ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ต.ค. 2016
- The story ends, as it began, with community and in the midst of prayer. In a highly symbolic and imaginary scene, communion is passed among the assembled congregants at the church, hand to hand and mouth to mouth, between both the living and the deceased. The last line of the film is spoken by Wylie to Royce Spalding, "Peace of God”. The film closes with all the characters gathered together in church singing in unison.
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Quite possibly the most beautiful, inspirational, transcendent, uplifting and utterly original movie ending I have ever seen. Destroys me every time.
Wow. You sure can write. Totally agree, but couldn't have said it so well. Thank you.
You are not wrong. Saw it in a theatre back in 1985. had to wait through the entire credits before being composed enough to leave.
not destroys you
heals you
I've never been moved by a film's "ending" like this one. I remember watching this film for the first time on video and knew nothing about it, but the ending left me completely surprised and emotional. If there could be a perfect ending to a film.....this would have to be it for me.
@@scripta4812 Quite simply one of the most captivating and moving examples of "magical realism". I teach this film in my film class and the ending always blows people away. It's so quiet and simple.
A remarkable film from 1984, now 4 decades ago. A remarkable scene..
I got married in 2015 in the church in this scene. It was a beautiful wedding. Best day of my life.
Must have been so blessing!
Those who are alive on earth and those who died....but alive in CHRIST Joined as one! Heartwrenchingly beautiful!
This ending is so profound especially the scene between the white sheriff and black boy who was killed. We are all child of GOD in his eyes regardless of race.
I didn’t understand the end did everybody die including the mother and her kids because their husband was there and the black guy that killed him and was dragged by the truck was there too?
@@chrispizzo94 no the mom and kids didn't die. I think It was that she had overcome hardships and with faith and friends able to heal. The dead and missing folks were there in spirit as part of the healing and the message was that we need to move on together.
I love this movie. I saw it as a young man. I was raised in a small racist town. I am fortunate to be alive. I am a native American that was adopted by a white family. They just figured I would blend in but obviously I didn't. Kids ridiculed me and bullied me horribly. The end of this movie shows me how things should have been.
I saw this in a theater back in 1984. My girlfriend at the time coaxed me into going. I wanted to see an action flick. I totally fell apart at this scene and wept openly. Perhaps the finest ending in movie history.
I still cry. It left a last impression & kick to my gut. ❤🙏
Is it just me that cried, when I saw this great moment in film?
Seeing this moment of forgiveness, and unity among people, was heartbreaking.
Cinematically, the final sequence in Places in the Heart, is both a dream, and a prayer, of peace.
@@SamuelNYC Amen to that.
No, I cry everytime I see this scene. The power of forgiveness and inclusiveness is hard for me to hold back the tears.
Listen to the choir...do you hear how it is joined by the voices of angels? Every time I view this video, it strikes me to my heart..."For we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses!"
When Lindsey Crouse takes Ed Harris's hand, in that moment she forgives his infidelity, his sin, forgiveness he knows he does not deserve.
I think this is one of the most masterful pieces of American cinema.
My mom loved this movie especially this scene, we had her funeral yesterday in her church and I felt her presence as if she was sitting next to me. I love you momma forever! See you soon. The picture is one of the last photos I took of her.
❤️🙏❤️
I'm always looking forward to seeing my Mama and Papa in heaven someday soon. At 72 one feels his/her mortality.
@@jdb10715 As Christians, we have so much to look forward to when God calls us home. Like you, I can’t wait to see my MeMaw, who I lost to cancer, when I was only 8. I’m 53, and 1 Corinthians 13: (Love) always perseveres, describes perfectly how God made us. Missing, loving and looking forward to seeing your Mama and Papa, proves Christ’s existence. Can’t wait to meet you, either, my brother in Christ. God bless you.
I come back to this scene often. There are just not enough words to describe the joy its message brings to the soul. John 3:16
Saw this film for the first time recently. Born in '88, but I like movies from 1972-2007. I was on a Danny Glover kick and this picture was mentioned in several interviews of his. What a movie! They don't make movies like this anymore. Great characters, great writing, leave you feeling fulfilled and like you've learned a lesson. It's also hard not to notice the general decline in our culture and society to see our interests and values shift to where they are.
Anyway, I've said too much. Great movie. Great message. Take care.
This scene and when Moze says goodbye bring the feels hard everytime. Also, anyone else notice the people who died in the car during the tornado are here too?
Oh man, you're right! Good eye!
Yes indeed I noticed that, I cried all the way thru this scene
that very ending is so powerful it brings tears of joy when u see the two men by the side of each other
Tears...I disliked that ending when I was younger, nineteen when it came out. I didn't get it. Now seeing it is like an emotional punch. I thought of this today, maybe because there is someone I need to forgive. 😵😥😄
@@debbiesuesteele9639 I was 8 when I saw it in the theater. My Saintly Mother never got a babysitter for me. I got to come along with her, her two sisters and 2 or 3 friends she worked with at a bakery in our very small town.(Akron, NY: still very clean, pretty town) My Aunts were clueless to the ending, too, taking it literally. But when I got older, you're right! It's like a scene where you get to see all the characters and imagine if life was "heaven-like," in church of all places. It's where you're taught to forgive(adultery). One of my faves!
@@kristinesmart24 I like that story..thanks!😊
@@kristinesmart24 Jesus covers a multitude of sins; and is able to change hearts that seem untouchable. May the peace of Christ be with you.
This is a powerful film of struggle, faith, perseverance, race and redemption. It is one of the most underrated films of all time and I always enjoy it.
Finest movie scene in human history. God bless all.
I cry tears of joy watching it. Perfect to watch and take communion while separated from others April 12, 2020
Has to be one of the most incredible endings to any movie ever filmed.
I saw this movie in a theater for the first time, when it had just been released. At the end of this scene…… and I can’t explain why, except that I was just so touched by the power of love in that scene…… but I was trembling and sobbing so hard, we waited until the theater had emptied out before I could even raise my head and we finally left ourselves. And I continued crying all the way home. Over the years since then, I’ve rented the movie a few times, and caught it whenever I happened to notice that it was on television. And without fail, EVERY SINGLE TIME that I’ve watched it…… even knowing what was to come in that last scene…… I’m overcome with that same intense emotion and can’t stop crying until several minutes after the last credits roll at the end. It’s been many years now since I’ve seen it, but when I just now came across this TH-cam video and saw that it was the last scene of the movie, I just absolutely HAD to watch it. And I thought to myself, “Surely not this time, since it’s not the entire movie where I’ve been caught up in the whole story from the beginning.” But I couldn’t have been more wrong! In just those few minutes, I was once again in that same emotional state at the end. So I’m just really curious…… Has anybody else reading this experienced anything similar to what I’ve described that happens to me?
@@SamuelNYC 😊👍 I luv that! Thank you!
Every single time, Bo. My daddy passed in October of, 2020'. His nickname, Was "Bo." Mr. Bo Dickson. 🙏😭
Yes! I saw it in the theatre when it was released. After the film ended, everyone just sat completely quiet and still for minutes. No one wanted to break the spell. I've never experienced anything like it. I think it's the most touching ending of a film ever.
Scoot over. Saw it also during the initial release and pretty much had the same reaction as you. I just embrace the message and allow the joy mixed with tears.
me, as well..
I just saw the film again several times. I love it, and especially, the powerful ending. For me, the last frame with Wylie and Sheriff Royce Spalding is so moving not only because it is an image of forgiveness in the Lord's house, but more importantly this: without the death of the Sheriff, Edna Spalding would not have become the woman she did, nor could she have helped Moze find his dignity and talents nor given Mr. Will a safe haven and a real family, people who truly loved him more than his own blood family. All of that came from the death of the Sheriff at Wylie's hands. So the tragedy is actually the foundation for other souls to develop, and in that way, one senses a kind of "agreement" on a soul level between Wylie and Sheriff Royce that this happened for the benefit of others, sad as it is of course on the earthly plane. It's a truly appropriate, deeply meaningful and profoundly spiritual conclusion to this film. So although I usually agree with Roger Ebert, the film critic, he completely missed the significance of the ending of this film, IMHO. Bravo, Robert Benton, the writer/director of the film!
In love He predestined us
You explained a deeply profound principle upon which all human interaction turns, and you did it succinctly. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment. This ending touches my heart to the depths. I appreciate your fuller understanding of it beyond love and forgiveness. What you said is so true about the growth made possible through the sacrifice of some.
To Helene T; Roger Ebert was an atheist, so he probably thought the ending was unreasonable. To those who believe it is very profound.
Thanks for your explanation. I did not even realize that it was Wylie and the Sheriff at the end as I thought the two were dead in my mind and there's no way they would appear in the end. Great write-up.
The first time, I saw this, I cried like a big baby. Still do. I must be crazy. 😭❤
This movie is one of my favorites..
But it is this final scene that takes your breath away!
Dang got sucked into this movie again. Couldn't turn away.
One thing I never noticed? The sound of Trains in the distance. Love this movie!
I saw this in 1984 on Christmas Day, and it blew my mind then! It still does - all that this scene says. I have watched this movie multiple times.
Same thing with me went I saw it on cable in late 80's. I said " wow" when I saw Danny Glover sitting in the church, and it just got better in final minute or so.
The way they share the Eucharist in that denomination is very touching. It really is community sharing in the meal.
@@Ranger4402 Not positive but I don't think that method/distribution is indicative of the times. I would have to look that up. I believe it was done that way for the overall message converted. God Bless us all. ❤
A powerful and highly symbolic scene ends one of my favorite movies of all time! The reminder that we're all sinners saved by the grace of God through the blood of His Son, Jesus. One day all who have believed in Him will sit down together at the marriage supper of the Lamb. No more death, sin, sorrow, suffering, and pain. He will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4).
Amen JESUS forgives and saves all.
Amen🤲
Just finished watching the entire movie for the first time, and wanted to come here and see what people were saying about that last scene. Thank you for your beautiful comment. 🙏🏾
Most powerful and hopeful ending of any movie I have ever seen. I've viewed it many times, particularly after I lost a loved one or dear friend. Peace of God.
I totally agree about the power of the ending. When Sally Field was on the Larry King show, I called in to ask about the inspiration of the ending. I was on hold & then disconnected, so disappointed I could not find that answer.
And also with you.
This is one of the best movies of the ‘80’s... I love this ending where everyone is united in communion. It’s one of the loveliest expressions of Christianity I’ve seen on film.
Everyone sitting in the church pews that day, real or imagined, had a place in Edna’s heart.
I can't watch this without bawling.
This movie, Trip to Bountiful, and Babette's Feast are probably my top three favorite movies EVER.
And 2 of those movies occur in my town, Waxahachie. Written by Horton S Foote
@@JasonMAlexander I LOVE Horton Foote! He is an absolute marvel.
@@SamuelNYC I hope you have followed up on your plan to watch Babette's Feast!
@@SamuelNYC I'm so pleased!
If you like "Places in the heart", "Trip to Bountiful" and "Babette's Feast", check out "Antonia's Line" (1995).
I felt that it showed their unity in Heaven where there is eternal love and forgiveness. It showed that all our soals are equal.
This scene is beautiful.
I recall clearly attending a small Baptist church as boy 60 years ago. At the time, l was bored out of my mind. But now, this scene of hope and redemption resonates powerfully within
me
Beautiful finale to one of the most incredible movies in my lifetime. I took my grandmother to see it... she was born & raised in a small Texas farming town. She said this was a pretty accurate representation of what she saw & experienced.
My family is from a small farming community in Texas too. Black Flat, 35 miles outside Wichita Falls. My Nana saw this movie when it came out and she said the same thing; that every last detail of it was like it really was...even down to the little girl's haircut. This has and will always be my favorite movie of all time because I feel like I get to see what it was like for my people. Makes me feel close to them.
sherri d ❤️
Sherri d - my family is from Pilot Point, TX... a little NE of Denton.
This is one of my favorite hymns.
.
While separated on this Resurrection Son Day, we can still, by the grace of our Lord, be joined in spirit. Couldn't find anything better than this. Brings tears to my eyes and brings a big lump to my throat. So bizarr - the many warring elements in this movie - many brought back to life - took this communion in peace and love. Peace be with you. Starting on Easter 2020 I started watching this every Son Day as I took communion alone.Christ's words at the first Lord's Supper never grow old.
@@SamuelNYC Thank you. Yes - All by the grace of our Lord Christ.
Sally Field proved she was worthy of the '84 Oscar for Best Actress in a spirited performance. And, yes, people REALLY liked her in Places in the Heart, quoting her acceptance speech.
I remember that. I thought it was pretty gutsy. Now I think, gutsy,yes, but that had to be the result of a lot of therapy. The only Oscar speech I can remember..
Likely one of the very few most powerful endings to a nearly perfect film that Hollywood just refuses to make anymore.
I so, agree.
There is a movie coming out this Friday called "Hard Miles" starring Matthew Modine, based on a true story. If you need a feel good, check it out. (My buddy directed it, so I'm a little biased.) And "Minori" (2020) and "The Farewell" (2019) will make you cry in a good way. Also, I hear good things about "Ordinary Angels" (2024) and "Cabrini" (2024), so don't give up hope just yet.
So simple, yet so utterly beautiful.
This took my breath away. Wow.
In my church (First Christian Church, 1950s) the children would not have been offered the Host, being nonmembers at that time. I will always remember how good the grape juice smelled right before lunch. In any event, this scene is one of the most beautiful ever put to film.
If you are a Christian and if you have seen the movie, then this scene is as powerful dn emotional any any I've seen in my 70 years of life. Thank you.
They don't make them like they used to. Powerful film. Beautiful film. The ending touches my soul.
This is one of the best movie scenes, i saw it when I was a kid and it was such a surprise, so sweet.
Its a very inspiring film of hope and glory to God in all the highest. If all men could be kind and love each other what a wonderful world it would be indeed.
This scene hits me every time I watch or think of it. One of best endings for a film ever made. That last scene of the husband and the young black man is so relevant today in light of what’s going on between police and black community. All the misunderstandings and acts of violence are forgiven in the house of the Lord. We are all in communion.
Why anyone would downvote this is beyond me
No emotions...lol. Or taste in intense Cinema. Or possibly, he/she felt too much & has some deep seeded resentment. 🤷
Lindsey Crouse should have won the Oscar for supporting actress
Ending was good seeing everyone there.
Brother Dean -thank you so much for this last scene and the comments below it knew I was not the only one who felt The Holy Spirit.
How heaven will be. I can only imagine. A place where there is no, pain, tears, death, loss, recollection of wrongs, the list goes on. 🙏❤
This is the most beautiful and truly Christian ending of any film I can think of - all of them, even the dead, taking communion together in fellowship 🥲 This film is beautiful
My mom loved this movie and when it got to this scene she would get very sad, she grew up in a small town and the memories of her long gone parents and grandparents were too much for her. She passed away nearly seven years ago and when I watch this scene my memories of her make me sad.
Powerful ending. Great movie.
Makes me bawl every time.
"Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us." (Hebrews 12:1)
May the peace of the Lord be with you.
Amen
and also you....
Same to you.
Through the acceptance of the Lord do we find forgiveness
Very good movie.
My favorite movie ever.
One of the best
If you will look close the young black boy turns and whispers I'm sorry to the sheriff- Just maybe God is much more rich in mercy than most think.
You're right! Thanks for pointing that out.
I thought he whispered, "He's come." The church choir is loud so it's hard to make out.
I believe he says.." Peace of God" ...
@@TTundragrizzly you, sir, are correct.
It does sound like “I’m sorry.” I never noticed that. He is saying “Peace of God” (more like “Peace-a God” the way Wylie says it). Maybe that was the director’s intention, to have the line double as an apology.
My opinion, one of the best movies ever. Very underrated. 🙂
An extraordinarily moving scene. People united in church, taking communion, their lives pieced together again.
How heaven will be, I believe this, wholeheartedly. 🙏❤
Every Sunday while in COVID isolation I take communion while watching this. That women in the car with husband has a somewhat puzzled look and maybe a bit of "I wish I could be there" as 'Blessed Assurance' is sung. But she then joins her husband with leaving that wonderful scene. Every time I watch this I discover something new. For example, the first car passed parked in front of the church looks like a newish car for that time. Is that a Chevy hood ornament? 1 Cor 13:1-8 read after congregation sits sums up the message of this movie and the couple with child on the front row. Interesting note re this line: Preacher : On the night before His crucifixion, Our Lord gathered with His disciples. He broke the bread, and blessed it, saying: "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took the cup and said: "Drink; this is my blood, which I shed for thee." I call this a composite Bible translation since I can't find any Bible translation of this.
This is one of my favorite films, I've watched it numerous times. The music is inspiring, and especially at the end, which all the commentors are explaining and feeling. It is indeed a very inspiring end, but the entire film is. Does anyone know what chorus is singing this last song, In the Garden? I've been looking for years. I also feel it is one of the finest films ever made, about the good and the evil in mankind.
The two places where we are all equal are in death, and in the eyes of God.
Awesome Movie very moving.
Ed Harris is a beautiful creation.
I think Sally Field's husband, in this movie, is perfecto. Lol
Really needed to see this in this time period. 3/31/2020
When I saw this I thought everyone was dead.
Que poderoso mensaje en unos segundos.....ojalá llegue el día en el que el color de piel realmente no importe
What a story!!!
GOD's Sovereign Will , will ALWAYS find and keep HIS sheep...HE is OUR GOOD SHEPHERD...
Incredible ending, incredible movie
0:15 The Church door is cracked open, lady. This is your invite; go on in. You are forgiven. 🙏❤✌
this scene was weird ngl but it was powerful, i knew something was up when moses was in the church without scars and the. saw wiley and her husband alive
I knew as soon as I saw the people who died in the car during the tornado.
My mom used to own the DVD for this film
It's so irrelevant but when the communion was served the sheriff was the only one to place his cup back in the plate after he drank it. I wonder if this was a symbolism of his death
The banker drank his before passing the tray to others.
I'm sorry brother Dean
❤️🙏❤️
😭
Trust me, atheists also treasure this scene.
The 3rd band member (gold shirts, string ties) is Clif Bruner; a western swing pioneer and great jazz fiddle player. And an old friend of mine.
Cool
I guess it just goes to show you all are forgiven in the end.
What is that building in the first couple seconds? It looks very interesting.
That is the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie.
Ellis County Courthouse south of Dallas. It’s beautiful
I didn’t understand the end where everybody was together again does that mean that everybody died including the mother and her kids?
Comments from the dorector: Regarding the unique ending, writer-director Robert Benton explained why he ended an otherwise realistic movie with a fantasy scene incorporating equality, grace and forgiveness, tenets of Christianity:
"There are certain things images can explain that words cannot. There is something in the image of the man who has been killed handing the communion plate to the boy who killed him that seems very moving to me in ways I cannot explain. I had the ending before I ever finished the screenplay, although I knew audiences would be confused by it."
Can someone explain the ending to me I don’t get it
@@SamuelNYC It's my hope (fantacy) that at least some warring factions can be brought together. Like you say - elements with nothing in common. Perhaps what I'm visualizing is God accepting me - all I've done wrong - as a blood-washed, redeemed one. Without Jesus it truely is impossible.
@@SamuelNYC I think Ebert missed the boat on this one. The film is small, beautiful, simple, understated. The final scene is of a "place in the heart," i.e. a form of heaven.
The young black kid and the sheriff died in the beginning of the movie. (The young black kid was drunk, had a gun, accidentally shot the sheriff. Then the rednecks took the kid from the jail and lynched him and drug his corpse through the streets.) But here, at the end of the film, the young man and the sheriff are together, at peace, partaking of communion with those still living. It's not meant to be taken literally, it's a form of "magical realism", symbolizing the transcendent, redemptive power of God's love, and showing us how God's love can enable us to put aside our Earthly differences and become one in the spirit. At least that's what I think it means.😊
What’s the song they’re playing?
It's called "I came to the garden alone" or "In the Garden." A hymn song. A very good one.
th-cam.com/video/hhIGIfsLxVk/w-d-xo.html
Just watched and came here to figure out the final scene. I thought the black guy was murdered.
The young black kid and the sheriff died in the beginning of the movie. (The young black kid was drunk, had a gun, accidentally shot the sheriff. Then the rednecks took the kid from the jail and lynched him and drug his corpse through the streets.) But here, at the end of the film, the young man and the sheriff are together, at peace, partaking of communion with those still living. It's not meant to be taken literally, it's a form of "magical realism", symbolizing the transcendent, redemptive power of God's love, and showing us how God's love can enable us to put aside our Earthly differences and become one in the spirit. At least that's what I think it means.
Reply
Old white man here; approaching expectancy. I mention I'm white because folks today in 2021 seem to think that's important. It's not but I won't argue. What I'd like people to know before I exit life is to HEAR the hymn that's being sung. "Peace Of God".
@@SamuelNYC Kind of you Samuel. Thank you for posting. It remains one of if not the most powerful, moving moments in cinema I've experienced. I was 34 when this film was released and I remember well as I watched the final scene when Sally Field passed the wine to her dead husband and whispered "Peace Of God", I audibly gasped. And when her husband passed the wine to the young man who had killed him and they exchanged "Peace Of God", I wept openly
someone please enlighten me with the dead husband and the innocent bud besides him. why they were they? I thought they were dead already.
They are dead but they still live in the heart of Sally Field's character.
@@dreadfulspiller8766 i see. So it was a metaphor. Thank you for the explanation
They are doing the communion wrong
Wait.... THIS is what you are taking out this scene?🤔
@@Rob774 yeah, which is important...but you wouldn't know that
@@anthonymoody3826 Ah... I see. Random tuber assumes because I question his fragility over a fictitious communion scene automatically casts doubt on my participation in said event. Here's the point. I didn't click on this passionate scene to question this. I participate in communion at my church. I am not here to question others, especially not a real life scene. Nor do I care to do so in reality.
U must be fun at parties.
@@Rob774 When you open your big mouth you get your foot put in it...u asked a question, you got a answer...and i don't go to parties
I watched the whole movie and was sooooo disappointed by the ending. Instead of fighting for Danny Glover to stay even after being beaten by those KKK thugs, she let him leave so easily. It actually angered me because of all he did to help her make her farm thrive and she didn't fight to change his mind. Then it all culminates to this last scene that is of course just fantasy and I didn't get it to be quite honest. If it's supposed to symbolize what could be...then Daniel Glover never should've left and fought for the place he earned and she should've stood by him. I know most people loved the ending but I was so disappointed by it!
That's because our place in God's kingdom is not earned but the result of God's grace. The carnal mind cannot receive the things of God.
@@internet6695 Huh!? 🧐
Hi @MUSIC LOVER I felt exactly the same as you do. It ruined the film for me. I couldn't believe she/they just let him go like that. But I re-watched the film again last night. Perhaps it was the intimacy of watching it on the laptop in my bedroom, or the fact that I've been watching quite a few black history documentaries recently, but my opinion has changed. Once the head KKK man told Moze they weren't finished with him, he knew they'd come to lynch him and the only chance he had of staying alive was to try to get out of town. The blind man would have heard that too, and told Edna. I think Moze's sobbing was fear and shame, yes, but also grief that he had finally been part of a family and now had to go. In the 1930's climate of the south, none of them had a choice. Edna couldn't stand up to the KKK. Moze would be blamed for causing even more trouble. What she did do, was give to give the man back his dignity. No small thing in the circumstances.
BTW I'm not entirely sure Moze did make it out of town... His appearance with the dead in the church scene could point to the fact the KKK caught and lynched him, just as much as he had a place in Edna's heart and in the community as an equal. There were no other black people from the community in church, apart from the lynched boy and Moze. I find it difficult to know what the director meant, above the obvious. Does anyone else have thoughts on this? Samuel?
@@storyteller3927 I definitely understand what you're saying. Maybe it's time for me to rewatch it and give it another chance!
It's because she did not have the resources to protect Danny Glover (Moze) from he KKK. Remember that racism is pretty endemic at that time, even the law enforcement who has the sworn duty to protect its citizens and maintain peace, also are documented to oppress people of color at that time. Both Moze and Edna (Sally Fields) wanted for him to stay in the farm but due to the hostility to Moze, he has become a growing liability hence it's decided that it was best for him to leave. This was painful for the both of them.
Yes, the ending is powerful and I am still moved by it. But does the end justify the means? The reason the ending is powerful is because we the audience were dragged through a lot of ugliness to reach this point. I feel that the movie strongly "otherizes" people of color, which is ALWAYS unhealthy. I would never show this film to children. But still, I can't stop thinking about that totally unexpected and shockingly beautiful ending.
I do not intrepret the movie as "otherizing" people of color. Is is unhealthy? No. It's showing reality of the Jim Crow South otherizing people of color. Never show children this movie? What children do you speak of? Even today people of color including children are still otherized.
The movie detailed common occurances in many towns and cities of the Jim Crow South (and North); and in many respects, continue today (Amadou Diallo, Trayvon Martin, Eric and Erica (his daughter) Gardner...). There was no earthly "happy ending", symbolized by the couple that chose to drive away from the church, scowling. People continue to reject God each and every day; acting out their wickedness against themselves and others. But God! We have His blessed assurance that in the end, all will be more than well.
"That is what is meant by the Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord." (1 Corinthians 2:9)
I interpret the last scene as better choices and more love would mean we could all sit down and break bread together.
Flannery O'Connor famously remarked that "...to the hard of hearing you shout, and for the almost-blind you draw large and startling figures." Robert Benton did that brilliantly with this story - the "ugliness" that we've endured causes grace to appear truly amazing, instead of just "nice."
It feels like you're making two different points here. I thought throughout the movie the ugliness (as you say) was balanced with the grace and kindness of Edna and her new "family." They all grow throughout the movie. And I am not sure what you mean by "otherizes" - I get the basic idea, but how did you expect things to be in South in the 30's? Would you not show it to children because of the race theme? Or the adultery story? Or that the father was killed and the boy was was hanged? Or that you would have to try to explain this final shot of the movie? Kids would relate to the kids in the movie, as kids do. With Frank, he gets in trouble and has to face the consequences. Possum listens to her mother, and shows Mr. Will kindness, which he returns. They work together to get down the stairs during the tornado. Anyhow, I also still find this scene extremely powerful.