The Real Dirt on Farmer John
The Real Dirt on Farmer John Image
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The epic tale of a maverick Midwestern farmer. An outcast in his community, Farmer John transforms his world amidst a failing economy,vicious rumors, and violence. By melding the traditions of family farming
    with the power of art and free expression,this quintessentially American story hera    lds a resurrection of farming in America. (Slow Hand Releasing)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    100
    We've seen documentaries with more daring themes, greater drama, sharper craft and timelier subject matter. But few have been as affecting as The Real Dirt on Farmer John.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Crust
    80
    Though its title suggests an exposé on Dodger Dogs, the movie is the moving, inspirational account of John Peterson's discovery of an almost divine calling in the land beneath his feet.
  3. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ella Taylor
    80
    It’s fascinating that this portrait of the rise, fall and rise of Midwestern organic farmer John Peterson can be read in so many different ways, only some of which appear intentionally in Taggart Siegel’s sympathetic documentary about his friend and fellow artist.
  4. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Julia Wallace
    80
    At times, the film plays like an extended infomercial for John's new company, Angelic Organics, but the agrarian fantasy is so compelling here that the revitalization of the American family farm begins to seem not just possible, but probable.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. SteveL.
    10
    The film reflects the struggles of American family farmers over the last fifty years and, more importantly, the universal Hero
  2. Sandy
    8
    An extremely interesting documentary. Well done,well paced And if you enjoy documentaries,see this!!

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