Stadt Land Fluss

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.

What a terrific film that blurs the boundary between documentary and fiction - the director used nonprofessional actors for all but the two leads. A very moving love story that happens to be between two young men - probably the most touching I've seen in a while, mainly because it is subtle and mostly told through glances and gestures. This is not a film about gay culture - it's about two people living/working in a traditional farming community who are faced with a growing attraction to each other and do end up coming together. Luckily no great drama/punishment ensues a la Brokeback. The leads have amazing chemistry - kudos to the director for the casting. It's probably too slow for most tastes, but for me, it was perfect and if anything too short.

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.

One of the movies not to be missed. This is not your standard movie with a generic plot/storyline. The movie jumps straight into the lives of 2 young farmers. Using the farming industry as their setting, you quickly immerse yourself in their normal lives. Tough work and work friends who belonged to a different social circle.

Some of the best scenes in this film does not need words, they were meant to be felt. Let yourself sit in the shoes of the main characters and you will understand. So subtle yet it reflects our daily lives; the mundaneness, the yearn for a connection, the attraction to the same sex, the fear of societal rejection.

I always watch this film when I feel down, when hope seemed lost and turn it into a smile before I go to bed. Watch it.

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.