jimrubis If you grew up on a farm in the 50s or 60s, you were "hippy-like" in the 70s or you are opposed to corporate industrialized agriculture you will relate very closely to this film. An amazingly complete filmed life-story of an inspiring character from preschool days through today when he is in his 50's. Two minor characters, John's mother and his dairy farmer neighbor add tremendously to the richness and 'human' qualities of the story. Emotion, humor, and inspiration for anybody who refuses to "go with the flow".On my way to the film I warned my wife: "This may not be as good as some of the documentaries we've seen lately." My first comment when the film ended: "I was wrong!" I hope people without a farm background will enjoy the story of Farmer Brown as much as I did.

celia-25 What a great film, really touching and amazing. Watched it up in the hills in Tulare County with some folks who could really relate to the issues of small town rural living and being different.Amazing that Farmer John's mother did all that filming when they were kids, it really makes the film possible.I especially loved the farmer who spoke of the pain he felt when he saw the concrete! I grew up in a beach L.A. suburb watching the wetlands turn to condos and mini-malls, it was sad.Thanks so much for this film!It really will do well I think!

skyyeager This film will blow you away, that's a promise. Best Documentary I have ever seen. Did you like Hoop Dreams? how about Sherman's March? The Real Dirt is better. Nuff said.Now, what I like about this movie review site is that somebody there in movieland thought that if you liked Farmer John there is a strong chance that you'll feel similarly about The Outlaw Josey Wales starring Clint Eastwood! No kidding, that is the film they think most resembles the feeling you get from watching The Real Dirt. Isn't that the coolest?! At the bottom of the page on The Real Dirt they say:"If you like this title, we also recommend The Outlaw Josey Wales."And damn! if they weren't spot on! At first glance you wouldn't think John with his soft spoken Midwestern charm, that understated classy delivery of the plains maverick was channeling Josey Wales - and then you start to see all the similarities. Yea, John's got that same steely-eyed resolve, that can't-be-broken spirit that shines from within. John Peterson and Josey Wales both suffered horribly at the hands of fate, withstood more pain and degradation that most men could stand. And yet... and yet, they stood tall and proud and could not be stopped when faced with the impossible task of reclaiming their life, their manhood, their proud American farmer spirit...Yes, The Real Dirt has all the necessary elements to make a classic as does Josey Wales... A magical combination of farmland fact and underdog fantasy...The fantasy, this time, 30 years after Eastwood as Josey Wales... is Farmer John who switches from a simple peasant farmer to stone-cold Bio-Dynamic CSA Genius... His planting and networking becomes as precise as his cigar sucking... Whether he is merely taking a split second to rig some machinery on a tractor or appearing out of the sun as an 'army of one'... it is Farmer John's screen presence as something unique, direct and strong, the essential Peterson persona that is a powerful attraction to the public...Josey Wales, oops, I mean John Peterson, has no desire to become the most successful bio- dynamic and CSA farmer in the universe... At the beginning of the film he is a peaceable Illinois farmer whose farm is lost in the small farm failures of the 80s.... and this story is the unbelievable journey back to wholeness, you will witness John rising from the literal flames of disaster, like a phoenix, to claim his place in history!The film opens with what is arguably one of the coolest movie quotes of all time.... We see John's boots squishing through the mud as he surveys his fields, kneeling down upon the ground, he reaches down for a handful of earth and pensively tastes it..."The soil tastes good today..."and you begin to enter Farmer John's world as director Taggart Siegel guides your journey with passion and deep insight...

Bob Trewyn I had the good fortune of previewing this remarkable documentary while visiting Farmer John with my son this past summer. Having spent my sophomore year in high school living and working on the Peterson farm, I was able to cultivate a unique friendship and level of respect for John that has lasted for the past 35 or so years. John tells his story in a way that captivates the pure essence of mans relationship with the earth. The transformation of the farm from its roots to what it is today is nothing short of incredible. He has brought together two completely different worlds and instilled in them a love of mother earth and how we all must change in order to survive as a generation.