Devil’s Playground April 21st, 2010
Originally Written 02/11/04
Devil’s Playground is a really interesting documentary about a custom of the Amish. The Amish don’t believe in baptizing infants and think that only an adult can make an informed decision on whether to join the church and follow god. When kids turn 16, they’re released into the outside or “English” world and can basically run free, doing just about anything. Then after a couple of years, they’re expected to come back and get baptized into the church and live in the community and follow the religion for the rest of their lives.
Man, adolescence is hard enough, I couldn’t imagine going through what those kids go through and having to make such a huge decision at that age. Like the preacher’s kid who runs wild when they have a bit of freedom, these kids pretty much went crazy. There’s tons of parties, alcohol, drugs, cable TV and video games. Some kids even moved out of the house to enjoy the freedom.
The documentary was quite well made. It followed a few different kids and showed how things went over the many months. Some of them went back to the church, a couple couldn’t return to that world, and one was still in limbo as he was trying to figure things out. It was a really poignant and somber film. It also gave an interesting look into Amish society and their beliefs, which you normally wouldn’t be able to get.