Cast
View AllJana Kramer
as Faith
Gerald McRaney
as Calvin
Randy Wayne
as Luke
Shaun Sipos
as Lee
Anne Hawthorne
as Olivia
Sydney Penny
as Candace
John Ward
as Jake Carraday
Stefan Hajek
as Hardy
Sheila Shah
as Maria
Andrew Masset
as Austin
Stephanie Northrup
as Catherine
Cali Ward
as Victoria
Bonnie Johnson
as Essie Mae
Rosalie Miller
as Liz
Jeffrey J. Pries
as Pastor Jeff
Crew
Director
- John Ward
Writer
- John Ward
Producer
- Wayne Thompson
- John Ward
- Anne Hawthorne
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Heart of the Country 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 John Ward 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 2013, 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 Heart of the Country took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: August 19, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 27m
Where to Watch




