Places in the Heart

Places in the Heart

Year: 1984

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Benton

Drama

In Depression-era Texas, widow Edna Spaulding battles adversity with grit and determination, juggling her farm, two children, and dwindling finances. As a deadly tornado looms, she finds solace in the unconventional wisdom of a blind boarder, a charming con artist, and her resourceful sister - together they forge an unlikely community that defies the harsh realities of their world.

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Timeline & Setting – Places in the Heart (1984)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Places in the Heart (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1935

The year 1935 was marked by the hardships of the Great Depression, which forced many families into dire financial straits. This period saw communities grappling with loss, unemployment, and the societal strain that comes with economic downturns, profoundly shaping the narrative of survival and resilience.

Location

Waxahachie, Texas

Waxahachie is a small town in Texas known for its rich agricultural history, particularly in cotton farming. During the Great Depression, it faced significant economic challenges, which deeply affected the local community, leading to a heightened sense of desperation among its residents.

🏡 Town 🌾 Agriculture

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

Main Characters – Places in the Heart (1984)
Meet the key characters of Places in the Heart (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Edna Spalding (Sally Field)

Edna Spalding is a widowed mother, resilient in the face of her husband’s tragic death and the financial ruin threatening her family. Despite her overwhelming grief, she takes charge of her life and strives to protect her children's future, demonstrating incredible strength and determination.

👩‍👧‍👦 Mother 💪 Strength

Moses 'Moze' Hadner (Danny Glover)

Moze is a drifter who becomes a handyman for Edna’s family, offering crucial support during their darkest days. His complex character reveals layers of vulnerability and assertiveness, as he navigates his own challenges while helping the Spaldings amidst societal hardships.

🛠️ Handyman 🖤 Community

Will (Terry O'Quinn)

Will is a blind war veteran who becomes an unexpected lodger in Edna's home. His character evolves from difficult adjustments to forming a heartfelt bond with Edna's children, revealing themes of compassion and heroism as he protects them during a crisis.

🪖 Veteran ❤️ Compassion

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

Major Themes – Places in the Heart (1984)
Explore the central themes of Places in the Heart (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌪️ Resilience

The theme of resilience is central to the story as Edna faces a series of overwhelming challenges, from losing her husband to financial hardships. Through her determination and the support of her community, she not only survives but also thrives, highlighting the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.

🤝 Community

Community plays a vital role in the film, showcasing how bonds are forged in times of crisis. The relationships between characters illustrate the importance of support, compassion, and solidarity as they navigate personal losses and societal challenges together.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is poignantly explored through the struggles of Moze and the violence he faces. The narrative brings attention to racial injustices and the societal tensions of the time, emphasizing the need for courage and integrity in the fight against oppression.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

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