Films about agriculture delve into various aspects of farming and rural life, exploring themes such as the rhythm of nature, the hard work and dedication required to cultivate the land, and often the challenges faced by those who provide the world with its food. These films can range from documentaries that offer an in-depth look at farming practices and issues, to dramas and comedies that tell the personal stories of individuals and communities within the agricultural sector. Regardless of genre, films about agriculture often shine a light on critical issues such as sustainability, food security, and the impact of industrial farming, while also celebrating the age-old connection between humans and the land.
“The Biggest Little Farm”, 2018
Director: John Chester
This documentary follows John Chester and his wife Molly as they transition from city living to rural bliss, striking a delicate balance with nature on a sustainable farm. The film candidly chronicles their near-decade journey to transform a depleted farm into a biodiverse paradise.
Starring: John Chester, Molly Chester, Matthew Pilachowski;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Biggest Little Farm” on the website imdb.com
“Babe”, 1995
Director: Chris Noonan
A heartwarming tale about a pig named Babe who dreams of becoming a sheepdog. Set on a picturesque farm, this film explores themes of ambition, acceptance, and the beauty of farm life, touching on relationships between animals and humans and challenging traditional agricultural practices.
Starring: James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Christine Cavanaugh, Miriam Margolyes, Danny Mann, Hugo Weaving, Miriam Flynn, Russi Taylor, Evelyn Krape, Michael Edward-Stevens;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, comedy, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Babe” on the website imdb.com
“Field of Dreams”, 1989
Director: Phil Alden Robinson
A magical realism sports film that, while baseball is at its heart, is deeply rooted in the beauty and challenge of farming life. When an Iowa corn farmer, inspired by a mysterious voice, plows over his crop to build a baseball diamond, he embarks on a journey that touches on themes of faith, family, and fulfilling one's destiny.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Gaby Hoffmann, Ray Liotta, Timothy Busfield, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster, Frank Whaley, Dwier Brown, James Andelin;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: fantasy, drama, family, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Field of Dreams” on the website imdb.com
“Places in the Heart”, 1984
Director: Robert Benton
Set during the Great Depression in Texas, this drama revolves around a widow struggling to save her farm with the help of a blind boarder and a black drifter. The film poignantly addresses themes of persistence, community, and racial tensions, against the backdrop of a culturally rich yet economically challenging period for American agriculture.
Starring: Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, John Malkovich, Danny Glover, Yankton Hatten, Gennie James, Lane Smith, Terry O'Quinn;
Production year: 1984;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Places in the Heart” on the website imdb.com
“McFarland, USA”, 2014
Director: Niki Caro
Although primarily a sports drama, this film showcases the agricultural setting of McFarland, California, where a group of Latino high school students, most of them farmworkers or children of farmworkers, overcome obstacles to form a cross-country team under the guidance of their coach. The story highlights not only the perseverance and resilience required in sports but also mirrors these qualities in the agricultural life of the community.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz, Rafael Martinez, Hector Duran, Sergio Avelar, Michael Aguero, Diana-Maria Riva, Omar Leyva;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
“Sweet Land”, 2005
Director: Ali Selim
A lyrical representation of agricultural life in the early 20th century, this film tells the story of a young woman who travels from Norway to Minnesota to marry a Norwegian farmer. Their journey through marriage and farming life reflects on immigration, land ownership, and the adaptation needed to cultivate a home and livelihood on foreign soil.
Starring: Elizabeth Reaser, Lois Smith, Patrick Heusinger, Stephen Pelinski, Tim Guinee, Robert Hogan, Alan Cumming, Paul Sand, Jodie Markell, Sage Kermes;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Sweet Land” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their unique way, provide a window into the multifaceted world of agriculture, celebrating its traditions, challenges, and the essential role it plays in human society.
The films that delve into the complex world of agriculture do more than merely showcase the bucolic landscapes or the pastoral life; they engage with the pressing issues that touch on sustainability, human struggle, technological influence, and the ethical dimensions of food production. Through a lens that oscillates between the deeply personal and the universally global, these narratives bring to the forefront the untold stories of resilience and innovation, laying bare the challenges faced by communities and individuals embedded within these systems. In their portrayal of the intricate relationship between human beings and the land, these films offer a nuanced exploration of the themes of stewardship, legacy, and the inexorable push towards a future that reconciles human needs with the health of our planet. As a mirror to society's evolving relationship with agriculture, the genre stands as a testament to the power of cinematic storytelling in highlighting the urgency of rethinking and reshaping our approaches to nurturing the very source of our sustenance.
