Field of Dreams

| 1989

Directed by: Phil Alden Robinson

Main Plot

In "Field of Dreams," directed by Phil Alden Robinson, Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a mysterious voice he hears one day in his cornfield saying, "If you build it, he will come." Driven by this message, Ray undertakes the seemingly irrational act of plowing part of his cornfield to build a baseball diamond. Despite the risk of financial ruin, Ray persists, motivated by a vision that he links to his deceased father, who was a devoted baseball fan. After completing the field, the ghosts of great baseball players, including Shoeless Joe Jackson, begin to appear to play ball. As Ray continues to follow the cryptic instructions from the voice, he embarks on a journey that leads him to reclusive author Terence Mann and other key figures who are connected to his quest in unexpected ways. The film explores themes of redemption, faith, and the power of following one's dreams, culminating in a deeply emotional and personal resolution.

Characters

  • Kevin Costner plays Ray Kinsella, a farmer who builds a baseball diamond in his cornfield, summoning the ghosts of baseball legends and reconciling with his father.
  • James Earl Jones plays Terence Mann, a reclusive author who joins Ray Kinsella on a journey that helps fulfill a magical prophecy involving baseball legends.
  • Ray Liotta plays Shoeless Joe Jackson, a legendary baseball player who emerges from the cornfield to play ball on the protagonist's magical baseball field.

Ending Explained

In the concluding scenes of "Field of Dreams," directed by Phil Alden Robinson, the film reaches its emotional and thematic climax. Ray Kinsella, the protagonist, has followed a mysterious voice's instructions to build a baseball field in his Iowa cornfield, despite the risk of financial ruin. This field attracts the ghosts of deceased baseball players, including the disgraced Shoeless Joe Jackson, who relish the chance to play the game again. The climax unfolds when Ray discovers that his father, John Kinsella, a former minor league player who had been estranged and deceased, is one of the players. This revelation addresses Ray's longstanding regrets and unresolved issues with his father. The two share a poignant moment, playing catch on the field, symbolizing reconciliation and the healing of their relationship. The film concludes with a hopeful note as hundreds of cars approach the field, indicating that others are also drawn to this magical place, suggesting that Ray's financial troubles will be resolved. This ending underscores themes of redemption, faith, and the power of following one's dreams, no matter how irrational they may seem.

Phil Alden Robinson Drama Family Fantasy Kevin Costner James Earl Jones Ray Liotta