Watch The Moo Man

The Moo Man is a 2013 documentary film directed by Andy Heathcote and Heike Bachelier that explores the life of a small English dairy farm and its owner, Stephen Hook. The film depicts the charm and challenges of life on a small farm, the interaction between the animals and the farmer, as well as the personal struggles faced by Hook, who risks losing his farm due to financial difficulties.

The documentary follows Hook throughout a year as he tends to his herd of cows, predominantly Sussex Cattle, in the picturesque countryside of southern England. The film offers a unique perspective on the complexity of farming through the eyes of Hook, who is passionate about the welfare of his cows and the quality of his milk.

The Moo Man blends stunning cinematography with a warm, humorous and emotive narrative, taking the viewer on an inspirational and thought-provoking journey. The film gives a revealing insight into the everyday life of a dairy farmer, highlighting the importance of their work, and the intense bond between the farmer and their animals.

The opening scene of the film shows Hook leading his cows out to pasture, where the cows graze in their natural habitat under the watchful eye of their farmer. This sets the tone for what is to come: a poetic yet unvarnished depiction of a year in the life of a farmer.

Throughout the film, we get to see the intimate relationship between Hook and his cows. Hook's approach to farming is refreshing, as he sees his cows not as mere tools for milk production but as individuals with distinct personalities. Each cow is named, and Hook talks to them, reassuring them and offering them love and affection.

The film is also a reflection on the difficulties faced by small-scale farmers in modern times. Hook struggles to keep his farm afloat due to the relentless pressure from large milk corporations and supermarket chains. The difficulties that Hook faces are not only financial, but also come from the emotional toll of separating the cows from their calves, due to a broken milk production system.

The Moo Man showcases the challenges that small farmers face in the modern era, but it also highlights the enduring relationship between humans and cows through centuries of farming. The documentary exposes a forgotten bond between man and animals, one that is both caring and familial.

The filmmakers successfully capture the beauty of the English countryside and the farmyard at different times of the year, from spring when Hook raises new calves, to winter, when the fields are covered in heavy snow. The Moo Man provides an intimate and heartwarming portrayal of rural life.

The incredible soundtrack that accompanies the film, composed by DJ Shadow and J. Ralph, enhances the beauty of the visuals and transports the viewer into the idyllic world of The Moo Man.

In summary, The Moo Man is a powerful, heartfelt documentary that celebrates the charm and struggles of small-scale farming. Through the character and actions of Stephen Hook, who is not only a farmer, but also a person we root for and empathize with, we see the value of local, sustainable farming that prioritizes animal welfare over profit. The Moo Man is a must-watch for anyone seeking to learn more about the lives of farmers and the animals that they tend.

The Moo Man is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.