Backdrop preview Saving Sarah Cain backdrop
Saving Sarah Cain

Saving Sarah Cain (2007)

Aug 19, 2007 1h 43m Drama Family

When Sarah Cain, a self-involved big-city newspaper columnist, travels to Pennsylvania for the funeral of her Amish sister, she soon discovers that she is the legal guardian of her five Amish nieces and nephews. Rather than choose to move to Lancaster County to finish raising them there herself, or let them be separated by the foster care system, Sarah decides to take them with her back to Portland where she believes she can make a new life for them. However, she soon realizes that the modern world has forced them to compromise who they are, and that she has moved them there for all the wrong reasons - a motive which is soon exposed - because secrets can really never be kept secret. In order to find her own redemption, she knows she must make a choice to give them back their lives in Amish Country. And whether she remains part of their lives will have a lot to do with how much she has grown to love them.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Michael Landon Jr.

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Michael Landon Jr.
Producer
  • Michael Landon Jr.
  • Cindy Kelley

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Saving Sarah Cain examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Michael Landon Jr. brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Saving Sarah Cain took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $2.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2007, when this film is released:
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Saving Sarah Cain shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Witness, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Saving Sarah Cain offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like An Uncommon Grace and Hazel's People explore similar territory, Saving Sarah Cain stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 19, 2007
  • Runtime: 1h 43m
  • Budget: $2,400,000

Similar Movies

Witness
Witness
1985
7.1
Hazel's People
Hazel's People
1973
6.0
Amish Grace
Amish Grace
2010
7.0