Summary: "Volunteers" is a 1985 comedy film directed by Nicholas Meyer. The movie follows the story of Lawrence Wetherhold, a wealthy playboy who is forced to join the Peace Corps as part of a plea bargain to avoid jail time. Reluctantly, he travels to Thailand and is assigned to work on a village irrigation project. There, he encounters a variety of colorful characters, including a fellow volunteer named Beth, with whom he forms an unlikely bond. As Lawrence navigates the challenges of his new surroundings and responsibilities, he undergoes a personal transformation, learning the value of hard work and community service.
Why Watch:
🧑🎓 Students and young adults: "Volunteers" offers a lighthearted and humorous look at the Peace Corps experience, which can be appealing to those interested in international service or personal growth.
🌍 Fans of fish-out-of-water stories: The film's premise of a privileged individual being thrust into a vastly different cultural environment provides ample opportunities for comedic situations and character development.
🤝 Viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives: The relationship between Lawrence and Beth, as well as the supporting cast of eccentric characters, drives the film's emotional core and makes for an engaging character study.