Runoff

A great study into the depth of the soul of which a person will sell themselves for the need, the very depth of that dark corner inside, to protect their family. Ms.Joanne Kelly is outstanding as is the writing. The underlining story of the son rebelling against the norm of following in the family path was outstanding. The father's subtle disapproval was only matched by the mother's need to protect and understand. The final scene as Betty drove away, the look off set by the contents in the back of the truck, drove the final nail home at the determination, at all costs, to save the way of life at any cost.I drove almost four hours to the only theater in my state airing this work of art. And it was worth every mile.

I like slice of life films where not much happens, but this one is pretty weak. The acting unspectacular. The audio is bad, and they obviously couldn't afford a dialect coach. There is no real insight into any of the character's lives, and none of the characters are the least bit colorful. The portrayal of the local environment that usually makes this kind of movie interesting is almost nonexistent. There is no real drama. There is only occasional visual interest.

I wasn't planning on reviewing this movie, but after seeing all the ten star reviews I had to object. I wish IMDb could do something about this. I realize it's hard if not impossible to control this activity. Anyone can easily see what's going on. Still, it is annoying.

I wish a six month period of membership were required before someone could write a review, but this wouldn't be fair to IMDb or to impartial reviewers.

At least the reviewer should have to check off a box saying they are unbiased and have no affiliation with the movie's production or distribution.

This kind of activity is all over IMDb and detracts from a really great site. THESE REVIEWERS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES!

The critics got it right. The movie is at best mediocre.

I think I was expecting something preachy, something heavy handed. But instead Kimberly Levin succeeded in doing something that's very difficult to pull off: she wrote and directed an incredibly engaging story that MIGHT have an agenda, but instead entices the viewer to ask questions not only of the motivations of the characters, but of themselves. There wasn't a moment in which I felt bullied into a point of view. It's provocative in the best way possible. I loved this movie so much I watched it twice. The cinematography was beautiful and the acting heart felt and honest. The mother's choices were complex, and portrayed very convincingly by Joanne Kelly. I wanted to hug the children, who also did a great acting job. It left me wanting to know more about them and watch to see what kind of people they would grow into. Well done!

Runoff is a fascinating new film by first time film director Kimberly Levin.

The film is about life in rural America, but unlike the usual simplistic, nostalgic and idealized portrayals which we often get when presented with stories of "life on the farm," Levin's film realistically tackles subjects confronting farmers in the here-and-now.

What is particularly interesting is that Levin poses the economic challenges of small farmers and small farm service industry workers as a series of moral choices many with devastating consequences, on people and on the environment. The actors are top-notch. The cinematography is personal and at times epic and lyrical. This was a wonderful film.

The lead actor, Joanne Kelly, "Betty," was especially great. Although full of outer beauty, she is no Hollywood actress "playing at" being a farmer. Joanne Kelly does all of her farm work like a pro, adding realism and dignity to her role. The same can be said for all of the other actors as well. All of them seem to truly inhabit their roles.

All in all, Runoff is a great film and should be seen widely by those who want to know more about the complexities of modern farm life, and for those who want to see a deeply affecting story about personal moral choices and their consequences.

RUNOFF is a true movie-lover's movie. It takes us into a world that most of us know little about and explores it with a sophistication and class rarely seen in a debut film. The last half hour will have you on the edge of your seat. Joanne Kelly is a true star, her face brings you in like a silent movie star's would. It was so refreshing to see a movie that could have been so righteous dogmatic, instead allow its political charge to be simply experiential. It takes a tremendous amount of faith in the characters and the story to do that. Levin doesn't just present you this world, she puts you in surround sound of it. You truly feel as if you are there. Throughout the entire piece, her camera is enveloping you in the everyday beauty of this environment, and you will (like Betty) feel compelled to protect it with all you have.