96 reviews
My daughter saw this film at the Philadelphia Film Festival and has been telling me for months that I MUST see "The Biggest Little Farm". Well, the documentary somehow got excellent distribution and I had a chance to see it in the theater just before its release to DVD (which is later this week).
The film is about an unusual farm near Los Angeles. What makes it unusual (apart from being so close to LA) is that instead of a monoculture, the farm takes a more holistic approach to farming. So, instead of one huge crop of almonds or citrus (pretty typical of this area), the farm grows many, many different things and tries to do them using older techniques which are better for the environment. The story takes place over a period of about 8-9 years.
While on the surface this story sounds VERY dull, it's amazing that it isn't. The filmmakers were able to tell a captivating story and did it very well for many reasons. Humanizing the story helped but what really helped was the lovely cinematography and music....and it helped to make the movie very relaxing and sweet. I highly recommend this film.
The film is about an unusual farm near Los Angeles. What makes it unusual (apart from being so close to LA) is that instead of a monoculture, the farm takes a more holistic approach to farming. So, instead of one huge crop of almonds or citrus (pretty typical of this area), the farm grows many, many different things and tries to do them using older techniques which are better for the environment. The story takes place over a period of about 8-9 years.
While on the surface this story sounds VERY dull, it's amazing that it isn't. The filmmakers were able to tell a captivating story and did it very well for many reasons. Humanizing the story helped but what really helped was the lovely cinematography and music....and it helped to make the movie very relaxing and sweet. I highly recommend this film.
- planktonrules
- Sep 1, 2019
- Permalink
In 2010, John and Molly Chester left city life and bought land in southern California to establish the Apricot Lane Farms. This documentary (co-directed by John with Sandra Keats) was filmed over a period of eight years, showing the beginning of their venture and the hardships and victories along the way.
It was wise to have documented the farming project over many years as it shows the many ups and downs of the period thus making this film almost seem like a traditional comedy/drama. Some of the farm animals are even highlighted as special characters including a phenomenally fertile sow named Emma.
As non-farmers, the Chesters did something wise: they hired a farming expert, listened to him, and put into practice what they learned. A basic lesson is re-learned here (listen to the experts) yet what they were taught is something that most people would have ignored; some would have chosen to shut down the project entirely.
The key is diversity in everything: all possible forms of livestock, fruit, and vegetables. This may seem bizarre at first, but throughout "The Biggest Little Farm", this method proves that if nature has created a problem, another part of nature can solve that problem. Apricot Lane Farms proves itself to be a fascinating ecosystem. And Lord knows our damaged planet can use as many of those as possible.
Overall, "The Biggest Little Farm" is entertaining, enlightening, and ultimately encouraging. - dbamateurcritic
It was wise to have documented the farming project over many years as it shows the many ups and downs of the period thus making this film almost seem like a traditional comedy/drama. Some of the farm animals are even highlighted as special characters including a phenomenally fertile sow named Emma.
As non-farmers, the Chesters did something wise: they hired a farming expert, listened to him, and put into practice what they learned. A basic lesson is re-learned here (listen to the experts) yet what they were taught is something that most people would have ignored; some would have chosen to shut down the project entirely.
The key is diversity in everything: all possible forms of livestock, fruit, and vegetables. This may seem bizarre at first, but throughout "The Biggest Little Farm", this method proves that if nature has created a problem, another part of nature can solve that problem. Apricot Lane Farms proves itself to be a fascinating ecosystem. And Lord knows our damaged planet can use as many of those as possible.
Overall, "The Biggest Little Farm" is entertaining, enlightening, and ultimately encouraging. - dbamateurcritic
- proud_luddite
- Sep 14, 2019
- Permalink
If you want to see a well paced and beautifully filmed documentary about an ethically-driven farm, please watch and enjoy. I'm no biologist (or farmer), so I offer no critiques about how they handled day to day issues concerning their animals and crops.
What was missing, however, was information about the ongoing finances of the farm - how much it cost to get it running, and how they obtained the capital to keep it going until they could generate income. What were the specific terms for repayment to investors? They were pouring money into animals, crops, and equipment even after acquiring the land. I was also interested in how or whether they paid and housed employees, and how much operating income they were generating from crops versus animals.
I understand that "dollars and cents" may not be the most interesting issue, but if the point of the documentary was to encourage others to pursue the same dream, then it would have been helpful to devote 5-10 minutes explaining how they kept it all going, financially.
What was missing, however, was information about the ongoing finances of the farm - how much it cost to get it running, and how they obtained the capital to keep it going until they could generate income. What were the specific terms for repayment to investors? They were pouring money into animals, crops, and equipment even after acquiring the land. I was also interested in how or whether they paid and housed employees, and how much operating income they were generating from crops versus animals.
I understand that "dollars and cents" may not be the most interesting issue, but if the point of the documentary was to encourage others to pursue the same dream, then it would have been helpful to devote 5-10 minutes explaining how they kept it all going, financially.
- Jonad-2026
- May 25, 2020
- Permalink
I had the privilege to see this great documentary at the Napa Valley Film festival 2018. It had me tearing up with emotion throughout the whole movie. 8 years of hard work & love. See this on a big screen if possible because the animal and nature scenes are beautiful & unbelievable. Actually the whole story is amazing. Loved it!
I am so in awe of what these amazing people have been able to achieve. If we all took a leaf out of this farm's book, or salad, the world and it's future would look so much better and it would certainly be a happier place to live.
This movie is Gorgeous! Strikingly so! So much even that im now very much interested in learning the ropes to be able to capture life in a similar fashion to how John has done it.
In addition to the fantastic filmatography the movie does capture the life on the farm with all its struggles and successes very well. One truly feels capitivated by it all, which is greatly enhanced by some overly emotional music that never seems to catch a break.
One thing i was constantly left wondering about once the thought arose was how this whole endevour really got funded, as in what the loan the Chesters got and on what terms. Like some other reviewers have pointed out the economy of this farm does seem a bit of at the start, and i do think there are some important details left out in the movie that would reveal the true cost for permaculture farming. But without the details i can only remain dubious to the replicability of whats shown, especially given the plentitude of help the couple gets from all sorts of people.
All in all it is a film that can easily make one dream of the possibilities of another life, and of the beauty of it all, especially when shared together with a wonderful partner and a trusty companion.
Saw this at the Palm Springs Film Festival and it stood out as one of the best docs I've seen. Lot's of good life lessons for all, delivered with imagery that's hard to imagine you could capture. See it on a big screen if you can!
It's a documentary-promotional, and as such it's a success story as long as we don't ask for details.
There is little to discuss about the film's undeniable cinematic qualities.
The biological richness achieved is also remarkable.
The problem is that it is unachieved.
As such, it will satisfy a young audience, or an audience of naive adults, but does not satisfy the curiosity of an adult audience capable of critical thinking.
I do not deny the biological success achieved.
But I do believe that the authors owe the adult audience more transparency about the ins and outs of their project. Notably:
- What was the initial project as endorsed by the investors? Purely agricultural, or eco-tourism, or even cinematographic (this film being then the completion of the project, the farm itself being then only a by-product of the financial project)?
- what is the financial track record of the operation? In this balance sheet, what is the share of income from agriculture and what is the share of eco-tourism?
- what is the production (measured in tonnage per unit of area)? What is the balance sheet in man-work units?
- franbelle10
- Jan 22, 2020
- Permalink
This is mastery. We feel joy and fear with the owners and get to experience what they experience. We see the blooming power of nature and threatening danger of nature. We feel with the animals and we see the wonders arise we needed to see... to understand again how important it is to preserve and cherish nature.
For me, this is mastery of storytelling. This not a dictation of "you need to learn this" but an EXPERIENCE. The well crafted B roll inserts tell their own story, there are peaks and lows in the tension, a fast pace - like a motion picture with a script... because I think the editors had one before cutting these tons of material into this film. This is a well crafted story, well shot images and INTENSE content to be told. This is how I want to see ALL documentaries ever made look like... like the stories that most grab us, influence us, change us: with heros and villains and villains becoming even friends (like the "pest"s they encountered and could incorporate into their farm!). The sound design is a major part of this - and the animal sequences, cut together well crafted like Disney's "Beautiful desert" documentary, a milestone back then. This documentary changed a part of me - forever.
For me, this is mastery of storytelling. This not a dictation of "you need to learn this" but an EXPERIENCE. The well crafted B roll inserts tell their own story, there are peaks and lows in the tension, a fast pace - like a motion picture with a script... because I think the editors had one before cutting these tons of material into this film. This is a well crafted story, well shot images and INTENSE content to be told. This is how I want to see ALL documentaries ever made look like... like the stories that most grab us, influence us, change us: with heros and villains and villains becoming even friends (like the "pest"s they encountered and could incorporate into their farm!). The sound design is a major part of this - and the animal sequences, cut together well crafted like Disney's "Beautiful desert" documentary, a milestone back then. This documentary changed a part of me - forever.
- thedarkhorizon
- May 10, 2021
- Permalink
"The simple hearth of the small farm is the true center of our universe." Masanobu Fukuoka
I know some people who claim to have grown up on a farm when in fact it was a piece of arid forest back east with one donkey and a few years under a mad matron. I recommend they, and anyone else inclined to romanticize farming, see The Biggest Little Farm, a documentary so honest about rural paradise as to inspire any audience to call realtor friends upon exit.
Documentarian John Chester and wife Molly, true romantics, buy 200 acres of dry land one hour north of LA (the above "farmers" could take the trip from LA to see this real farm). They document the next eight years with love and glorious photography. They revive the soil and nurture it with a virtual Noah's Ark of eating and defecating cuties, from a loveable sow to a living rooster and lambs and bulls and critters they didn't even have to import.
After a few years, drone shots reveal a swirling landscape of apricot trees and plants and grass to withstand the monstrous wind and rain sure to come. The likeness to crop circles is another layer of the farm's greet mysteries. Rains and wind do come, and the Chesters survive because they listened carefully to expert Allen, whose death leaves them to figure out their own survival. And they do.
Figuring out the place of coyotes in the deaths of their chickens is also one of the many challenges they have to assess and make decisions about life and death, tough calls for two sensitive souls dedicated to the harmony of nature.
They revive the soil, have a prosperous egg business, and learn to live in harmony with themselves and Nature's wondrous bounty. The Biggest Little farm is one of the best docs so far this year and a satisfying emotional and cinematic experience for the whole family and its pets.
I know some people who claim to have grown up on a farm when in fact it was a piece of arid forest back east with one donkey and a few years under a mad matron. I recommend they, and anyone else inclined to romanticize farming, see The Biggest Little Farm, a documentary so honest about rural paradise as to inspire any audience to call realtor friends upon exit.
Documentarian John Chester and wife Molly, true romantics, buy 200 acres of dry land one hour north of LA (the above "farmers" could take the trip from LA to see this real farm). They document the next eight years with love and glorious photography. They revive the soil and nurture it with a virtual Noah's Ark of eating and defecating cuties, from a loveable sow to a living rooster and lambs and bulls and critters they didn't even have to import.
After a few years, drone shots reveal a swirling landscape of apricot trees and plants and grass to withstand the monstrous wind and rain sure to come. The likeness to crop circles is another layer of the farm's greet mysteries. Rains and wind do come, and the Chesters survive because they listened carefully to expert Allen, whose death leaves them to figure out their own survival. And they do.
Figuring out the place of coyotes in the deaths of their chickens is also one of the many challenges they have to assess and make decisions about life and death, tough calls for two sensitive souls dedicated to the harmony of nature.
They revive the soil, have a prosperous egg business, and learn to live in harmony with themselves and Nature's wondrous bounty. The Biggest Little farm is one of the best docs so far this year and a satisfying emotional and cinematic experience for the whole family and its pets.
- JohnDeSando
- May 24, 2019
- Permalink
A charming film in many ways, all attested to here and elsewhere. But, I'm surprised by the absence of criticism of its frequently oversentimental tone, overwrought music track, anthropomorphic story lines, and animation that would be at home in an elementary schoolroom. In truth, this would be a good documentary to show elementary school kids. For the rest of us, might it actually weaken the truth of a documentary to have wall-to wall music triggering every response like fiction film? And how many close-ups of Todd the Dog's milky eyes can you tolerate before questioning the technique? How many dewey drone shots can you see before feeling that what we're seeing is a bit unreal... sometimes looking more like a cereal commercial, than something rooted in truth?
- john-147-381920
- May 29, 2019
- Permalink
There is nothing ground-breaking about The Biggest Little Farm, a lovingly crafted personal film from its creator and voice John Chester that lacks nuances of storytelling, but this beautifully shot and well-meaning documentary is the perfect comfort food viewing that will bring a smile to the face of the most cold-hearted of viewers.
Following the story of Chester and his wife Molly, who after being inspired by a 4-legged friend they decided to adopt, finally set about on their shared dream of running a sustainable farm; a farm at one with nature and forgoing the many more man-made elements of modern farming, with Farm documenting over 7 years worth of trials and tribulations the Chester's faced to see their vision become a workable reality.
There's no surprises to be found in the sense that the Chester's find themselves realizing farm life on their new 200 plus hectare farm an hour outside of Los Angeles isn't the dream experience they always imagined and its a testament to Chester that his focus throughout his narrated tale doesn't shy away from the facts that farming this way isn't the easiest of options as he and his team battle pests, deaths and a range of issues as they look to turn a seemingly dead landscape into the paradise they envisioned.
There's never a lot of time spent developing the human players inside of this story but the ace up Farm's sleeve is the ability of Chester and his abundance of helpers have in capturing the nature side of Farm's world with the animals, the landscape and the world in which they operate in, making for some heartwarming and heartbreaking moments in a film that should be watched with the whole family in mind.
From stunning night-time shots, beautifully captured insect filmography and documentation of a colorful pig named Emma and a resourceful rooster named Mr. Greasy, Farm is filled to the brim with color and energy courtesy of its non-talking inhabitants and with their help, its not hard to be inspired to take a sit back and ponder the joys of nature when it's allowed to flourish outside of man's constant meddling and the Chester's journey is one that will inspire you to take the time to smell the roses of the world in which we live in.
Final Say -
Not trying to make any big impact statements or ground-breaking revelations, The Biggest Little Farm is a simplistic yet often heart-warming documentary of a sustainable world you will wish you could spend some quality time in.
3 1/2 snails out of 5
Following the story of Chester and his wife Molly, who after being inspired by a 4-legged friend they decided to adopt, finally set about on their shared dream of running a sustainable farm; a farm at one with nature and forgoing the many more man-made elements of modern farming, with Farm documenting over 7 years worth of trials and tribulations the Chester's faced to see their vision become a workable reality.
There's no surprises to be found in the sense that the Chester's find themselves realizing farm life on their new 200 plus hectare farm an hour outside of Los Angeles isn't the dream experience they always imagined and its a testament to Chester that his focus throughout his narrated tale doesn't shy away from the facts that farming this way isn't the easiest of options as he and his team battle pests, deaths and a range of issues as they look to turn a seemingly dead landscape into the paradise they envisioned.
There's never a lot of time spent developing the human players inside of this story but the ace up Farm's sleeve is the ability of Chester and his abundance of helpers have in capturing the nature side of Farm's world with the animals, the landscape and the world in which they operate in, making for some heartwarming and heartbreaking moments in a film that should be watched with the whole family in mind.
From stunning night-time shots, beautifully captured insect filmography and documentation of a colorful pig named Emma and a resourceful rooster named Mr. Greasy, Farm is filled to the brim with color and energy courtesy of its non-talking inhabitants and with their help, its not hard to be inspired to take a sit back and ponder the joys of nature when it's allowed to flourish outside of man's constant meddling and the Chester's journey is one that will inspire you to take the time to smell the roses of the world in which we live in.
Final Say -
Not trying to make any big impact statements or ground-breaking revelations, The Biggest Little Farm is a simplistic yet often heart-warming documentary of a sustainable world you will wish you could spend some quality time in.
3 1/2 snails out of 5
- eddie_baggins
- May 26, 2020
- Permalink
- gregberne11
- Feb 8, 2020
- Permalink
I watched the pre-screening a few days ago and wow, this is just a really good documentary. I'm in filmmaking and the production value of this just oozes out! Awesomely shot. I cried a lot during this, multiple times, it's an engaging ride.
The story is very compelling, especially for people who are already into connecting with nature and for sustainability. And it's very inspiring for those who are new to the subject.
(Only criticism would be that there is a little bit too much explaining by voiceover narration, but it's okay, American films and docus tend to do that for viewers).
The story is very compelling, especially for people who are already into connecting with nature and for sustainability. And it's very inspiring for those who are new to the subject.
(Only criticism would be that there is a little bit too much explaining by voiceover narration, but it's okay, American films and docus tend to do that for viewers).
"The Biggest Little Farm (2018), a documentary by natural animal filmmaker, John Chester and his wife Molly is focused on developing a sustainable farm (outside of LA). It explores their struggles on maintaining a large amount of acres discovering a return to farm lifestyle of "biodynamics" and features Alan York, to help restore dead earth into a robust geographic territory of eco diversity.
It features York visiting and consulting the Chester family with all areas, York has been known famously for helping California's wine industries. During the film, his life is documented which is the strength of the film. Discussing York's views of biodynamic living. A methodology, and theories based years back with other related associations to Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf School, etc..
And yes, the second strength is the eco diversity of varieties of species coexisting with each other. There's drama as the Chesters has to deal with "predatory" entities such coyotes, insects, etc.
It features York visiting and consulting the Chester family with all areas, York has been known famously for helping California's wine industries. During the film, his life is documented which is the strength of the film. Discussing York's views of biodynamic living. A methodology, and theories based years back with other related associations to Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf School, etc..
And yes, the second strength is the eco diversity of varieties of species coexisting with each other. There's drama as the Chesters has to deal with "predatory" entities such coyotes, insects, etc.
- babyjaguar
- Jun 4, 2019
- Permalink
The Biggest Little Farm is a well made documentary that makes you dream about living differently, not depending too much on others, just letting nature doing her thing. The biodiversity is the most interesting aspect of this documentary. It shows how everything is connected and that for every problem there is a self regulated solution. John and Molly Chester show us everything, from the early start of their project to the amazing results they get. It's clear that in order to save our planet, if that is even still possible, biodiversity is the answer, so the exact opposite of what we are actually doing now. The cinematography is stunning, the wildlife scenes are amazing, much better than I thought it would be. Overal, if you're thinking about changing your eating habits, or if you're just interested in nature and gardening, then this documentary is a mandatory watch.
- deloudelouvain
- Oct 25, 2019
- Permalink
Fate beckoned and a young couple complied, resulting in the conversion of dry, dead earth into a veritable Garden of Eden!
The Chesters took on what looked like an impossible task: turning their newly acquired lifeless land into a viable farm. With the help of a mentor they learned, not only how to create a farm from rock and dust, but how to create a farm that is nature friendly and pesticide free. Every time a problem arose, they had to find a natural way to fix it.
John is also a wildlife photographer, so he began documenting their journey even before they left their city apartment. The cinematography in this documentary is stunning! That alone would be enough to warrant 10 stars. But this documentary is SOOO much more than the wonder and beauty of its visuals.. it's rich with deeper meaning. It's an example of what Earth can and should be.. if only we would work with, and not against, nature.
Because the subject is nature, there are some sad moments. But there are also very beautiful moments and revelations that solve problems. I hope that someday humans will largely employ natural, intuitive methods of farming and animal tending.
This is about as perfect as any documentary can be, in my opinion. It is as interesting, entertaining, and informative as it is aesthetically beautiful and awesome. Everyone should see it .. everyone can learn from this perfect example of the value of cooperating with Nature!
The Chesters took on what looked like an impossible task: turning their newly acquired lifeless land into a viable farm. With the help of a mentor they learned, not only how to create a farm from rock and dust, but how to create a farm that is nature friendly and pesticide free. Every time a problem arose, they had to find a natural way to fix it.
John is also a wildlife photographer, so he began documenting their journey even before they left their city apartment. The cinematography in this documentary is stunning! That alone would be enough to warrant 10 stars. But this documentary is SOOO much more than the wonder and beauty of its visuals.. it's rich with deeper meaning. It's an example of what Earth can and should be.. if only we would work with, and not against, nature.
Because the subject is nature, there are some sad moments. But there are also very beautiful moments and revelations that solve problems. I hope that someday humans will largely employ natural, intuitive methods of farming and animal tending.
This is about as perfect as any documentary can be, in my opinion. It is as interesting, entertaining, and informative as it is aesthetically beautiful and awesome. Everyone should see it .. everyone can learn from this perfect example of the value of cooperating with Nature!
- ice ruby red
- Sep 22, 2019
- Permalink
- gabrielleroberge
- Mar 17, 2021
- Permalink
Some scenes felt like fiction to me. Apart from that, it is a documentary that describes organic life well. It deals with the issues that we need to understand how valuable the land is and that we need to return to nature.
- yasananlarim
- Jul 20, 2022
- Permalink
THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM (2019). Shortlisted for the Documentary Academy Award. John Chester's Doc about how he and his wife Molly realized their dream of taking a dying farm and revitalize it by being as close to nature as possible is a charming journey. The trials and tribulations are fairly well laid out, even if the fact that the participants themselves are making the movie doesn't allow for much objectivity. To be fair, the couple give credit to their mentor Alan York who devised much of the farm's planning. The Chesters also allow for some honest depictions of their flaws, even if it never cuts too deeply. Also, the enormous amount of money that went into this eight year enterprise is never fully dealt with (as the movie begins the couple are living in a tiny apartment and don't have large incomes). Mystery friends and "investors" are never fully ID'd.
John Chester's background as a cinematographer helps yield some terrific views from the macro of the entire spread, to the intimate flapping of an insect's wings. The couple themselves are photogenic and well spoken (and York even more so). John narrates the movie and has a certain folksy charm, although he goes overboard towards the end. The last ten minutes in particular seem like padding, in order to get the Doc over the 90 minute mark.
THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM isn't an essential piece of Documentary filmmaking, but, it's an earnest and enjoyable journey. If nothing else, it should remind us of how our fresh food comes from.
"The Biggest Little Farm" (2018 release; 92 min.) is a documentary about John and Molly Chester's attempt "to farm in perfect harmony with nature". As the film opens, we see Molly scrambling to gather a few things as the farm is besieged by several wildfires and everyone needs to leave. We then go back to "2010", as we get to know John and Molly, living in their small Santa Monica apartment. During one of John's camera shooting projects, he ends up adopting a black lab, Todd, from the shelter, and it's not long thereafter that John and Molly are in essence forced to move from their apartment as Todd won't stop barking, and they decide to their dream of farming. They end up in Moorpark, an hour north of Los Angeles... At this point we are not even 10 min. into the movie but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: filmed over almost a decade, this documentary is photographed and directed by John Chester, and it feels almost like a home movie. A decade or so is condensed in 92 min. and hence chances are that we are seeing only the very best (and worst) moments, but that in reality there was a lot of hard and mundane farming work being done to transform the previous (dead) farm into the oasis that it it eventually would become again. Along the way, we get to witness so truly amazing and moving moments as Jeff and Molly face complicated challenges (coyotes, severe drought, etc.). The movie's photography is eye-candy from start to finish. Kudos also for the wonderful original score (courtesy of composer Jeff Beal). I can't wait to visit and tour Apricot Lane Farms myself at some point.
"The Biggest Little Farm" premiered at last year's Telluride film festival to immediate critical acclaim, and is now slowly being rolled out into theaters. The movie finally opened this weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and I couldn't wait to see it. The Saturday matinee screening where I saw this at was attended nicely (about 20 people). Strong word-of-mouth can make this film into a genuine blockbuster on the art-house theater circuit. If you like nature documentaries, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: filmed over almost a decade, this documentary is photographed and directed by John Chester, and it feels almost like a home movie. A decade or so is condensed in 92 min. and hence chances are that we are seeing only the very best (and worst) moments, but that in reality there was a lot of hard and mundane farming work being done to transform the previous (dead) farm into the oasis that it it eventually would become again. Along the way, we get to witness so truly amazing and moving moments as Jeff and Molly face complicated challenges (coyotes, severe drought, etc.). The movie's photography is eye-candy from start to finish. Kudos also for the wonderful original score (courtesy of composer Jeff Beal). I can't wait to visit and tour Apricot Lane Farms myself at some point.
"The Biggest Little Farm" premiered at last year's Telluride film festival to immediate critical acclaim, and is now slowly being rolled out into theaters. The movie finally opened this weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and I couldn't wait to see it. The Saturday matinee screening where I saw this at was attended nicely (about 20 people). Strong word-of-mouth can make this film into a genuine blockbuster on the art-house theater circuit. If you like nature documentaries, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
- paul-allaer
- Jun 14, 2019
- Permalink
This movie truly inspired me, lifted my spirits & helped me believe in humans again.
It's about the circle of life & so much more... It shows:
There's a purpose for everything & Everything has a purpose.
With all hardships there are lessons to be learned , if we are patient, present, focused, vulnerable & willing to learn, all the hardships will be conquered in their own time & most will be better for it.
If you want your dream bad enough, you can make it happen, even when you start & zero.
Put aside ego, admit you don't know everything. Be willing to learn & listen to those with more experience.
The harder the work, the bigger the reward, endure, endure, endure!!!
Realize Family is more than being blood related, nor the same heritage, color, religion etc., Not even the same species. Love is Love is Love...
It's about the circle of life & so much more... It shows:
There's a purpose for everything & Everything has a purpose.
With all hardships there are lessons to be learned , if we are patient, present, focused, vulnerable & willing to learn, all the hardships will be conquered in their own time & most will be better for it.
If you want your dream bad enough, you can make it happen, even when you start & zero.
Put aside ego, admit you don't know everything. Be willing to learn & listen to those with more experience.
The harder the work, the bigger the reward, endure, endure, endure!!!
Realize Family is more than being blood related, nor the same heritage, color, religion etc., Not even the same species. Love is Love is Love...
It's a nicely filmed fantasy. Not a documentary. You don't really learn much, and most information on how everything works is missing. One big part that is missing is the whole economy aspect of thing. Anyone can run a farm like this with a blank cheque, it's making it economically feasible that is the challenge.
The attitude on how a dramatic event in someone else's life affected them was extremely off-putting.
Could have been much better. Nice movie but falsely advertised.
If I were to make a similar movie about me winning the lottery, I'd film me running around in a city looking for a lottery store. Someone would give me directions as to where to buy a ticket, as I don't want to read a map. I'd then look for a volunteer to pick it up for me. When I find out I've won, I would cash in my ticket in a store. Unfortunately the store owner would be terminally ill. I'd spend my money on hookers and blow in the store owner's honor. I'd title it "How to win the lottery". Oh, and I'd carry a cross eyed cat around during the whole thing.
The attitude on how a dramatic event in someone else's life affected them was extremely off-putting.
Could have been much better. Nice movie but falsely advertised.
If I were to make a similar movie about me winning the lottery, I'd film me running around in a city looking for a lottery store. Someone would give me directions as to where to buy a ticket, as I don't want to read a map. I'd then look for a volunteer to pick it up for me. When I find out I've won, I would cash in my ticket in a store. Unfortunately the store owner would be terminally ill. I'd spend my money on hookers and blow in the store owner's honor. I'd title it "How to win the lottery". Oh, and I'd carry a cross eyed cat around during the whole thing.
- digitsdigits
- Jun 10, 2020
- Permalink
A nice little passion project for a cameraman turned farmer. Beautiful to look at, and occasionally poignant. But the totally unaddressed factor which dominates most farms (and business) is MONEY! That's why I call this fantasy. These folks did this passion project and farm with OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY. Why is this important? Is because most farmers would be broke if (a) they allowed pests to ruin their crops year after year, (b) didn't have a bunch of millennial interns, and (c) have rich LA farmer's markets where they can charge an arm and a leg for eggs and fruit.
Basically, it is a PBS special with aspirations.
Basically, it is a PBS special with aspirations.
- FreddyShoop
- Jan 4, 2020
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