The Amish Shunned

Starred Review. Wiser was exposed to the Amish practice of shunning-refusing to have contact with anyone from the community, even close family members, who don't follow their religion's strict rules-while working as a producer on the 2012 American Experience series The Amish. Here, she follows seven people as they deal with the experience of being shunned because of their decision to leave the community. Some have an easier time than others, but all feel conflicted about their choice. Several of the families hold strictly to the practice; others make arrangements for visits home, themselves taking the chance that they will be shunned in turn. Amish who have remained faithful are heard in voice-over-the Amish do not allow themselves to be photographed-explaining the stricture and Amish traditions generally. The cinematography here is phenomenal, with a number of unusual but very effective images. VERDICT This cinematic study of a religious community that attracts quite a bit of attention portrays the conflict between faithfulness and freedom in a moving way.-Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.