Field of Dreams Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A farmer builds a baseball field because voices told him to, then hangs out with ghosts and kidnaps a writer, all to avoid his daddy issues.

🍿 Field of Dreams: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Hearing the Voice

Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer, hears a mysterious voice whispering, “If you build it, he will come.” Initially skeptical, Ray becomes convinced that he must construct a baseball field in his cornfield. He believes the voice promises something extraordinary will happen as a result.

Building the Field and the Arrival of Shoeless Joe

Driven by the voice and supported by his wife Annie, Ray plows over a portion of his valuable corn crop to build a baseball field. Soon after its completion, the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson, a legendary baseball player banned from the sport, appears on the field. Ray realizes the voice was referring to Shoeless Joe and other players like him.

The Quest for Terence Mann and Moonlight Graham

Ray hears additional cryptic messages urging him to “Ease his pain” and referencing “Moonlight Graham.” Following these clues, Ray seeks out reclusive author Terence Mann, a writer known for his poignant essays on baseball. He also travels to Minnesota in search of Archie “Moonlight” Graham, a former baseball player who only played one inning in the major leagues before becoming a doctor.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner): An Iowa farmer who, driven by a mysterious voice, builds a baseball field that brings his past and present into focus.
• Annie Kinsella (Amy Madigan): Ray’s supportive wife who believes in his vision, even when it seems impossible to others.
• Terence Mann (James Earl Jones): A reclusive author who is convinced by Ray to visit the baseball field and rediscover his love for the game.
• Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta): The ghost of a baseball legend who is given a second chance to play on Ray’s field.
• Dr. ‘Moonlight’ Graham (Burt Lancaster): A former baseball player turned doctor who briefly returns to his youthful form to save a life.
• John Kinsella (Dwier Brown): Ray’s deceased father, who appears as a young man to play catch with his son, mending their strained relationship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Voice: “If you build it, he will come.” – The mysterious whisper that inspires Ray to build the baseball field in his cornfield.
• Terence Mann: “The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time.” – Terence explains baseball’s importance to Ray and its connection to the past.
• Shoeless Joe Jackson: “Man, I love this game.” – Shoeless Joe expresses his pure joy of playing baseball after being given a second chance.
• Ray Kinsella: “Hey Dad, wanna have a catch?” – Ray finally connects with his father and asks him to play baseball, fulfilling his deepest wish.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $64,532,235
• Worldwide Gross: $84,532,235

💥 Field of Dreams Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Field of Dreams’ as a kid and being completely mesmerized. It was one of those films that just stayed with me. The image of the baseball field in the middle of the cornfield, the ghostly players, and the emotional connection between Ray and his father…it all felt so magical. When Ray finally asks his dad to have a catch, I lose it every time. It’s a movie about second chances and making peace with the past, and it still resonates with me today. It’s a classic for a reason, it is great for the whole family.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Baseball fans”
  • “Those interested in stories about family and reconciliation”
  • “Viewers who appreciate feel-good movies with a touch of fantasy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Themes of loss and regret”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A beautiful, sentimental movie that avoids being maudlin through its honest exploration of regret and reconciliation. Costner delivers a grounded performance, while Jones brings gravitas to the role of Terence Mann.
• Variety: “A whimsical and heart-tugging fantasy, ‘Field of Dreams’ connects with audiences on an emotional level. The visuals are stunning, and the performances are genuine and affecting, especially Burt Lancaster.
• Rita Kempley: “A beautiful movie about fathers and sons,baseball and dreams. It’s a heartwarmer with soul. Burt Lancaster, as Doc Graham, steals every scene he’s in, and James Earl Jones shines in his. Costner is good, but everyone else outshines him.

Audience Reactions

The movie’s ending tugs at the heartstrings, leaving many viewers in tears.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s emotional depth and themes of family and redemption.

James Earl Jones’ monologue about baseball is often cited as a highlight of the film.: The film’s performances, particularly those of Costner, Jones, and Lancaster, are widely acclaimed.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and magical film that explores themes of family, regret, and the pursuit of dreams, resonating deeply with audiences.

Awards

1. Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA (Best Sound Editing)- 1990

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The baseball field was built on two different farms. The left and center field were on one farm and the right field was on another. This caused some issues with continuity during filming.”
• “Phil Alden Robinson initially turned down directing the film several times, feeling he wasn’t the right person for the job. He eventually relented after repeated requests from the studio.”
• “Kevin Costner was hesitant to take the role because he had just finished two sports movies, *Bull Durham* and *Eight Men Out*. He ultimately decided to take the part because of the film’s themes of family and forgiveness.”

🖥️ How to Watch Field of Dreams?

Field of Dreams is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV for purchase or rental. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. You can also find it on DVD and Blu-ray at major retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Field of Dreams, you might like these similar films:

• The Natural (1984): Both films explore the mythic qualities of baseball and the pursuit of dreams.
• Big Fish (2003): This movie, like Field of Dreams, explores themes of fathers and sons, legacy, and the power of storytelling, through a fantastical lens.
• Eight Men Out (1988): This film, also starring Kevin Costner, delves into the real-life story of the 1919 Black Sox scandal, providing a historical context to Shoeless Joe Jackson’s presence in Field of Dreams.
• Frequency (2000): This movie features a son connecting with his deceased father, however they communicate through time via a ham radio instead of on a magical baseball field.

🛒 Field of Dreams Related Products

• Field of Dreams (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: A remastered edition of the film with bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella: The original novel that inspired the movie, providing deeper insights into the story and characters.
• Field of Dreams Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the iconic movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or fan cave.
• Field of Dreams T-Shirt – ‘If You Build It, He Will Come’: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring the iconic quote from the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Field of Dreams features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Field of Dreams” – performed by James Horner
• “Crazy” – performed by Beverly D’Angelo

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Baseball On The Field Of Dreams Set | King Of Juco X Barstool Sports

Ever wondered what it’s like to play baseball on the actual Field of Dreams movie set? This video takes you there, with special guests and plenty of baseball action.

Home Run Derby At The Field Of Dreams Movie Site

Calling all baseball fans! This video captures the thrill of a home run derby held at the legendary Field of Dreams movie site. Get ready for some epic hits and relive the magic of the movie.

Kevin Costner Reveals Why He Was Cast In ‘Field Of Dreams’ Instead Of Robin Williams

Curious about the casting decisions behind ‘Field of Dreams’? This clip gives you a glimpse into the director’s thought process and how Kevin Costner landed the iconic role.

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