Devil's Playground

Cantor, S. (Producer), & Walker, N. (Director). (2002). Devil’s Playground [Documentary]. USA: Wellspring Media.

Summary: The people of the Amish church, founded in 1693, choose to live a life separate from the rest of the population—the “english,” as they call them. They do not drive cars, use electricity, or participate in modern life; rather, they live devoutly Christian lives in isolated communities, where education only runs through the 8^th grade and adults marry, work hard, and have as many children as possible. When each child reaches the age of 16, however, they are given a choice: live an Amish life, or leave the community and pursue a modern life. This is the “rumspringa,” the “running around” period that each Amish teenager begins at age 16 and continues until they make their decision. For the teenagers, the english world is full of temptations, many of them dangerous; for the first time, they are able to drink, smoke, and attend parties, in addition to drive a car, listen to a CD, and watch a movie. The teens are faced with finding themselves as they struggle to balance their traditional upbringing, personal beliefs, and a new modern life.

Standard(s): California History/Social Science 5.4.3: Describe the religious aspects of the earliest colonies (e.g., Puritanism in Massachusetts, Anglicanism in Virginia, Catholicism in Maryland, Quakerism in Pennsylvania).; California History/Social Science 5.4.4: Identify the significance and leaders of the First Great Awakening, which marked a shift in religious ideas, practices, and allegiances in the colonial period, the growth of religious toleration, and free exercise of religion; California History/Social Science 8.1.1: Describe the relationship between the moral and political ideas of the Great Awakening and the development of revolutionary fervor; California History/Social Science 10.1.1: Analyze the similarities and differences in Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman views of law, reason and faith, and duties of the individual.

Suggested age range: 12 and up (film not rated)

Annotation: Devil’s Playground is a fascinating and insightful look into the Amish community, beliefs, and lifestyle. It presents not only the rumspringa, but also aspects of Amish life. Cantor and Walker follow teens through their rumspringa and the decisions they make after; some choose to remain in the modern world, some choose to join the Amish church, and some join the church and later decide to leave (resulting in their ostracism from the Amish community). The interesting documentary uses the blunt words of Amish teenagers, their parents, and their leaders to present many aspects of Amish life, both positive and negative, that can prompt excellent debate. Devil’s Playground provides a modern look at a highly traditional group that has been an important and enduring part of America’s development, and serves as an excellent supplement to any study of the religious aspects of the United States.

Subjects/themes: Amish population, rumspringa, life choices, faith, drugs, alcohol

Awards:

• 2009 YALSA Selected Videos & DVDs for Young Adults
• 2001 Sony/AFI DVCam Fest, Documentary Category & Grand Prize
• 2001 Sarasota Film Festival Audience Award, Best Documentary
• 2001 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Documentary Category (Special Mention)

High interest annotation: Amish teenagers decide whether or not to remain Amish as they explore the modern world during their rumspringa.