La Clé des champs

"Harvest" is a minimalist docu-drama concerning life in a German farming community. Utterly realistic production that uses a cast of mostly non-professional actors, to show, without any silly pretensions, the lives of two guys who discover they have some deep emotions for each other, in the midst of a very unlikely environment. The look of the film is beautiful, in the same vein as the early works of Peter Weir, and the German countryside, filmed mostly in the early morning, seems to be shrouded in rays of sunlight. Marko decides to give up a career as a banker in the city, to pursue a career that will bring him closer to the land. Thus an uncomfortable friendship begins with Jakob, another young guy, training to be a farmer, but not really happy with the life. The tension builds as the two realize their feelings for each other go beyond friendship, but each is unsure of how the other is feeling. And in a rural setting like that, neither one wants to take the first step. When it finally happens, a world opens up for them both, as they steal a car and drive to Berlin, where they can be more comfortable to explore their emotions.

The fact that two people can find each other in such an environment is a true miracle. "Harvest" is perhaps one of the only gay-themed films that is completely without pretensions, totally without those silly and insulting gay stereotypes. Also, this German film succeeds where the similar-themed "Brokeback Mountain" fails, in that it avoids the usual pitfall of ending in shame and tragedy. It is very nice to see a romantic story about a same-sex couple, where someone doesn't end up getting gay bashed or dying of AIDS or some crap. Yes, this one is totally devoid of that element. And in the end, we are left with an optimistic feeling that these two good guys found each other and that they are going to be OK because of it, rather then punished for their "crime" of caring for each other, like in the melodramatic "Brokeback Mountain." Jakob and Marco are very real guys, and immensely likable. Films like this are very important, as they shatter old stereotypes of how gay people look and behave. I notice a lot of people did not like the film; they called it "boring," and made fun of the farming element. Well I'm guessing that these people might be of the stereotype kind of gay men, who can only relate to nightclubs, drug taking and rampant sex between strangers. I think these people are a bit outdated. I highly recommend this amazing and lyrical film; it is truly unique. Just don't expect a theme song or any drag queens. Don't expect sex scenes either; you won't find it here. what you will find is a slice of real life.

I watched this movie with a pretty open mind; I had no idea what it was about initially, except that there was a gay romance and that it was set on a farm (as the title suggests). Luckily, I love farms and find them to be interesting but this film really tested the limits of that love. The lengthy shots of cows walking around, getting their ears tagged, and of machinery being used or set-up definitely added to the authenticity of the film but it did little to advance the plot, or my interest.

Speaking of plot, there is basically none. Instead, what they have given us is some rather pointless dialogue involving random interns and teachers, who often show up, deliver their insignificant line and disappear for the rest of the movie.

The lead actors are rather good and there is some brilliant cinematography found in the film (especially when they are in the barn and the light is pouring in through the wooden walls; and the scene with the water bursting from the sprinkler), but overall it fails to deliver a gripping plot or interesting characters with any depth. If you want to see a great character-driven drama, set on a farm with gay characters and a good plot, check out The Mudge Boy, Ander, or Brokeback Mountain - but Harvest will likely disappoint.

I saw this film last night and when it was over, I was rather disappointed. I came to see what others had said about it and noticed it only ran for 98 minutes. It felt more like 3 hours.

Its only redeeming quality is the depiction of the farming profession in post-Communist Germany. One does get a feeling of what it is like for the younger generation in the area, where the adults still have a bit of the old way in their methods and the kids are not quite convinced it is for them. We see some of the beauty of the farm, but also a bit of the decay that was left over from the old days.

I do give the two leads a bit of credit, both for being easy on the eyes and for conveying tons of meaning with their looks and actions. It does not, however, make up for the lack of plot or character development.

I loved this movie...and I say that agreeing with other reviewers who say it was slow, focused too much on "farming", etc... However, it was acted to PERFECTION by the two main characters. Wow, these two are very talented and I don't know what their careers are like in Germany but it's rare to see such a beautiful performance...very reminiscent of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in "Brokeback Mountain", albeit not as complex. I always gauge a movie by how it lingers with me, and this film did just that. Kudos to these two actors... Lukas Steltner and Kai Michael Müller...a sweet, sweet movie for men who fall in love with men.

Movie is indeed going very slowly, but lack of plot means just a raw emotions which developed between two ordinary guys with ordinary lives and process of discovering them. Nothing else. Just enough. Final hug is most beautiful scene in my life, so full of meaning. It is like a crown to the slow paced movie that develops into nothing but one hug, two smiles, and probably, thumping of their hearts. Scenography is outstanding too, and I feel that this movie achieved what it wanted. It set a backdrop, and in the most special moment, they happened. In the best moment. No drama. No complications. Just a slow process of advancing from awkward moments to mutual understanding. Acting is really good, I felt like I am reliving those moments again.