shagtobacco I knew I would love this movie and the character of Farmer John from the opening scene where he tastes the soil in his fields and says it's tasting good today. Having myself been steeped in west coast Burning Man culture, I immediately recognized and honored John Petersen as a true Burner - even if he's never been to the desert festival himself. He's an artist, a entrepreneur, a dreamer and a builder. But what's more, he's a real person. His story is really our own story. He's a regular joe with a real heart, real fears and real stumbling blocks. His repeated failures... and then eventual success, through perseverance and love, is inspiring to every one of us because that's how it really happens!! This story isn't full of cinematic glorification!I loved this movie because it isn't a fantasy about creating intentional community or CSAs or going back to the land or any of that. It's about the hard, slow, steady and arduous process of the development of a human being who wants to make something good in this life. It's about years of trying and failing and trying again. It's about working through that feeling of failure to finding out what successes lie on the other side of failure. We've all been there. Disillusioned by our current lives and world situations. Can we really do what we envision? Can we really make a difference and make our ancestors proud? Do we really have what it takes to be the caring stewards of this land we were given? Do we have what it takes to provide for our future generations?I felt this movie is a story about how to *really* be successful, find happiness and make a difference. We can't control what the world may do around us, but we can chose our own paths. This movie reminded me that it's okay no matter where we're at along our path, so long as its focus comes from a true place within. If we do that, we, like Farmer John, may realize one day that we've finally worked our way into the idealized vision we always had of our lives - we may find success and happiness.Plus, you just can't beat that bug song music video where they're in the bee costumes!!!I LOVED it. See it. Rent it. Buy it. Give it as a gift to loved ones.

Jennifer Stoughton Besides being a well done documentary with good technical aspects, and good informational content, this was as entertaining as it could be. AND, after seeing this at the Nashville Film Festival, I have been motivated to find a farmer like this, to support and to get food.The biodymamic farming principles explained in the documentary are used at a local farm here. They have improved the soil and the output of this local organic farm and will improve my life!We were lucky enough to see this at the Nashville festival and get to meet John Peterson and the director as well, and it was great! Rent this or see it if you can. And find somewhere to get Community Supported Agriculture food.

revolutioner What a wonderful little film! This is much more than the old story about the American farmer's attempt to save the family farm. It is an historical document, of sorts, on the life of one Illinois man, John Peterson, his family, friends, and community. It took a little while for the film to get started for me. I had to get use to John's low-key personality, but as the film progresses, it reveals a complex, intelligent, and determined man, who's story is a unique one. Director Taggart Siegel, a friend of John's, sifted through hundreds of hours of footage, shot by himself, John, and home movies from John's own family. It is simply amazing to see such an interesting life story unfold before your eyes in less than two hours time. Compelling, educational, and deeply moving, it is a film you will hold dear to your heart.

manos_1 saw this at a film festival. real fascinating subject matter. the director really got lucky that Farmer John shot so much film of himself as he was growing up, because that footage is excellent. overall, it's hard not to like Farmer John and the film. both are non-offensive and entertaining.i have to say, though, i'm not a big fan of the style in this movie. too many talking heads. i liked the more observational stuff, and as i said the stock footage. but that's just me. others will probably have no problem with this. but for me, it's what separated this from being great, instead of what it is: just very enjoyable.