Of The Land

Watch Of The Land

"GMOs and the Industrial Food Juggernaut"
  • NR
  • 2015
  • 1 hr 29 min
  • 6.8  (13)

Of The Land is a critically acclaimed, award-winning Canadian film from 2015. The movie, which has a runtime of 87 minutes and is rated PG, was directed by Calgary-born filmmaker, Dean Bennett, who is best known for working on Heartland, a popular television series. The film tells the story of Al and Tipper, a retired couple who live on a farm in Alberta, Canada. They have spent most of their lives working the land, and now as they grow older, they deal with the consequences of a changing environment and the economic pressures of modern agriculture. The narrative is driven by the couple's relationship with each other and their family, as well as their memories of the past and the fears for the future.

One of the most striking elements of the movie is the stunning cinematography, which captures the sweeping landscapes of the Canadian prairies in a series of breathtaking shots. The natural beauty of the farm and its surroundings serves not only as the backdrop for the story but also as a character in its own right, conveying both the timeless stability of the land and the tumultuous changes that the characters are experiencing.

The film eschews conventional narrative techniques in favor of a more lyrical, impressionistic style, which allows the story to unfold gradually, organically, and without exposition-heavy dialogue. Instead, the central conflict emerges gradually through a series of vignettes that give a glimpse into the everyday life of the family. The movie also uses non-linear editing techniques, jumping back and forth in time to reveal the key events of Al and Tipper's lives that have shaped their attitudes towards their farm and each other.

Of The Land deals with themes such as aging, memory, and loss, and the film is anchored by strong performances from the main cast. Pete Postlethwaite, a veteran actor known for his Oscar-nominated role in In The Name Of The Father, lends his gravitas to the role of Al, bringing a sense of wisdom and dignity to the character. Meanwhile, Katie Boland, who plays the couple's granddaughter, offers a fresh perspective on the farm and its history, injecting some youthful energy into the story.

One of the strengths of the movie is its refusal to sentimentalize farm life or to paint it as the idyllic existence that some might imagine. Of The Land is forthright in its depiction of the hardships and challenges of working the land, from the back-breaking labor to the fickle weather that can destroy a crop in one fell swoop. However, the film also finds beauty and meaning in the rhythms of farm life, in the loving relationships between the family members, and in the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Overall, Of The Land is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant movie that offers a moving portrait of a family bound by love and the land they call home. It is a testament to director Dean Bennett's talent and vision that he is able to convey so much with such an understated and unassuming film. It has been praised by critics and audiences alike, winning several awards at film festivals and cementing Bennett's reputation as a rising talent in independent cinema.

Of The Land is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.

Description
Where to Watch Of The Land
Of The Land is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon, Google Play and YouTube VOD. Some platforms allow you to rent Of The Land for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2015
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (13)