Immediately, we are granted a bug's eye view of a wind-swept field. Maurice Jarre's tranquil score softly plays in the background. Suddenly, over the grass emerges a group of Amish settlers. This is their home.
We bear witness to their hard-working, yet peaceful lifestyle… until a son and mother cautiously venture into the city. After the boy witnesses a murder, he is brought to Harrison Ford, who plays Detective John Book, an experienced, by-the-book, nonchalant lawman. Obvious and often humorous contrasts of lifestyle present themselves between the two walks of life: one says a prayer before a meal and the other simply eats the food and feels awkward during the other's practice.
Symbolic tones, earnest characters, silent scenes overlaid with ominous music and a comfortable pace add to what would otherwise be a tired premise. Yet, suspense and action-packed shootouts lurk just around the corner when you least expect them. Unconventionality, mediocrity and simplicity fuel one's desire to see something more, but those aspects hinder this portrait from being great, though it is still enjoyable due to Ford's more-passionate-than-usual performance.
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