Originally aired by PBS, this documentary of Amish life is an objective look
at the interesting rumspringa period in Amish culture. Because the Amish
do not believe in baptism of children (having stemmed off the Anabaptists in
Europe hundreds of years ago) at age 17 they are released from the routine of
their community and allowed to explore the “English world” (meaning the
non-Amish one) to let them independently choose the Amish life over the outside
world (a decision considered to be a life-long, fully binding one).
Their perception of the English world and freedom seems laughable, as Amish
teens hold Amish-only parties where they tap kegs and listen to rock music,
many girls still wearing their Amish bonnets. As they engage in mainly
hedonistic behavior and enjoy the transportation of cars, it is easy on the
surface level to dismiss them as repressed teens. However the interviews with
the several teens the film focuses on is touching in the earnest and
well-intentioned thoughts of the young men and women at a very grave point in
their lives.
The mysterious world of the Amish is a superb point of interest to set this
familiar look at adolescence in, though the delivery and film-making is a bit
lackluster and disappointing for such a promising topic. Nevertheless it is an
enlightening look at free will, family, luxury, and coming of age that will
have you wondering to what extent your own life has been dictated by
independent choices or family traditions.