Deep Dive: Devil's Playground (2002)
Film Lens
Devil's Playground is a 2002 documentary directed by Lucy Walker that follows Amish youths during rumspringa, a period when they can experience life outside their community. The film focuses on teenagers in LaGrange County, Indiana, as they navigate the temptations of the 'English' world, including partying, drinking, and experimenting with drugs and relationships. It presents the contrasting pressures they face from both their Amish upbringing and the outside world.
The documentary features several individuals, including Faron, a preacher's son who turns to drug dealing. The film illustrates the difficult choices these youths must make regarding their faith and community, with over 90% ultimately deciding to return to the Amish church. Personal stories, such as that of a girl who is baptized but later shunned for leaving the church, highlight the emotional stakes involved in their decisions.
Why Watch
- •Meet Amish teens navigating rumspringa in Indiana.
- •Follow Faron's descent into drug dealing.
- •Find out why some leave the Amish community.
Did You Know
•Over 90% of Amish youth decide to join the church after rumspringa.
•Faron, a preacher's son, becomes a drug dealer during the film.
•The film won the 2001 Sony/AFI DVCam Fest Grand Prize.
•The documentary was nominated for three 2002 News and Documentary Emmy Awards.
Perfect For
Amish culture enthusiastsDocumentary film loversYouth coming-of-age stories