Binding: DVD
Region: Region 1
Creator: Fernando Ortega, Robert Tomlinson
Actor: Ernest Borgnine, Julie Kavner, Kimberly Norris Guerrero, Wayne David Parker, Suzi Regan
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Run Time: 98 minutes
ASIN: B00074DY6G
Rated: Unrated
Manufacturer: Questar
Release Date: 2005-02-22
Average Customer Review: 
(From 5 total reviews)
List Price: $14.99
Amazon Price: $6.21 (16 new 7 used available)
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Editorial Reviews
Description:
Academy Award-winner Ernest Borgnine (Marty, From Here to Eternity, McHale’s Navy) gives one of his best performances in this heartwarming, award-winning drama. Borgnine stars as Michael Boloni, a simple farmer who refuses to sell his family’s farm to a developer. With the help of Lydia (Kimberly Norris Guerrero), a Native American woman whose family once worked Boloni’s farm, Michael makes a stand the preserve his cherished land.
Customer Reviews
A somewhat unpolished gem by BJ
There is no denying that this film lacks the polish of a major studio release, but its heartfelt charm and sincerity makes the absense of theatrical “slickness” a true benefit.
The acting may be uneven and rough at times, giving it the look of a dramatization but the end result, remarkably, is a realism that makes other films seem artificial and contrived.
I can honestly say the film appeared to be made by “amateurs” — but only in the true sense of that word: one who does something out of love rather than for money.
Borgnine, who talent has always been greatly undervalued, is perfect as the aging farmer facing a world pushing him to sell his farm. He exudes the type of all-American nobility that is more myth than reality, but the movie never depicts him as a caricature. Scenes of him cooking and baking, for instance, show that he’s not your stereotypical ‘farm boy.’
Guerrero is equally convincing and “real.” Although attractive, her beauty never draws primary attention or makes her simply another pretty face. She’s smart, compassionate, and comes with a complete set of personal issues that give her character dimension.
The villain is the only weak character, comical to the point of absurdity. Sadly, in real life, developers are usually far more clever and effective in manipulating zoning laws and come with an army of lawyers in tow. But that’s a minor flaw in the film.
As a resident of Oregon, which is in the midst of a land use crisis, the issues explored in this film are close to my heart. Yes, I recognized that the real purpose of the movie was to promote proper land use policies, and I think it worked on that level. But it also worked on the level of good entertainment with people we care about and can root for.
I applaud all those involved in making this movie and recommend it.
Plite of small farmers by Clifford C. Wares
I would have liked to see more veiws of the farm. Reconized Bingham township hall but not much more. I bought the movie because the farm used was of a relitive of mine. A great film on the plite of small farmers being forced out of farming by governemnt and housing marketers who have little concern for local areas and its inpact.
Barn Red by Deanna Knapp
I grew up on a family farm in Michigan and I am aware of the many problems facing them today. Farm land there is slowly being sold for development. It was very encouraging to view a film that correctly addresses many of those problems along with long term solutions.
The cause almost takes over, but the movie still succeeds by a voice of reason
Whether or not you enjoy this movie will likely depend on the following two things: 1)Do you require a lot of action in your movies? If so, this one is not for you. 2) Do you enjoy movies about people and relationships (a ‘chick flick’ to give it a name, although I think this tag too often turns off people who might still like a movie)? If so, you may enjoy this one. The reason I only say “may” is because this is a movie with a cause - to stop the needless development of farmland - and the cause at times takes over the whole movie (and I say that in spite of the fact that this is a cause I can certainly get behind).
Beyond this one flaw, however, I enjoyed the scenery and the character development. I did think that it was unnecessary - maudlin, actually - to have the possibly HIV-positive storyline with Kimberly Norris Guerrero’s character come up halfway through the movie. Her visiting out of pure nostalgia would have suited me just fine and would still have been quite believable.
I recommend this one if you want to feel like you’ve spent a couple of hours in a beautiful and quiet area of the country with some good friends.
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Tags: contemporary native american, DVD, farming, indian, indigenous movies and moviemakers, lakota, land use policy, native, native american, real estate development, urban sprawl
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