Ray, played by Kevin Costner, is happily married to Annie, portrayed by Amy Madigan, and they have a daughter named Karin, played by Gaby Hoffmann. To help us understand Ray, we are shown a montage of photos with a narration, giving us insight into his upbringing and the personal struggles he faced concerning his relationship with his father, who was a passionate baseball fan. In the present day, Ray hopes to fulfil his dreams and achieve greatness in life, especially after purchasing a corn farm in Iowa. But while going about his chores on the farm, Ray begins to hear a strange, mysterious voice. At first, he dismisses the voice, thinking he is imagining things or daydreaming. However, the voice returns repeatedly, saying, “If you build it, he will come.”
After wrestling with the voice for a while, Ray experiences a vision of a vast baseball field. When he shares this idea with his wife, Annie, she fully supports him. Although the project is extensive and costly, Ray is determined to construct the baseball field just as he envisioned. Once the field is completed, something mysterious happens: the ghost of the legendary baseball player “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and other ghostly players begin to play on the field. The appearance of these spirits brings immense joy to Ray’s life, but he soon discovers that more work is needed to heal the past and connect it to the present. The financial risks associated with building the baseball field also pose significant challenges, threatening Ray and his family with the possibility of losing everything. Will Ray press on with his vision, or will he choose to prioritise the financial security of his farm and family?
Field of Dreams blends drama with supernatural fantasy. With the various themes and heartfelt messages, the film is especially suitable for family audiences, particularly as Ray confronts his past hurt regarding his father. Additionally, sports enthusiasts will appreciate the sporting aspects of the film. It was co-written and directed by Phil Alden Robinson, whose previous works include Sneakers (1992) and The Sum of All Fears (2002).

I have always found Field of Dreams to be an incredibly uplifting film and the ultimate feel-good movie. Ray’s personal journey is meaningful as he is called to help others confront their past mistakes and, in doing so, address his own unfinished business. If he succeeds, he will be able to realise his dreams fully. The storyline is touching and impactful, especially as Ray encounters ghosts from the past and others like him who need internal healing.
Kevin Costner delivers a charming performance as Ray, and the film also features outstanding contributions from James Earl Jones and Ray Liotta. One of the most significant highlights of the film is its musical score by James Horner, which I found to be extraordinarily impactful and emotionally gripping. The score enhances the heartfelt moments, making them even more memorable. Overall, it’s a beautiful soundtrack from start to finish.

The film’s pacing in the beginning and the conclusion are especially enjoyable. However, Field of Dreams struggled in the middle section, particularly when Ray leaves his farm and ventures into the city searching for more clues about the unfolding events. This shift in scenery and subplot, while magical in some respects, tends to feel like a drag. Nevertheless, as the storylines tie together, the film ultimately delivers a strong and satisfying conclusion.
Overall, Field of Dreams is a well-crafted drama film filled with feel-good and uplifting moments. The performances are delightful, and I truly appreciate the film’s score, which never fails to bring tears to my eyes. In terms of pacing, the film’s strongest points are the opening and conclusion; however, the middle section lacks the same impact and feels as though it goes slightly off track before entering the third act. Nevertheless, the film is a very enjoyable experience, especially for those who appreciate elements of fantasy or baseball. It’s worth a look!
The Field of Dreams (1989) is now available on 4K UHD Blu-ray, thanks to Via Vision Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 7.7/10


Published: 17th Janruary 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden

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