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1. Bibliographic Information
Cantor, S. (Producer), Walker, L. (Director). (2002). Devil’s playground. United States: Wellspring.
77 minutes, English, Not Rated, Documentary
ISBN: 0-7942-0288-8
2. Plot Summary
Devil’s Playground is a documentary looking at the lives of Pennsylvania Dutch teenagers as they go through the rite of Rumspringa. In the Amish faith all sixteen year olds are required to go through a period of “running around,” where they will experience life in the “English” world until they chose to re-enter the church and be baptized or leave the church. It is traditional for these teens to make a decision between 16 and 21. However, once they re-enter the church, if they chose to leave the church after being baptized they will be shunned by their family because they are essentially choosing Hell over Heaven. This film highlights the lives of Joann, a 16-year-old, Faron, an 18-year-old, and Velma a 23-year-old who has been shunned by the church. Through Devil’s Playground, the viewer is exposed to many parts of the Amish tradition, including partying, drugs, a rite called “bed courtship,” the draw of the “English” culture, and the emotional thought processes that these teens face as they make the most important decision of their lives.
3. Critical Evaluation
There are many concerns which arise upon viewing this film. First, Devil’s Playground examines the lives of teens as they question their faith, while they are rebelling against the normal parameters of their religion. These teens are engaging in a skewed view of “English” life, focusing on drug use, getting drunk, having sex and partying. Very few examples are shown of a teen that makes their progression through Rumspringa without these vices. The idea being that a teen can do whatever they want during Rumspringa, and all will be forgotten once they are baptized within the church. While the religion might try to reinforce this party lifestyle so that teens can ultimately see the sins of the “English” world, since this film only presents this view, it may be a biased representation of Rumspringa. Additionally, concerns over the teens themselves arise. In many ways these teens are not suited for some of the issues that occur. Amish teenagers have dropped out of school after 8th grade, because the religion feels that too much education can lead to vanity. Thus, while these teens do know hard work and manual labor, they do not necessarily understand the social constructs or have the same schooling which could impact their lives should they chose to leave the church. Ultimately, the film is an eye-opening account of what teens must face as they try to establish their identity, whether within the church or in the “English” world.
4. Reader’s Annotation
Drugs, sex and rock and roll, this isn’t a concert but Rumspringa, the Amish rite of passage, where sixteen year olds experience the "real" world.
5. Information about the Author
Lucy Walker was born in London, England. Her other film credits include the documenatries Blindsight (2006), Wasteland (2009), and Countdown to Zero (2010) and work on televsion's Blue's Clues.
6. Genre
Film Documentary: Religious Practices/Teen Life
7. Curriculum Ties
I could see this film being used in a religion class, if a student was going to a private school. It would be helpful for teens to see how other religions treat teenagers and how they can be liberating and confining.
8. Booktalking Ideas
-Does the teens’ behavior give them an accurate view of “English” life?
-Do you think that there is a better way to allow the Amish teenagers a chance to see what the “English” lifestyle is like?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the content of this film, I would recommend the viewer to be at least 15 years old, however, this film could also be viewed by adults, as well.
10. Challenge Issues
This documentary does show teens consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and using crystal methamphetamine and marijuana. The practice of “bed courtship” allows teens to share a bed together. Additionally, there is obscene language throughout. The documentary’s purpose is to show the issues that teens face when they go through the Amish practice of Rumspringa. However, if anyone wished to challenge the inclusion of this documentary in a classroom or library, I would refer them to the ALA’s website on guidelines and forms for reconsideration found at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
Cantor, S. (Producer), Walker, L. (Director). (2002). Devil’s playground. United States: Wellspring.
77 minutes, English, Not Rated, Documentary
ISBN: 0-7942-0288-8
2. Plot Summary
Devil’s Playground is a documentary looking at the lives of Pennsylvania Dutch teenagers as they go through the rite of Rumspringa. In the Amish faith all sixteen year olds are required to go through a period of “running around,” where they will experience life in the “English” world until they chose to re-enter the church and be baptized or leave the church. It is traditional for these teens to make a decision between 16 and 21. However, once they re-enter the church, if they chose to leave the church after being baptized they will be shunned by their family because they are essentially choosing Hell over Heaven. This film highlights the lives of Joann, a 16-year-old, Faron, an 18-year-old, and Velma a 23-year-old who has been shunned by the church. Through Devil’s Playground, the viewer is exposed to many parts of the Amish tradition, including partying, drugs, a rite called “bed courtship,” the draw of the “English” culture, and the emotional thought processes that these teens face as they make the most important decision of their lives.
3. Critical Evaluation
There are many concerns which arise upon viewing this film. First, Devil’s Playground examines the lives of teens as they question their faith, while they are rebelling against the normal parameters of their religion. These teens are engaging in a skewed view of “English” life, focusing on drug use, getting drunk, having sex and partying. Very few examples are shown of a teen that makes their progression through Rumspringa without these vices. The idea being that a teen can do whatever they want during Rumspringa, and all will be forgotten once they are baptized within the church. While the religion might try to reinforce this party lifestyle so that teens can ultimately see the sins of the “English” world, since this film only presents this view, it may be a biased representation of Rumspringa. Additionally, concerns over the teens themselves arise. In many ways these teens are not suited for some of the issues that occur. Amish teenagers have dropped out of school after 8th grade, because the religion feels that too much education can lead to vanity. Thus, while these teens do know hard work and manual labor, they do not necessarily understand the social constructs or have the same schooling which could impact their lives should they chose to leave the church. Ultimately, the film is an eye-opening account of what teens must face as they try to establish their identity, whether within the church or in the “English” world.
4. Reader’s Annotation
Drugs, sex and rock and roll, this isn’t a concert but Rumspringa, the Amish rite of passage, where sixteen year olds experience the "real" world.
5. Information about the Author
Lucy Walker was born in London, England. Her other film credits include the documenatries Blindsight (2006), Wasteland (2009), and Countdown to Zero (2010) and work on televsion's Blue's Clues.
6. Genre
Film Documentary: Religious Practices/Teen Life
7. Curriculum Ties
I could see this film being used in a religion class, if a student was going to a private school. It would be helpful for teens to see how other religions treat teenagers and how they can be liberating and confining.
8. Booktalking Ideas
-Does the teens’ behavior give them an accurate view of “English” life?
-Do you think that there is a better way to allow the Amish teenagers a chance to see what the “English” lifestyle is like?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the content of this film, I would recommend the viewer to be at least 15 years old, however, this film could also be viewed by adults, as well.
10. Challenge Issues
This documentary does show teens consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and using crystal methamphetamine and marijuana. The practice of “bed courtship” allows teens to share a bed together. Additionally, there is obscene language throughout. The documentary’s purpose is to show the issues that teens face when they go through the Amish practice of Rumspringa. However, if anyone wished to challenge the inclusion of this documentary in a classroom or library, I would refer them to the ALA’s website on guidelines and forms for reconsideration found at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
11. Why was it selected?
I first watched this video in a college course on child and adolescent development. I think it is a great example of teen growth as well as awareness of cultural and religious practices.
12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
Imdb.com. (2010). Awards for Lucy Walker. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1013671/awards
Picture from
Imdb.com. (2010). Devil’s playground. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293088/
Imdb.com. (2010). Devil’s playground. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293088/
13. Awards
Nominated for the Independent Spirit Award in 2003
Nominated for an Emmy in 2003 for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: Direction
Won Best Documentary-Special Mention at 2002’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Won the 2002 Sarasota Film Festival Audience Award
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