Films about farmers explore the lives and challenges faced by individuals involved in agriculture and rural communities. These films often delve into themes of hard work, resilience, and the connection between people and the land. They provide a unique glimpse into the world of farming and showcase the struggles and triumphs of those who rely on the earth for their livelihoods.
Here are some films about farmers along with a brief description:
“The Farmer's Wife”, 1928
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this silent film follows a widowed farmer who embarks on a mission to find a new wife to help him run his farm. It explores the complexities of love and the challenges of rural life.
Starring: Jameson Thomas, Lillian Hall-Davis, Gordon Harker, Gibb McLaughlin, Maud Gill, Louie Pounds, Olga Slade, Ruth Maitland, Antonia Brough, Haward Watts, Diana Napier, Harry Terry;
Production year: 1928;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “The Farmer's Wife” on the website imdb.com
“Places in the Heart”, 1984
Director: Robert Benton
Set in Texas during the Great Depression, this film tells the story of a recently widowed woman who fights to save her farm with the help of an African American drifter and a blind boarder. It highlights the resilience of farmers and the power of community.
Starring: Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, John Malkovich, Danny Glover, Yankton Hatten, Gennie James, Lane Smith, Terry O'Quinn, Bert Remsen, Ray Baker, Jay Patterson, Toni Hudson, De'voreaux White, Jerry Haynes, Lou Hancock, Shelby Brammer, Norma Young, Bill Thurman, Jim Gough, Cliff Bruner, Arthur Pugh, Matthew Posey, Shanna Shrum, Gregg Brazzel, Lynn Covey, Randy Fife, Vernon Grote, Ned Dowd, Paul Nuckles, Lynn D. Lasswell Jr., J.C. Quinn, Robert Schenkkan, Trey Wilson, Bascom Newman, Paul Goodwin, Connie Grandell, William J. Welch;
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
“Babettes gæstebud”, 1987
Director: Gabriel Axel
This Danish film revolves around a strict religious community in 19th-century Denmark and the arrival of Babette, a talented French chef. Through her culinary skills, she brings joy and transformation to the lives of the villagers, including the farmers who provide the ingredients for her meals.
Starring: Stéphane Audran, Bodil Kjer, Birgitte Federspiel, Jarl Kulle, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Bibi Andersson, Ghita Nørby, Asta Esper Hagen Andersen, Thomas Antoni, Gert Bastian, Viggo Bentzon, Vibeke Hastrup, Therese Højgaard Christensen, Pouel Kern, Cay Kristiansen, Lars Lohmann, Tine Miehe-Renard, Lisbeth Movin, Finn Nielsen, Holger Perfort, Else Petersen, Erik Petersén, Ebbe Rode, Bendt Rothe, Preben Lerdorff Rye, Hanne Stensgaard, Axel Strøbye, Ebba With, Gudmar Klöfving, Tina Kiberg;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Babettes gæstebud” on the website imdb.com
“The Straight Story”, 1999
Director: David Lynch
Based on a true story, this film follows an elderly man who embarks on a journey across Iowa on a lawnmower to visit his estranged brother. Along the way, he encounters various farmers and experiences the beauty of the countryside.
Starring: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton, Kevin P. Farley, John Farley, James Cada, Sally Wingert, Jane Galloway Heitz, Wiley Harker, Joseph A. Carpenter, Donald Wiegert, Tracey Maloney, Dan Flannery, Jennifer Edwards-Hughes, Ed Grennan, Jack Walsh, Max the Wonder Dog, Gil Pearson, Barbara June Patterson, Everett McGill, Anastasia Webb, Matt Guidry, Bill McCallum, Barbara E. Robertson, Barbara Kingsley, Jim Haun, Randy Wiedenhoff, Jerry E. Anderson, John Lordan, Garrett Sweeney, Peter Sweeney, Tommy Fahey, Matt Fahey, Dan Fahey, Russ Reed, Leroy Swadley, Ralph Feldhacker, Stephen Cinabro, Gary D'Amico, George A. Farr, Jeremy Kent Jackson, Lana Schwab;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Straight Story” on the website imdb.com
“Sweet Land”, 2005
Director: Ali Selim
Set in rural Minnesota in the aftermath of World War I, this film explores the challenges faced by a German immigrant farmer and his relationship with a Norwegian immigrant woman. It delves into themes of cultural divides, love, and the resilience of farmers.
Starring: Elizabeth Reaser, Lois Smith, Patrick Heusinger, Stephen Pelinski, Tim Guinee, Robert Hogan, Alan Cumming, Paul Sand, Jodie Markell, Sage Kermes, Kirsten Frantzich, Stephen Yoakam, Karen Landry, James Cada, Debbie DeLisi, Charlotta Mohlin, Tom Gilroy, James Bakkom, John Heard, John Paul Gamoke, Ned Beatty, Barbara Kingsley, Stephen D'Ambrose, Alex Kingston, Patrick Coyle, Raye Birk, Dick Reignier, Palmer Grinager, Tony Papenfuss, Wayne A. Evenson, Jamie Brockhohn, Jim Brockhohn, Jimmy Brockhohn, Joseph Courtemanche, Frank Crandell, Christopher Day, Joel Edwards, Matthew Feeney, Corbin Groothuis, Maximilian Selim, Joel Thingvall, Ken Vierling, Jim Westcott;
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
“The Biggest Little Farm”, 2018
Director: John Chester
This documentary follows a couple who leave their city life behind to start a farm in harmony with nature. It chronicles their journey to transform a barren plot of land into a diverse and sustainable farm, showcasing the challenges and rewards of farming.
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
These films provide a captivating glimpse into the lives of farmers and the profound impact their work has on both themselves and their communities. Each film offers a unique perspective on the challenges, joys, and complexities of farming, making them a must-watch for anyone interested in this vital occupation.
In the vast landscape of cinema, films about farmers have always held a special place. These films capture the essence of hard work, resilience, and the profound connection between humans and the land they cultivate. From heartwarming tales of small-town farmers overcoming adversity to thought-provoking narratives that shed light on the challenges faced by rural communities, these films offer a glimpse into a world that is often overlooked. Through captivating storytelling and stunning cinematography, they remind us of the beauty and importance of agriculture, while also exploring the universal themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of a better life. Whether it's the sweeping vistas of a sun-drenched field or the intimate moments shared around a kitchen table, films about farmers leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, reminding us of the profound power of the human spirit and the enduring bond between humanity and the land that sustains us all.
