Country

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"In this country, when the land is your life... you fight for your life."
  • PG
  • 1984
  • 1 hr 50 min
  • 6.6  (2,204)

Country is a 1984 drama film directed by Richard Pearce and starring Jessica Lange, Sam Shepard, and Wilford Brimley. The film tells the story of a struggling family living in a small town in Iowa. Lange and Shepard play the roles of Gil and Jewell Ivy, a married couple who have been working hard to keep their family's farm afloat. Wilford Brimley plays the role of Grandpa Ivy, Gil's father, who is a retired farmer with a strong attachment to the land.

The film takes place during the 1980s, a period when the American farm economy was in decline. The Ivy family is struggling to pay their bills and keep their farm going, and their situation is made worse when the local bank forecloses on their property. Determined to save their farm, Gil and Jewell decide to launch a legal battle against the bank, with the help of a sympathetic lawyer played by Levi L. Knebel.

Throughout the movie, the audience sees the Ivy family fighting to keep their farm and maintain their way of life. The characters are complex and well-developed, with Gil and Jewell portraying the struggles of the modern American farmer - caught between the love for their land and the economic realities of the present.

The movie's strength lies in its portrayal of the American Midwest and its people. The farmers in this film are depicted as hard-working, moral people who are fighting a losing battle against an economic system that is stacked against them. The script is well-written, with authentic dialogue that reflects the culture and values of the rural Midwest. The film is also beautifully shot, with gorgeous and evocative cinematography that captures the beauty of the farmland and the starkness of the economic situation.

One of the standout performances in Country comes from Lange, who gives a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Jewell. She captures the character's strength and resilience, while also conveying her vulnerability and pain. Shepard is equally impressive as Gil, portraying the character's stubbornness and resistance to change, while also showing his love for his family and his land.

The supporting performances are also excellent, particularly that of Wilford Brimley, who plays Grandpa with warmth and humor. The chemistry between Lange, Shepard, and Brimley is palpable, and their interactions provide some of the film's most memorable moments.

Overall, Country is a powerful and moving film that highlights the plight of the American farmer in the 1980s. Its rich characterizations and superb performances make it a memorable film, and its themes of economic struggle and family loyalty continue to resonate today.

Country
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Description
  • Release Date
    1984
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 50 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (2,204)