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The peacefulness of Lancaster County.

Saving Sarah Cain is based on the book, “The Redemption of Sarah Cain,” by Beverly Lewis and if it has remained true to the book, then it must be fascinating to read.  The movie is remarkable in how filmmakers can tell a story and bring characters to life in such a way that leaves your heart brimming with joy and tears in your eyes.

Saving Sarah Cain is about the clash between the modern world of newspapers, cars and boisterous lives versus the less strenuous yet backbreaking life of the Amish people of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Years before the movie starts, Sarah’s sister moved to Amish country because she fell in love with a man and took up the way of the Amish people.  Losing touch with her sister years ago, Sarah (Lisa Pepper) they each had gone their separate ways.

Now, Sarah’s job as a reporter at a Portland newspaper is in jeopardy because she has not been faring very well with her column and fights with her boss, Bill Alexander (Elliott Gould), who is ready to replace her with someone else until she can come up with worthwhile a write column.  She is backlogged but despite her hectic schedule has been able to have a lunch date with her boyfriend, Bryan (Tom Tate), who intends to ask her to marry him.  Unfortunately, she receives a call from her sister’s oldest daughter, Lyddie (Abigail Mason), who tells Sarah that her sister has died.  Sarah leaves the restaurant before Bryan can give her the ring and heads for Lancaster County to be present at the funeral.

While in her sister’s house, she learns that she is the sole surviving member and as such is responsible for all five of her sister’s children.  Sarah returns to Portland with the children, enrolling them in school and tries to modernize them in her world without thinking about their wishes.

Seeing that things don’t work, she returns to Lancaster County where she must make a big decision about her future and the children’s.  There is a letter that Lyddie intentionally has hidden from Sarah that will change the lives of all involved.  I cried when it was read because it is so honest and heart rending.  The children’s and Sarah’s future depends on that letter.

I’m not one to review a movie and cry very often, but this was produced in part by Michael Landon, Jr.  He and his father have always been able to tell a story that tugs at the heart and this one is no exception.  My tears, though, were tears of joy, not sadness for the ending is a good one for all people involved. 

The Special Features Section includes deleted scenes and a featurette on the making of the movie.  We are introduced to various cast members who recall what it is like to work with Michael Landon, Jr.  The author of the book, Beverly Lewis, was also interviewed.
Bravo for an excellent DVD that left me satisfied instead of still wondering what had just happened.  I enjoyed this thoroughly.  It was even made without any profanity!

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