The Amish depicted in the movie “Witness” and their awareness of the other world

Can the teachings of “nonviolence” stand against violence?

The biggest difference between the novelization and the movie is probably the climax where you confront the enemy.

After discovering that John is hiding in an Amish village, corrupt police officers attack John and the witness, Samuel, in an attempt to kill him. Deputy Chief Schafer, the mastermind behind the scenes, takes Rachel hostage, but is cornered and surrounded by unresisting Amish people.

In the novelization, John takes advantage of Schaefer's fear and slams him to the ground and handcuffs him. His brilliant skills show that John is a good detective and cannot afford to remain in the Amish village.

"Witness" (c) Photofest / Getty Images

Meanwhile, in the movie, John yells at Schaefer, "Are you going to kill everyone here? Enough is enough!" and Schaefer also gives up. There are no spectacular actions, and the case is not solved because of John's efforts. The Amish spirit of nonviolence ultimately triumphs over violence.

I'm not sure if this change was a policy set out by director Peter Weir. However, as far as we can infer from the content and comments from those involved, the novelization is based on the initial script written by William Kelly and Earl W. Wallace. The finished film takes a more level-headed view of the Amish, and seems to place more value on their faith.

At least if it had stayed true to the initial script, it would have settled on a more straightforward, if not more interesting, detective genre format for the Amish, which would have diminished the philosophical depth the film acquired. It seems so.

The light and darkness of the Amish that caused a stir after the movie was released.