Genres

Visitors Review

rooprect 2012-05-24 19:57:44

Makes me want to get a mail order bride

This is a wonderful, artistically-shot film which, despite its sweettitle, introduces a lot of subthemes about the underbelly of humannature. Presented to us as a flashback within a flashback, the storytakes us back to the last century where socio/political/religious ruleswere hard to get around. But despite it being a period piece, we seepowerful reflections of modern day.Whether we're yelling "Witch!" or "German spy!" or "Pinko Communist!"or "Muslim Terrorist!", American society has always had a love affairwith xenophobia that keeps frothing to the surface every few decades.What's interesting & inspiring about this movie is that it shows howindividuals can still exist within this harsh, judgemental environment.Though society may be unfair & ignorant, we needn't get depressed &cynical about it. Romance can still exist.In keeping with that theme, the story is very bright and light-hearted(though never sappy), and that's what I enjoyed most about it. Thelandscape is vibrant, and the director made full use of colour, unlikemany period pieces that are shot in dull sepias. On the contrary, beinga flashback, this film presents a somewhat dreamy, storybook imagewhich is very nice on the eyes.The star, Elizabeth Reaser, is so convincing as the European immigrant,and the way she unleashes rapid volleys of German and Swedish(?) is soauthentic that I was certain she was a real-life German who couldn'tspeak any English. Imagine my surprise when I found out she's aMichigan girl. Her performance alone is worth the price of admission.If all mail-order-brides were like her, I'd be tempted to send away fora half dozen.

Susan 2012-05-24 07:20:30

Lovely film, sweet & true--prologue needs re-cutting though

Because so much of the film was lovely beyond belief, I wanted to rateit a "ten", but an unintelligible prologue and the personal shock ofseeing Paul Sands cast as an aged Norwegian kept me from doing that.Aside from Sands, I must admit,the casting was impeccable. I alsoadmired the period interiors (looked as if they had come straight fromsome catalogs of the time).Elizabeth Reaser did an excellent job, however, her German was not upto snuff, alas (I can't comment on her other language), and that didkeep me from believing in her characterization completely.Tim Guinee did just as well, his stolidness melding just in time . AndLois Smith, whom I hadn't seen on film in years, was just as good asyou could get; she was the fabric that cemented the film.All in all, I recommend the film highly for its sweetness and honesty;the prologue needs to be re-cut, I think. It was undecipherable to me.

2012-05-23 12:40:27

Excellent Film- without the modern day trash

I watched this movie last night .... it was excellent. I want to buy it. Rated PG. nothing in it. no language, nothing...... There is one scene of her bathing you see her back (from the waist up), no private "areas" showing... because of the bare back, for some reason they put "partial nudity" on the back of the PG rating, since all it was , was her back, I thought that was funny. This is a great family movie for parents who are still trying to monitor the filth that is added in most movies these days. ....... A great story line mail order bride from Germany, sent to a Dutch farmer, in Minnesota, by his parents who lived in Germany........ The community hates germans because of the first world war.... Everyone is predjudiced against anyone "un-American".. Love, drama, humor, and tears..... GOOD MOVIE> RENT IT! WATCH IT! BUY IT! It won a bunch of awards in a few film festivals- including best picture and best actress........ i don't think it's gotten much publicity though. I bet if it had a raunchy sex scene & some swear words, it'd get alot more press, in this present non-moral, God-less society... People in this day and age forget that a story can still be told well, without being rated R & full of foul mouths & graphic nudity............... This is proof there can be a great movie made, an artistic achievment, without the filth most movies now awadays feel compelled toadd. No graphic nudity needed to prove points.... IT stands on it's own, clean, 2 feet. - rent it or buy it. It's a keeper. :-)

Valerie 2012-05-23 07:46:13

Best movie I have seen in a long time...

I am getting tired of action packed, digitally fake, violent, potty-humor movies. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed a few blockbusters in my day. But Sweet Land is pure and honest and reminds us of the times our grandparents and great grandparents lived in. The acting is incredible, the scenery is spectacular and overall, this movie is perfect. Enjoy.

2012-05-22 07:06:15

Love it!

This is a great film, and I love it to pieces. The only reason I wouldn't give this five stars is that a lot of the non-English in it is just gibberish. Even when the actual languages are used, sometimes basic grammatical mistakes are made. If just a little more time had been taken on the non-English languages which are rather prominent in this movie I would enjoy it more. However like I said before this is a really good film in all other ways and I highly recommend it.

2012-05-21 15:30:07

Sweet

Close to real and closer to home. This was filmed not far from where I grew up, and the family could have been ours. From taking turns in the Saturday night tub to the heartbreaking threat of auctioning the farm, watching this film is like opening the family diary and reading it day by day, page by page. I never saw anyone cut corn with a sickle, but I saw the gnarled hands of the women who worked alongside their husbands in the fields of the sweetest land that was ever planted. If the writers told our story the actors have learned us by heart. I'll never forget the day the farm was auctioned. My dad played the harmonica as a way of bowing to the winds of change that blew so many farmers off the land. This film redeemed that experience and put it back into the book to remember. From the creaking wooden staircase to the unspoken satisfaction of a day's work well-done, this film is as real as they come. It may leave you refreshingly speechless.

Turfseer 2012-05-12 17:15:27

Well-intentioned Immigrant Saga fails to reach Art House Grandeur

Here's a film that aspires to be included in the ranks of European ArtFilms but unfortunately doesn't quite make the grade. Before weflashback to the main story, we're treated to two "flash forward"scenes: one set in the 60s when the main character, Inge, buries herhusband and another scene twenty or so years later when the grandsonburies Inge. Instead of getting right into the story which is set in1920s Minnestoa, we're treated to quite a bit of slow-paced,unnecessary exposition. When we finally do get to the core of thestory, where Inge (well played by Elizabeth Reaser) comes to America,we find out little about the personalities of the characters.Most of the first half of the movie deals with Inge trying to cope witha hostile community where she barely speaks any English (it's notreally explained very clearly, but Inge is a mail-order bride fromNorway but she's actually German who's been living in Norway). Herhusband-to-be Olaf, is a Norwegian-American who is unable tocommunicate with her in German (it appears that he can speak Norwegianand so can she--well at least I thought I heard her speak someNorwegian during the film) but they choose not to because the townminister insists that she only speak English. So quite unconvincingly,when they are alone, they never converse in Norwegian which wouldprobably help her to learn English a lot faster. Reaser does a good job at showing how difficult it is learning a newlanguage and there are some scenes that are fairly compelling as Ingeand her hard-working farmer-husband learn to love each other. Butbeyond that what do we find out about the characters in this film? Wellthere's Olaf, who's a bit of a Stoic but also a real good guy who saveshis best friend's farm by bidding for it at an auction (even though hedoesn't have the money!). And of course there's the minister, who iscaught up in the anti-German hysteria of the day and gives Inge a realhard time. But of course, he's really not such a bad guy after allbecause eventually he inexplicably comes to accept her. And in fact,all the neighbors, who at first appear as though they're going to starta witch-hunt against Olaf and his potential bride, suddenly have achange of heart and actually give Olaf the cash to buy his bestfriend's farm which prevents the family from being evicted. 1920 Minnesota doesn't prove to be much of a bad place after all--not abad apple amongst the suspicious neighbors who all turn out tocollectively have hearts of gold. It's comfortable like a HallmarkGreeting Card but does not bode well for good drama which needs more ofa sinister protagonist to keep things interesting. As we step back into1920, we feel the author only has a superficial sense of what it waslike to live back in that time. Oh yes, there's a nice attempt torecreate the look of the period with the old Model-T cars andgramophones but without in-depth characters, the film ultimately provesto be an exercise in sentimental storytelling.

Tom DeFelice 2012-05-12 09:13:08

Sloppy

It is true that "Sweet Land" would have been a better picture with thenon-1920s segments removed. But that is not the major problem of thefilm. The general lack of thinking that permeates this picture alongwith the slow pace dooms it to failure.Example: In this very strange first generation Norwegian-Americancommunity, no one speaks Norwegian. How many first generation immigrantcommunities do not speak their native tongue at least amongstthemselves? None.Example: The actors are supposed to be speaking German and Norwegian atone point. But because no one seemed to care to teach them (even ifonly phonetically) actual dialog, they spout gibberish that is supposeto sound Norwegian and German.Example: The anti-German World War One feelings are so high that thecommunity refuses to accept the lead female character. But by the timeof the story, the war had been over for four years. The losing Germanswere no longer the enemy. The anti-German feelings no longerexisted...especially from new immigrants. Norway did not battle the waythe French and English did.Example: Two of the major characters played by Alan Cumming and JohnHeard have no motivation to do what they do, except that it advancesthe story in the direction the filmmakers want to go.Example: The one nude scene is totally gratuitous. Who takes a bath inthe living room at four in the morning and then falls asleep in thetub? Only the bride-to-be of a farmer who is so dumb that he fails tosee her and instead washes in the yard would know.These are just a few of the "sloppy" problems of the film. There is theslide show, the auction, the size of the wheat field, the bankers, theneighbors...You get the picture.If you have an overwhelming need to see Elizabeth Reaser's backside,then you will enjoy this film. Otherwise, you're just wasting yourtime.

2012-05-08 12:06:43

SWEET LAND is destined to become a classic

This film is destined to become a classic in the spirit of BADLANDS and THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. Wonderfully told, exquisitely filmed.

Ed Uyeshima 2012-05-07 18:55:18

A Time-Spanning, Elegiac and Unhurried Look at Minnesota Prairie Life

There was an obscure, misbegotten movie that Gene Hackman and LivUllmann made back in 1974, "Zandy's Bride", about the evolvingrelationship between a roughhewn rancher and his Norwegian mail-orderbride. First-time director-screenwriter Ali Selim takes a similarpremise in his 2006 film but adds gravitas to the situation by adding aheartbreaking theme of intolerance, a multi-generational dimension anda beautiful tableau sense to its period imagery. The result is a mostunusually elegiac, unhurried film, which fluidly goes back and forthbetween three points in time - 1920, 1968 and 2004 - chronicling thetravails of the Torvik family and their neighbors on the Minnesotaprairie.The focal character is Inge, who in 1920 is a young, vibrant Germanimmigrant raised in Norway and sent to Minnesota to marry Olaf, areticent Norwegian farmer. They face community resistance to theirunion, especially from the town's influential Lutheran minister, sinceWWI just ended with a palpable bitterness toward any German in theirmidst. In 1968, an aged Inge shares these memories with her grandsonLars upon Olaf's death, and then in 2004, upon Inge's death, anow-mature Lars must decide whether to keep the family farm or accept alucrative offer on it. The 1920 passages hold the most interest becauseSelim pays meticulous attention to the details of rural life, includingthe harvest of an overwhelming corn crop and the enjoyment of a simplepie.Solid performances abound with Elizabeth Reaser providing a powerfullyaffecting turn as Inge, a sharp contrast to the modern-daycommitment-phobe she played in Maria Maggenti's "Puccini forBeginners". Tim Guinee skillfully handles the more elliptical role ofOlaf, although Alan Cumming and Alex Kingston steal their scenes asOlaf's animated man-child neighbor Frandsen and his fertile, groundedwife Brownie. Lois Smith makes her brief scenes count as the olderInge. David Tumblety's superb cinematography of the bucolic landscapesevokes Néstor Almendros' dazzling work in Terence Malick's "Days ofHeaven". The 2007 DVD has a standard set of extras beginning with aninsightful commentary track by Selim, editor James Stanger and producerGil Bellows, along with stars Guinee and Reaser. There is a ten-minute,making-of featurette, "Sweet Land: A Labor of Love Story", prettystandard, as well as the original theatrical trailer. This is a mostauspicious debut for Selim.

2012-05-03 04:31:56

Love Story from America's Heartland

I often see romance movies with my wife and that will be the end of it, but this movie kept me coming back, I saw it 3 times (twice by myself) in the theater and would see it again if it was still showing, its that good, I can't imagine why this movie wasn't awarded "Best Picture" "Best Everything". There is a charming innocence about this film, that makes you want to live in yesteryear, and that's coming from a guy! Now I want to own it.

kokocookie 2012-05-02 15:31:08

A film for anyone who can appreciate the beauty in good storytelling

"Sweet" is the best way to describe this film, "genuinely sweet" atthat. Without a doubt this is one of the most moving films I have everseen. First time director Ali Selim does exactly what Hollywood can't:tell an authentic love story. "Sweet Land" contains no explosions, nosex, no three-minute kisses, however this little indie successfullytells the most complete, sweet love story in quite a while. ElizabethReaser and Tim Guinee display immaculate performances that are mostdefinitely "statue worthy." The two leads explain the complexities andtribulations of love through their eyes not through clunky, imaginarydialogue like many production films. Alan Cumming and Ned Beatty turnin arguably the performances of their careers as the fabulouslycumbersome neighbor and the villainous banker. Alex Kingston and LoisSmith show that they too, can be remarkably authentic with a goodscript. John Heard fits his multifaceted role as the town ministerperfectly. Lastly, exceptional Broadway actor and first time "filmer"Patrick Huesinger tops off the impeccable cast in his intricate role ofthe Lars. Cinematographer Dave Tumblety brings out the beauty andsplendor of western Minnesota with breathtaking, and cinematicallybeautiful shots. Jim Stanger makes it all work superbly while perfectlyediting this non-linear story through three generations. This film haspicked up a surprising amount of buzz around town making me speculatethis year's independent sensation may come from the little town ofMontevideo, Minnesota. "Sweet Land" isn't just for couples and divorcedmiddle-aged moms who still believe they will find true love, rather itis an elaborate family saga I strongly recommend to any person who everappreciated the art of a good story. See this film, you won't regretit.

2012-04-27 09:43:54

SWEET land

I purchased this movie on a recommendation from a friend. He knew of my Scandinavianbackground and thought I might like this DVD. Well, he sure was right!I had heard of stories like this from older family members of mine.After watching the movie I fell in love with this love story and rekindled awarm feeling for my Norwegian heritage. Strong people make strong statementsabout our culture by how they live out their lives. The pastor was NOT the moralteacher in this story. Now I know again why I married my Norwegian wife.I will watch this movie many times to uplift my spirit!

2012-04-26 21:28:07

Great love story!

This movie was beautifully written, directed and acted. I was very impressed with the soundtrack as well. Though the movie is not action packed, it is filled with well developed characters and interesting plot turns. The gradual love story that builds through the entire film is entertaining right up to the end. I would highly recommend this movie!

2012-04-25 09:11:22

Watchable

Based on all the rave reviews, I thought I'd enjoy this movie a lot more than I did. Found it slow-moving and boring. I can't say that I'll remember it for long. Truly forgettable film.

2012-04-25 06:20:22

One of the Finest Films of the Immigrant Experience Ever Made!

"Sweet Land" is the only movie I've ever watched twice at the movie theaters. It was just as entertaining the second time I saw it. I am of Irish descent, and when I moved to Minnesota a few years ago, I found myself surrounded by many people of Scandavian heritage. "Sweet Land" allowed me to traverse back to my neighbors' cultural antecedents. (It also gave me a greater appreciation for basic amenities like indoor plumbing.) The movie seemed to really capture the hardscrabble existence of immigrants who risked coming to America for a better, more independent life. It also showed the cultural sensibilities the Scandavians brought over with them. The characters and their life stories are very memorable. "Sweet Land" is truly charming movie that deserves a much wider distribution.

2012-04-22 09:59:59

I truly loved this movie...

This review is from: Sweet Land - A Love Story (DVD) "Sweet Land," the movie, is a little different from the story written by Will Weaver. I read the story first and then viewed the movie. I really enjoy both of them. The actors in the movie play their parts wonderfully. This is a romance story without all the "in-your-face" physicalities of so many other movies being made today. "Sweet Land - A Love Story," deserves the awards it has received.

Ohio teacher 2012-04-22 06:45:28

Very moving

This movie is a moving and beautiful love story that offers a historically relevent glimpse into cultural and survival struggles endured by Midwest settlers in the early 20th century. Have your Kleenex handy - you will be moved to tears, especially if you are familiar with both the Norwegian and German cultures and with the beauty of rural Minnesota prairies. The leading actress was stunning, and spoke both German and Norwegian as fluidly as a native speaker, without an accent, although she is American. She was thorougly convincing as a German girl who had been living in Norway. Language was an immensely important part of this movie, for language is what unites and divides cultures. The writers were clearly familiar with the experience of learning a new language, and with the immense loneliness one feels in a foreign land when no one can speak your language. Since I know both Norwegian and German, I could understand the script without subtitles, but no English subtitles seemed available for those who don'tknow those languages. A great deal of emotional detail is lost if one does not understand these languages. Although subtitles can't capture all the subtleties of the languages, they would make the movie much more meaningful for those who don't understand German or Norwegian.

2012-04-19 18:41:32

errol

I would call this film "beautiful". The cinematography, the actors, the story are all very lush! I have many relatives who have lived on the farm and I can identify with the story. Since I am a Minnesota native it seems like the story happened just down the road.

2012-04-19 00:46:21

"Sweet Land" dvd

Excellent movie! Sweet story that warms your heart. If you like "Little House on the Prairie" and "Christy", you'll really like this movie. The stars were excellent, especially Elizabeth Reaser. Loved the movie! Bought it for my sister for XMAS.