The Real Dirt on Farmer John

A strange story for sure, but one that made me cry in public, which doesn't happen. Farmer John is a very unique soul, but a good one. Even if you don't dig the cross-dressing or the purity of his vegetables, the tales of farmers, the land, and the love of the good earth is incredible and one we should not forget. When the old farmer explains how once good farmland has been covered up by asphalt and subdivisions, if your eyes don't at least water then there's something wrong with you. I am a computer science professor who can't go without email for more than eight hours, but this film reminded me that my father was a farmer in the 1930's and made me remember how much I loved having a little garden on my parents' 5 acre garden when I was a little kid.

This is a work of a man's lifetime, and the lifetime of a man who has done good work all his life. I'm a bit biased because I'm fortunate enough to know Farmer John a little, but I only came to know him after I saw this film and realized what a good guy he is. If it helps just one person or (more importantly) one farm, I'm sure he'll be happy.

This film made me want to be a good guy again. I highly recommend it to anyone who eats food or longs for a reason to continue doing so.

This film was just shown at the Beloit Film Festival and was lauded for its charm and heartfelt presentation. I have a friend who works on that farm, and I live only 15 minutes from that farm in Beloit, WI. Yes, it may be a collaboration between John and the filmmaker, but I can assure you that everything in that film is entirely factual and real. It is upsetting to see that, after seeing this great film, somebody would slander it like this. Go see the documentary if you have the chance, it is quite spectacular. It has a great story, it is humorous, tragic, and wonderful. Good commentary on urban sprawl, crisis in the farming industry, and Midwestern society.

What I loved about The Real Dirt on Farmer John was that it is history, but is also a personal story that stirs the heart and soul. It is not just a movie of the small farmer in America, it is about someone's passions and the trials of one's life. This film will be a surprise for who ever watches it. It can be transformational. I watched it in a room with 200 other people and everyone was touched and moved by this documentary film. What a gift to all who view this one! I cried, I laughed, I applauded, I hooted! Not one moment of boredom or drag... awesome! I know everyone felt the same way because there was a standing ovation at the end too! Wow!

I didn't see it as a literal documentary, obviously certain liberties were taken to tell the story on a limited budget. It was both touching and true to its time. I'm hoping that it will get into distribution and certain that it will create a buzz. The story of the family farm still needs recounting even though it was a media darling twenty years ago. His struggle to succeed and to keep the family business going is universal...The underlying "hippie" mentality was also keeping with the times, having been a student in Wisconsin in the early 70's. When you laugh and cry and root for the underdog, it becomes personal. What else can you ask for from a movie?

This movie is absolutely delicious! As someone who is not a farmer, I found the film rather hilarious and very interesting to watch. Even so, many of the people at the screening I went to were farmers, and each one I spoke with said that this film portrayed exactly what farming is like, while mixing in art and humour. The movie discusses some historical aspects of farming and the state of farming today. There is also a very good portrayal of community supported agriculture (CSA). Overall, the film had a very positive outlook, and it gave the feel that it is necessary to change the way we grow and buy food, but that change can certainly be done. The movie stresses the importance of buying produce locally. I recommend this movie to everyone.