverly Lewis' novel The Redemption of Sarah Cain is another commendable addition to the oeuvre of telefilm producer/director Michael Landon, Jr. Taking great liberties with the plot of the novel, the picture turns the usual Witness-esque story of the 'English' trying to adapt to the life of the Amish on its head. It places the devout orphans of the protagonist's recently departed sister in the heart of a major city and explores the effect it has on their hearts and their family dynamic.
The beginning of the film is worrisome due to extremely clunky dialogue that sounds like it was cobbled from a book of movie journalism cliches. All the editor (played with sorely-needed light humor by Elliott Gould of M*A*S*H and Ocean's 11 fame) needed was a cigar to chomp on and he'd be straight out of a comic strip.
Fortunately, things improve dramatically once Sarah Cain starts interacting earnestly with her sister's children. Landon's skill at drawing convincing performances from kids is highlighted throughout the rest of the film and, by the end, YOU may want to adopt some of them! And leading lady Lisa Pepper (of Anthony Hopkins' indie film Slipstream) is frequently good and shows great potential for success. She's very easy on the eyes (it's part of the Hollywood equation, folks) and definitely plays well opposite children.
My favorite part may be the flashback sequence at the end. I won't spoil it for you but it's very appropriate to the character and is beautiful, ethereal, evocative, and expertly photographed and edited.
- Great family movie
By A28M9I67ZUX2FF on 2008-01-18
I've read only a couple of Beverly Lewis's books, but even seeing the trailer for this movie on another DVD inspired me to look for the book this movie is based on ("The Redemption of Sarah Cain"). Our family enjoyed this movie very much. We're always looking for wholesome movies, and this one fit the bill. It was touching and well-acted. I liked the ending, too.
- Good family film, enjoyable
By A36GN65GPR6ZPL on 2008-01-29
My wife and I both enjoyed the movie very much. The acting was superb, the story line was wonderful, and it is a great movie for the whole family. I only wish their was more of a salvation message in the film. As an evangelical Christian I guess I was hoping to see salvation / baptism / maybe even mention the name of Jesus. While all of that was missing, she did seem to desire a reconnection with God in the end which I suppose is the main point of the movie.
- BEST MOVIES EVER!!!!
By A7GT1DP2RXYUO on 2008-01-22
I love this movie. A thought provoking tale that is a true tear jerker. This movie is a journy that every family should go on together.
- Greaaaaaaaaaattttttt!!!!!
By AUJVGKTZTLM09 on 2008-02-18
This is a wonderful movie. There is so much garbage out there today and this is truly great. The children are so cute and the story line is perfect, it is inspiring to see how they tried to adapt to living in the city with their Aunt after suffering the loss of their mother and life as they once knew it. Fix a cup of tea or your favorite refreshment, put this movie in and sit back and relax! It will refresh your soul.
- Sarah Cain's Redemption
By A3SKTPG5M6ND6 on 2008-04-08
Two stars for the film, one star (extra) for the stunning cinematography, especially the flashback scene of Sarah and older sister, Ivy, as children, frolicking at the seashore. As another reviewer commented, that scene was "beautiful, ethereal, evocative, and expertly photographed and edited", and if not the rest of the film, this sequence is worth watching again and again. It is too bad the rest of the movie wasn't more subtle in its emotion (as in the case when Sarah, along with boyfriend, Bryan, and the children have returned to Sarah's stark and modern condominium in Portland, Oregon, after the children find out Sarah has been publishing stories about them in her column (it's too bad we didn't get to read any of them). It's not that the kids cry (I mean, they just lost their mother, and before they had time to fully absorb that, they were whisked away to the West Coast--the loony left--and forward about a hundred and fifty years), it's that they overdid it. That scene was not effective because I didn't cry (and I usually bawl my eyes out), but this had little effect on me.
The script could have been punched up a little bit (more interesting, like including some of Sarah's columns and more of the Amish beliefs and way of life, and a lot more humor instead of just lightheartedness).
My heart sank into my stomach when I saw that man at the bus station approach little Josiah who had run away. Sadly, because of the bleeding heart liberal society we live in, I automatically think pedophile, but, I think it turned out he was just a crazy man (because of the nonsense the man was spouting, I would guess a Vietnam War veteran). Thank God!
I think all the children did a wonderful job, stealing the candlelight from Lisa Pepper, though she was by far the best-looking. Tom Tate, the guy who played Bryan, was excellent.
The only really cheesy line was when Caleb, upon first entering Sarah's upscale condo, utters, "We're not in Pennsylvania anymore."
This film could have definitely benefited from laughs (instead of just smiles) and from a better soundtrack and score--both of which are very forgettable.
The major plus of this mildly touching film was that it followed the great rule of writing: show, don't tell. Most Christian films lack subtlety in their proselytizing, thus alienating some viewers and diminishing its entertainment value. "Saving" did not. That automatically makes it much better than the asinine "Left Behind" features, not to mention the annoying Kirk Cameron.
Another good recommendation is "Joshua", even though it's not really Biblical (Joshua is Jesus who comes to this small town like an angel to help build a church, when it says in the Bible that when He comes back, it will be with loud acclaim, or something along those verses, and He tells the Pope to keep up with the good work, which many Protestants would raise Cain, or hellfire, over).
- Wonderful,So Much Better Than The Horrid Book!
By A1NNDELI6HMWV0 on 2008-05-12
I came across this film at my library,and I loved it so much that I ordered it immediately.
Then I made the mistake of getting the book "The Redemption Of Sarah Cain" from my library which portrays Sarah Cain as such an unlikeable person that I quit reading.
This is one of those rare cases where the film is so much better than the book.I am so thankful that Michael Landon Jr. made the changes that he did!
This is a great movie that I am so glad to own.The actors are all great and the story really draws you in. I can watch it over and over again!
- Mom, Youth Leader and Pastor's wife
By A1LS6CS8XO0NIF on 2008-03-27
This is a great look at how hard it is for teens to be different and stand again the norm. It also shows that there is something very valuable in life that can't be purchased or found anywhere else. Watch, enjoy and then talk about the movie with your family.
- EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED
By A1TZ0OOH6PYIL6 on 2008-04-11
I'm a die hard Beverly Lewis fan and have read every book she has written. I bought the book The Redemption of Sarah Cain and I LOVED IT. While reading the book I noticed the bits in there that told about the movie. I never knew there was a movie. After reading the book I went to the local Blockbuster and rented the movie. Well let me tell you I was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo disappointed because the movie doesn't follow the book. Also I thought the actress(?) who played Sarah was terrible. That's my two cents. PLEASE READ THE BOOK BEFORE WATCHING THE MOVIE - MAYBE AFTERWARDS AND THEN YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
- Beautifully acted
By A24NP3I3MZX0AI on 2008-05-28
This is a beautifully acted story about a single woman newspaper columnist who inherits her Amish nieces and nephews after her Amish sister dies. The eldest Amish child, Liddie, is an exceptionally strong character. I'm really looking forward to a sequel.
- Excellent Movie
By A31CO98353KUPB on 2008-02-09
This is a very good movie. It is a decent and family type movie. I get so tired of shows that have so much cussing and filth in them. It is an excellent movie.
- A Tender Story of A young Woman's Search for happiness - Beautifully directed!!
By A18JQMF79QGZD2 on 2008-02-14
This movie portrays the tender story of a young woman's search for true happiness. The plot centers around the main character's struggle with her desire to be a famous columnist and her newfound role which is suddenly thrust upon her to become the mother to her five orphaned Amish nieces and nephews.
The preview alone to this movie brings tears to the eyes. The movie was
beautifully directed by Michael Landon, Jr. (of the "Love Comes Softly" series). It is a movie which the whole family can watch. Some of the underlying topics deal with peer pressure and preserving identity in the midst of a totally different world than one is accustomed to. The development of the main character throughout the movie is beautiful to watch. I recommend this movie highly.
- Saving Sarah Cain
By A2VKQ4TT9XSFW5 on 2008-02-17
I am a lover of Beverly Lewis books and am so glad to see one of her books turned into such a lovely movie. Michael Landon Jr. did a wounderful job of making Mrs Lewis book come to life. I've seen other movies based on other books and a lot is lost in making a movie. That was not the case with this one. I hope Mr. Landon decides to do more movies based on Mrs. Lewis's books.You feel you are right there with Sara Cain and her sisters family while all of their lives are being turned upside down. You feel the heart ach of the children with the loss of all they know & love. You understand and feel for Sarah, as she makes some very hard decisions that effect all of their lives.If you have never read any of Beverly Lewis's books, you will want to after seeing this movie. Enjoy!
- Very interesting premise. Needed a better last half hour.
By A207IYGZTAF0DS on 2008-05-03
After seeing Landon's "The Last Sin Eater", and "Love Comes Softly", which I found to be very overrated, I didn't have high expectations for "Saving Sarah Cain", but the story sounded very interesting, and the movie effectively depicts the cultural differences between "our" world and that of the Amish, and the acting is good, unlike the two abovementioned movies. Lisa Pepper, whom I've never heard of before, does a good job in the lead as does Abigail Mason and the other kids. Elliott Gould is good too, and David Clennon appears briefly.
Unfortunately, while the movie starts out very good, by the last half hour or so it turns into another sappy Hallmark style movie. If you like that sort of thing, you'll love it. If you don't, you may enjoy most of the movie anyway.
- Very Poor Adaptation of The Lewis Book
By A1P9ISTCC302ZO on 2008-05-12
Having read Beverly Lewis' book, "Saving Sarah Cain", I was deeply disappointed in the movie. From the very beginning the story line diverged from the book. The book explored the dynamic of Sarah Cain's arrival and acceptance of the "plain" lifestyle and her coming to understand the Amish people from living among them while struggling with the dilemma of what was to become of the children. I believe if the movie had followed the storyline of the book it would have been more compelling and certainly not as disappointing as the movie. If you have read and enjoyed the book as I did do not view the movie as you will most probably come away terribly dissatisfied.
- Saving Sarah Cain DVD
By ARA7DTTVSP3UF on 2008-03-02
I loved this movie. It had me laughing and crying. I am taking a group on a bus trip to Amish Country in April and plan to play it on the bus.
- MISTER BOB
By A3I53HAO90IGKJ on 2008-03-27
COMING FROM SOME OF THE LARGEST AMISH SETTTLEMENTS IN OHIO, THIS MOVIE CAME ALIVE AND COULD BE TRUE. FOR THE AMISH ARE REALLY A WONDERFUL GROUP OF PEOPLE AND THE CHILDREN ARE AS GOOD AS THE MOVIE PORTRAYS. THE CHARACTERS IN THE MOVIE WERE SO WELL PICKED THAT YOU DON'T WANT THE MOVIE TO END. YOU WILL AGREE THAT THEY STILL MAKE GOOD MOVIES AFTER SEEING.
- excellent dvd
By A17JTQS5W4CA9 on 2008-04-05
This is an excellent movie. Great compassion shown. An easy movie to follow. I plan to watch it again. I hadn't heard of it and someone recommended it to me. I'm glad they did.
- Saving Sarah Cain
By A3DU1KBUI95IOU on 2008-04-27
Very enjoyable family movie. The differences between the Amish lifestyle and what we consider normal today make for a very different contrast.The ending while being a given is still very heartwarming and the return of values is always a good tradeoff.
- Eye-opening
By A9B52VU0RPVSM on 2008-06-09
This gives you a glimpse into the Amish world and their way of life. Very interesting, as you see them forced to live in the outside world. The acting is fine, not necessarily outstanding. The movie is incredibly thought provoking. Enjoy!
- keeping the faith, and regaining it
By A33VBLNP69TRAD on 2008-06-12
This movie does a nice job of portraying the Amish lifestyle, or as they put it "plain", and the many contrasts to modern society. The acters do a terrific job of portraying their characters as these Amish children try to deal with the conflicts of trying to remain true to their "plain" ways even as they are unavoidably thrust into life and public school in a modern city. This is a movie that is great for the whole family, and one that is worth seeing more than once.
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