The Farmer's Wife

Starring:Jameson Thomas, Lillian Hall-Davis, Gordon Harker, Gibb McLaughlin, Maud Gill, Louie Pounds, Olga Slade, Ruth Maitland, Antonia Brough, Haward Watts, Mollie Ellis
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Studio: Delta
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Essentially a one-joke story line based on Eden Philpotts's comic play, the 1928 silent film The Farmer's Wife makes up for its lack of substantive material with a noticeable leap in Alfred Hitchcock's cinematic skills. Jameson Thomas stars as a rustic farmer named Sweetland whose recently deceased wife has left a hole in his home and life. The subsequent marriage of his daughter inspires Sweetland to contemplate the altar again, and he enlists the aid of his lovely housekeeper, Minta (Lillian Hall-Davies), to draw up a list of available if ill-considered candidates. One by one, Sweetland proposes to the ladies and is rebuffed, then huffs his way home to a warm reception by the woman he should obviously be with: Minta. In almost anyone else's hands, this slight and silly tale would instantly evaporate, but Hitchcock takes it as an opportunity to make a lively, good-looking film full of delightful transitions (this is the kind of movie where a wordless exchanged glance leads us from one world and into another), at least one early experiment with a rapid dolly shot (all roads lead to Vertigo, don't you know), and a remarkable amount of suggestively grim humor. One paving stone on the path to Hitchcock's full, brilliant career, The Farmer's Wife reveals a great talent still growing. Tom Keogh
Description
Containing many of his cinematic touches, this enjoyable and rustic 1928 silent comedy explores the exploits of farmer Samuel Sweetland who is unsuccessful at finding himself a bride. What he doesn't know is he is secretly loved by his devoted housekeeper.

Menus: English  Spanish  Chinese  Japanese
Subtitles: Spanish  Chinese  Japanese

Amazon.com

A pre-superstardom Russell Crowe brings enough leading-man wattage to this modest Canadian drama to light all of Manitoba. Set in the prairie country above Minnesota in 1942, For the Moment's wartime romance stars Crowe as Lachlan, a rakish Australian pilot signed on to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which trains fliers for combat duty. With an average life expectancy of the program's graduates no more than six weeks, Lachlan wastes no time wooing the attractive and lonely Lill (Christianne Hirt), wife of a farmer-turned-soldier serving overseas. The two fall in love, and their touching if secretive affair serves as a counterpoint to a more public, and tender, romance between the town's prostitute and Lachlan's commanding officer. Writer-director Aaron Kim Johnston eschews bathos for a graceful, even stately, tone to his tale of loneliness and loss. The staggeringly charming, dashing Crowe, however, makes For the Moment compelling. --Tom Keogh

Description

Western Canada, 1942. A handsome Australian named Lachlan (Russell Crowe of The Quick and the Dead, Virtuosity, Gladiator) and other pilots in-training from around the world have the earth below them and a dark cloud over their heads: the life expectancy of a World War ll bomber pilot is six weeks. Now more than ever these brave young men reach out to seize the day. And with each day, loves can form, hearts can break, memories can be forged that will last generations. This "gorgeous-looking, romantic drama" (The Hollywood Reporter) explores the tender wartime romance between Lachlan and a lonely Manitoba farm girl (Christianne Hirt). It glows with the heart-tugging passion of a love that's inevitable yet doomed, and like the pilots and lives it celebrates, it soars.

Customer Reviews:

For The Moment.......2007-06-26

Good heartwarming story. I recommend it highly. Russell Crowe's early attempt at acting was a complete success.

Sentimentality inside the "Aerodrome of Democracy".......2006-09-23

This was how President Franklin Roosevelt described Canada, the seemingly perfect location to train Royal Air Force and Canadian Royal Air Force pilots in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, a large and successful military pilot training program during World War Two. Russell Crowe delivers an impressive performance as a young bomber pilot in training who woos a local married woman with his looks and charm. As a war film buff, I do not really care for all the sentimentality (no matter how well acted) but I must praise this obscure low-budget Canadian film for bringing to light an important aspect of the Allied war effort which took place in quiet rural Manitoba. This movie is set during the early years of WWII since it included a few American trainees, one of whom is an arrogant, rude and lecherous villian who is the opposite of Russell Crowe's mild-mannered Australian character. Choosing an American to be the movie's villian seemed a bit contrived to me, but there was around 1759 Americans in the RAF who transferred to the US military when America finally entered the war. When watching the movie, or just looking at the DVD cover, one will notice that the air force uniform has a much DARKER SHADE OF BLUE than the familiar RAF uniforms seen in "Battle of Britain". This was something that my eyes had to get used to when watching this sentimental but nonetheless interesting film.

Canadians were once proud people.......2005-09-21

For The Moment reminds us that Canada once was a proud nation who pulled its own weight. [...]. A much younger Russell Crowe portrays an Australian pilot who is undergoing further training in Manitoba, Canada during WWII. He eventually begins an affair with a woman whose husband has already departed for combat. The relationship is likely doomed from the start. Will Crowe's character even survive the war? Most pilots are killed within months after their departure. The people around these illicit lovers also have their own troubles. Should everyone live for the immediate present? Is there logical reason to invest in a long term future hopes?

Russell Crowe is now one of our greatest film actors. He doesn't get much of a chance to show his ability in this movie. Crowe's role essential calls for a paint by the numbers approach. Still, this is a decent production. It aptly deals with the frustrations and challenges of those who saved our civilization from tyranny. WWII buffs should take a chance on For The Moment. I give it 3 1/2 stars.

Pre-Stardum Crowe Soars.......2005-06-15

I didn't havea clue what this movie was about or what it had to offer when I picked it up. All I knew was it starred Russell Crowe and that was all I needed to know. It's set during war times, Crowe plays a pilot in training and while staying with a friend and his fiance he falls for the fiance's married sister. Risky waters there Mr Crowe, but a romance ensues and it leads to an uproar of sorts. Who can blame the young lady. Crowe's charm is undeniable (heck, I'm a heterosexual married man and I'd fall for him...sorry sweetheart) just listen to his redition of "High Flight". Beware all you 'Pearl Harbor' 'Saving Private Ryan' watchers, this is not a war movie even though it's labeled as one. This is a romance film with VERY little action at all. Still, all in all, it's a great film and a must see for any die-hard Russell fan like myself.

Finally the whole movie!.......2004-04-30

If you are a Russell Crowe fan or a fan of the movie you can finally purchase the entire film on dvd from Amazon. I would not recommend purchasing the used dvds without contacting seller as previously this dvd was missing several whole scenes...this re-release is complete. A wonderfully done movie ... it is sad and sweet. A snapshot of one of the lesser known sides of WWII. The characters are endearing and funny, the plot moves along well and there is some wonderful photography. For Crowe fans his recital of "High Flight" is worth the purchase, not to mention a young Mr. Crowe at his most charming. NOt for those looking for an action war movie it is most definitely for the romantics out there.

Average customer rating:

Poetic story of real life drama
A Pioneer Of "Reality Broadcasting" And The Telling Of A Remarkable Story
One of the most touching movies you will see
Poignant and wonderful
Can't Stop Watching Once Started.....

The Farmer's Wife
Director: David Sutherland
Manufacturer: Pbs (Direct)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000CPHABK
Release Date: 2006-01-17

Description

Step inside the passionate, troubled lives of Juanita and Darrel Buschkoetter as they cling to family and farm. Part documentary, part love story, THE FARMER'S WIFE eloquently blends harsh American farm life with the bittersweet drama of modern marriage. Darrel labors night and day for a bumper crop while Juanita cleans houses and finishes college. Despite heavy obstacles, they rediscover the love that binds them together.

Customer Reviews:

Poetic story of real life drama.......2007-02-28

This is the real 'Real World' documentary. The documentary shows true to life struggles of a young farm family trying to make it through rough times. The first time I watched this was on PBS when I was first married. I just purchased the dvd after something made me remember how much the story touched me. Watching it as a wife with plenty of life/marriage experiences I felt that I viewed the story from a different perspective. It's a great portrayal and I would love to know how the family is doing now, ten years later.

A Pioneer Of "Reality Broadcasting" And The Telling Of A Remarkable Story.......2006-09-16

I first saw this film on PBS back in the late-1990's, before the current onslaught of reality TV had begun, and I recall it made me profoundly interested in the lives of this family and all that the five of them endured. Telling the story of a financially and maritally struggling Midwestern farm couple and their three young daughters, The Farmer's Wife begins as an exploration of the uphill battle America's farmers are facing in today's world, but it progressively, to the surprise of viewers and filmmakers alike, becomes much more. The Farmer's Wife is the story of good, hard-working people, of a marriage in crisis, of endurance, of hardships faced, and of the emotional highs and lows of some remarkable human beings living through changes to all they've previously known and held dear. It is an intimate portrait of Midwestern family farmers whose continued presence in the United States is endangered by our modern economy. It is a gripping insight into the private side of other peoples' existence that most of us never see. The Buschkoetter family were brave for having done this project a decade ago, and while I know in hindsight "what came next" the portion of their lives during the two years captured on film remains a touching testament to an admirable and extraordinary couple.

One of the most touching movies you will see.......2006-08-30

This documentary grips you immediately. Or rather, it is the love story that this filmmaker captured that grips you - a love story between two decent, hard-working people who confront impossible challenges together. It makes you think what hard work and sacrafice really are.

There is a little bit of foul language as they came to grips with certain problems, but I didn't hesitate to show it to our kids (8 and 13) because even the foul language seems like a restrained and dignified reaction to the situations they contend with.

The documentary was shot over the course of three years! This allowed the film maker to capture the true-life highs and lows (extraordinary moments and events) and it teaches subtle but deep lessons in the dignity of hard work and determination, and the value of family and love enduring it all.

It is natural to wonder what happened to these two people after the cameras stopped, and it's disappointing to some extent to hear (according to the PBS website) that their marriage did not last forever. But that after-story does not undermine the power of this realistic and unflinching examination of farming and love. That people and marriages can endure so much for any period of time is an extraordinary tale.

I highly recommend The Farmer's Wife.

Poignant and wonderful.......2006-07-30

I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. I bought it solely because of the fact that it was put together by David Sutherland and I was not disappointed.

This is just an amazing story of some really decent people. I think Juanita Buschkoetter is one of the most beautiful people in the world - inside and out. I don't think I have ever seen anyone more gracious. Her husband and her children's devotion to her is so apparent and sweet. They are trying their best to do the right things in a time in their lives when it seems as if the world is conspiring against them. I had no idea how difficult farming is and how in touch farmers and farmer's families are with the "lost arts" - knowing the land, feeling the seasons and interpreting those sensations into their entire lives. Dedication and hard work. Makes me feel like a complete slouch.

I also loved the scenes with Darrel and his dad. They seem to slip into this almost unintelligible rapid patter when they have conversations. Almost like a secret code.

This should be mandatory viewing for anyone who eats food.

Support your local farmer!

Can't Stop Watching Once Started............2006-03-18

There is something about this film that draws you in. It somehow brings out the "snoopiness" in a person with its unique, personal approach.

For such a simple topic, operating a farm, a complex film results.

Excellent

Average customer rating:

--Very entertaining--
Well done drama

After the Harvest
Starring: Marion Bennett , Alberta Watson , Sam Shepard , Jonathan Elliott , and George Leach
Director: Jeremy Podeswa
Manufacturer: Allumination
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001CLZJM
Release Date: 2003-05-01

Description

Caleb Gare (Sam Shepard) is a farmer obsessed with owining as much land as he can and controlling his entire family. This becomes more complicated when a beautiful visiting teacher, Lind (Liane Balban) moves into the Geare home. Soon she gets involved in a battle of wills between Caleb and his four children, particularly the oldest girl, Jude (Nadia Litz), who longs for freedom, love and her own independent life. To complicate matyters more, a deep and terrible secret held by Caleb's wife, Amelia (Alberta Watson), will have to come to the surface that will astonish the town folk.

Customer Reviews:

--Very entertaining--.......2005-06-15

After The Harvest is a well done film with a lot of interesting characters. Sam Shepard gives an excellent performance portraying a complex and domineering man who completely controls his wife and four children.

The story begins when a young schoolteacher arrives in a rural area to live with a farm family. The mother and children of the family are distant and make very few overtures of friendship towards the teacher. The father lets her know that he will be watching her conduct and is responsible for her since she is living in his home.

Although the ages of the children are not stated. They appear to be in their late teens to early twenties. Their father works them all very hard and the girls labor along side their brothers. They tend the animals, mend fences, and plant and harvest the crops. Their mother is aloof and there is no love or affection shown by either parent towards their offspring. The teacher is the catalyst and becomes friends with the oldest daughter, Jude, who is a strong character and the one who usually stands up to her father; however, all of his children fear him.

When the teacher encourages Jude to socialize and date, things change for the entire family. Surprisingly, the mother becomes a key player when she makes a startling discovering and has to come to grips with her own past.

This film was made in Canada, and is really worth seeing.

Well done drama.......2004-08-19

My husband and I both enjoyed this drama set in rural Canada in the 1920s. The writing was good, as was the acting. The opening scenes were filmed particularly beautifully. I believe this was made for Canadian TV, making me think that Canada must have much higher entertainment values than America. The themes of love, tyranny, destruction, and survival were thoughtfully handled, and parents would not be embarrassed to share this film with (mature) older children.

Alfred Hitchcock: The Collection (The Lady Vanishes / The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) / Blackmail / The Farmer's Wife / Murder! / Sabotage / The Lodger / Easy Virtue / Rich and Strange / The Sorcer's Apprentice [TV Episode])

Average customer rating:

A very young promise in progress!
Strictly for the Film Historians
Wrong running time
Imperdible...
A Hitchcock Film In Name Only That Goes On For Ever

Alfred Hitchcock: The Collection (The Lady Vanishes / The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) / Blackmail / The Farmer's Wife / Murder! / Sabotage / The Lodger / Easy Virtue / Rich and Strange / The Sorcer's Apprentice [TV Episode])
Starring: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection (Psycho / Vertigo / Rear Window / The Birds / Shadow of a Doubt / Family Plot / Frenzy / The Man Who Knew Too Much / Marnie / Rope / Saboteur / Topaz / Torn Curtain / The Trouble with Harry)
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Under Capricorn

ASIN: B00000JQSQ
Release Date: 1999-07-24

Amazon.com

Essentially a one-joke story line based on Eden Philpotts's comic play, the 1928 silent film The Farmer's Wife makes up for its lack of substantive material with a noticeable leap in Alfred Hitchcock's cinematic skills. Jameson Thomas stars as a rustic farmer named Sweetland whose recently deceased wife has left a hole in his home and life. The subsequent marriage of his daughter inspires Sweetland to contemplate the altar again, and he enlists the aid of his lovely housekeeper, Minta (Lillian Hall-Davies), to draw up a list of available if ill-considered candidates. One by one, Sweetland proposes to the ladies and is rebuffed, then huffs his way home to a warm reception by the woman he should obviously be with: Minta. In almost anyone else's hands, this slight and silly tale would instantly evaporate, but Hitchcock takes it as an opportunity to make a lively, good-looking film full of delightful transitions (this is the kind of movie where a wordless exchanged glance leads us from one world and into another), at least one early experiment with a rapid dolly shot (all roads lead to Vertigo, don't you know), and a remarkable amount of suggestively grim humor. One paving stone on the path to Hitchcock's full, brilliant career, The Farmer's Wife reveals a great talent still growing. Tom Keogh

Description

7 DVD SET INCLUDES:
Sabotage
The Lodger
Blackmail
Easy Virtue
Rich and Strange
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
The Farmer's Wife
Murder!
The Man Who Knew Too Much
The Lady Vanishes

B&W/826 min.

Customer Reviews:

A very young promise in progress!.......2007-03-09

Believe or not, this is a slapstick comedy, in spite of the fact we are talking about an early Hitchcock. The dramatis personae turns round a humble farmer who seeks desperately a bride after his wife has died. He doesn't seem to realize his housekeeper is in love with him since a long time. A very interesting proposal of a director in progress by then.

Strictly for the Film Historians.......2006-08-30

OK, let's get this over with; none of us would even consider watching this movie if it weren't for the fact that it was directed by a young Alfred Hitchcock. Indeed, it's doubtful that the movie would have even survived into the 21st Century if it weren't for the director who was to go on to much greater heights. Yet Hitchcock WAS the director and we KNOW he was a masterful director so he must have done a GREAT job, right? Well, not really. I found myself interested somewhat in "The Farmer's Wife" because there is a fair amount of humor in it. I don't know if I laughed out loud but I smiled a few times. I considered asking my wife to waych it and see if she thought I'd end up the same way. However, the one real problem with this movie is that it is TOO long. Frankly, I breathed a sigh of relief when I thought the movie was over. "Maybe it wasn't all that long afterall" I told myself. Yet when the film actually did end about 10 minutes after I thought it would, I had to admit, a lot of it belong on the film editor's floor. For the record, this is a silent movie (Hitchcock directed England's first "talkie" shortly after he made "The Farmer's Wife"). Silent movies need good expressive acting to succeed and I felt that this movie had that. It was proably it's stregth (along with the humor). It's the story of a widower who decides he'll take another wife and how he is angered when his choice of spouse isn't receptive to the idea. He goes through several disappointments all seemingly in the same day before he discovers the obvious choice.

I got this movie as part of an "Early Hitchcock" set. In that sense, I have no qualms that I bought the DVD. I would have been disappointed to have bought this by itself. I liked it well enough but I doubt (due to its' length) that I'll ever watch it again.

Wrong running time.......2001-01-22

Even though the film originally ran about 97 minutes, and even though Amazon's info shows the running time to be 93 minutes, this Laserlight's DVD version of THE FARMER'S WIFE runs 129 minutes. Apparently, the wrong film speed was used in transferring the film to DVD, stretching the film by an additional half hour. The film's tempo is therefore slowed down a great deal, and the pacing and timing of the various comedy scenes are very much ruined. The DVD does have decent picture and sound (mono) quality.

This dated and predictable film was nevertheless well-acted by Jameson Thomas as the farmer and Lillian Hall-Davis as his housekeeper. Hall-Davis also starred in another Hitchcock's silent comedy "The Ring" (a much better film), also available as a Laserlight DVD.

Imperdible..........2000-09-25

En esta era de la tecnología y el gusto por lograr las mejores imágenes y los mejores efectos, esta colección nos lleva a darnos cuenta que las grandes obras de arte se deben edificar a partir de eso, "El Arte". Y esto es precisamente lo que demuestra este box set. El arte de la cinematografía puesta en las manos del genial Hitchcock. Ni que hablar de la producción: Siete discos, cada uno en su propio estuche, excelente sonido, y todo el material subtitulado (includo extras, introducción y trailers), además de que los discos son multizona. Cabe destacar que esto no fue obra de una gran empresa sino de LaserLight Video, pero es algo que los grandes estudios deberían tomar como ejemplo, hartos ya de ver películas con extras sin subtítulos. Si a eso le sumamos el costo del set, nos encontramos con una joya que no podemos desperdiciar. Muy recomendable.

A Hitchcock Film In Name Only That Goes On For Ever.......2000-06-26

I have nothing against silent films. In fact Clara Bow's 'It', Lon Chaney's 'The Phantom of The Opera' and Louise Brooks's 'Pandora's Box' are amongst my all-time favourites. But with the exception of 'The Lodger', Hitchcock never really got going in silent films. 'The Farmer's Wife' certainly had the potential for an easy going, enjoyable comedy, but NOT when it lasts over 2 hours. I challenge anyone to watch this film in one sitting without their eyelids feeling increasingly heavy. On the plus points, Laserlight has dispensed with one of those embarrassing Tony Curtis introductions, and has provided us with a newly recorded (and very good) score. The picture quality is also very good. If you're tempted to buy this DVD because it's a Hitchcock film, I'd say don't. It is only worth a look to anyone with an interest in silent films or a genuine Hitchcock enthusiast.

Average customer rating:

the Melancholy Living of the Modern Midwest

Rain
Starring: Melora Walters , Kris Park , Jamey Sheridan , Diane Ladd , and Jo Anderson
Director: Katherine Lindberg
Manufacturer: Lolafilms Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BYRCI8
Release Date: 2006-02-14

Customer Reviews:

the Melancholy Living of the Modern Midwest.......2007-06-05

Katherine Lindberg's directorial debut exhibits her strong talent as a filmmaker, but unfortunately did little to boost her career. In most critic's eyes, the movie has potential, but ultimately fails to achieve its goals. I found it to be satisfying; one just has to overlook its main flaws (acting, dialogue, pacing) like any other film.

Lindberg worked with many newcomers on this film, so the viewer shouldn't expect phenomenal acting on their part. The film was shot in an authentic midwestern town, using real actors from the area. Melora Waters, playing the lead character Ellen, is a notable actress previously seen from "Magnolia," and "Speaking of Sex." Her graceful acting guides her fellow cast members as she fits into her character rather well. There is definately a hint of reality from the film since it was shot on location in a real midwestern town. This simple convention contributes to the film's already downtrodden atmosphere.

The film is a deeply personal take on modern values and morality. It is a story set in a midwestern town with no future and chronicles a series of murder, lies, and secret pasts. It shares its roots with ancient Greek tragedies and exudes strong Oedipal undertones. The film drips with the sense that something is off, and this disturbance bubbles and explodes at the film's climax.

In all, the film is a good viewing. Presented by Martin Scorcese, it is not for those with short attention spans, nor is it for the weak of stomach. This modern tragedy is recommended.

Average customer rating:

Behind The Cheesy Title And DVD Cover Art Lies A Unique And Informative Film About Mail-order Brides
Delightful and well balanced
2 Brothers and A Bridge
Excellent
Awkward Mix of Comedy & Drama with a Few Bright Spots.

2 Brothers and A Bride
Starring: David Arquette
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00022FWHC
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Customer Reviews:

Behind The Cheesy Title And DVD Cover Art Lies A Unique And Informative Film About Mail-order Brides .......2006-12-26

I caught this small picture under the title "A Foreign Affair" because I tend to like Emily Mortimer and her film choices. Well, let me tell you something, the DVD title "2 Brothers and a Bride" along with the generic cover picture with a somewhat inappropriately highlighted Mortimer do nothing to represent the real film. Hoping, I suppose, to cash in on a more commercial and conventional romantic comedy hook, they actually do a disservice to the more unique story that is told here. So expecting a silly David Arquette comedy, what I got instead was a fairly effective look at familial loyalty, a subtle romance, and a pretty incisive look at the "mail-order bride" trade. While not a great picture, it is far better than I bargained for or than the DVD packaging would have led me to believe.

Two brothers, David Arquette and Tim Blake Nelson, are eeking out a meager existence on their family farm. Having their mother to tend for most of the household chores, things fall into disarray upon her death. Both are already emotionally and socially stunted from an isolated lifestyle, but become desparate to find someone to help around the house. Nelson stumbles across an Internet site showcasing potential brides in Russia. So the two sign up for a trip which will, hopefully, bring a new woman into their life. Seeking a business arrangement only, they plan a meticulous selection process--but not all goes smoothly. Arquette, suddenly free and blossoming, starts to experience the joys to be had in the world of women. Meanwhile, Nelson doggedly pursues a practical match while being filmed by a British documentarian, played by Mortimer.

The film is actually more serious than one might expect. While there are definitely laughs to be had, the depiction of the "marriage business" is both informative and believable. It's not a topic that is usually covered in much detail, so this close-up look seemed fresh. Nelson and Arquette interact well, and each character is developed in detail and evolves in a realistic way. Mortimer does solid work, as always--but this is mostly about the boys. Ultimately, things wrap up rather too conveniently for my taste--but I did enjoy the ride.

"2 Brothers and a Bride" showcases nice performances and an interesting setting. Much smarter than it's title, it was a pleasant surprise. I'd rate it at about 3 1/2 stars for some unevenness and the tidy and pat ending, but I'm rounding up to encourage people to give this little film a look. KGHarris, 12/06.

Delightful and well balanced.......2006-11-12

Having visited St. Petersburg, Russia a year ago, I could not pass up the chance to watch this movie. I must say, it was nicely done. I can relate to the obnoxious, business like brother...who happily did not go with me on my trip. I was more like the care-free younger brother, but not quite so care-free as the character protrayed. The scenery was awesome...all the fantastic architecture of those magnificent buildings and sculptures were in the movie...although I wish there were more because the city is full of beauty. And this goes for the women as well!! I mainly went to see the city...but I also went there as a very confirmed bachlor to meet a lady that I planned would be my travel companion. What I didn't expect was to really fall in love :-). The BIG reason why I confirmed myself to be a life time bacholar was my exposure to American women...as if explained in the additional extras on the DVD...but the Russian lady that I met there and the culture of her up-bringing quickly changed my way of thinking!! One thing I should add though. The movie gave the impression that you can take her home with you when you go back to the states yourself. Such is not the case. It takes paperwork and a lot of patience to get her here...expect at least 8 months, but it is more like a year. It is time consuming to get her a US visa. But she was worth the wait for me and if you want a life long partner and lover, the wait is worthwhile. Another word of caution: Prepare yourself to fall in love with Russia...the people are very nice and I know of a lot of Americans who go there quite often to visit and re-visit...some even live there now.

2 Brothers and A Bridge.......2006-03-14

My favorite movies are those with interesting characters and engrossing dialogue. This movie has both and was delightful and entertaining.

Excellent.......2006-01-18

I'll be honest. I only watched this movie because it has Emily Mortimer in it. The first time, anyway. The second, third, and fourth times were for the very simple reason that I loved the movie. Action lovers be warned: it moves at a VERY slow pace (although, for some reason, it never drags), and its appeal lies almost entirely in the performances of Tim Blake Nelson and Emily Mortimer. Maybe I should explain a bit.

The film is about two brothers (shocking, isn't it?) whose late mother spoiled them beyond reason. They are incapable of fending for themselves, even to do laundry. Their home is such a disaster that they cannot even find a maid who is willing to work more than one day. Desperate, they finally reach the obvious (!?) conclusion. Wife! Using the actual international matchmaking agency A Foreign Affair, the older brother, Jake (Nelson) books tickets to Russia, where they hope to find a woman who will keep house in exchange for a green card.

Once they reach St. Petersburg, though, the brothers find they are not the only ones interested in Russian brides. A documentary filmmaker (Mortimer) offers to translate for Jake as long as he allows her to follow him around with a camera in his face. Both brothers begin to learn a bit more about themselves, women, and the world at large.

The movie was shot in an almost documentary style, including several interviews with real men who had actually gone to St. Petersburg to find wives. Seriously. But if this were a documentary, it would be the most hilarious one I ever watched. The movie is obviously not for everyone. If you like black comedy, this is the way to go, but if your taste runs more towards gags and obvious jokes, avoid it like the plague!

Awkward Mix of Comedy & Drama with a Few Bright Spots........2004-10-30

Jake (Tim Blake Nelson) and Josh (David Arquette) are brothers who live on a Midwestern farm where their mother (Lois Smith) takes care of them and dotes on spoiled, child-like Josh. When their mother dies, the brothers are left at loose ends Finding that they aren't good at taking care of themselves, they decide they need a wife to do the cooking and cleaning. So it's off to St. Petersburg, Russia on a "Romance Tour" to find a homemaker in exchange for a Green Card.

"Two Brothers and a Bride" combines a study of the brothers' relationship and romantic realities with self-consciously corny comedy. Tim Blake Nelson and David Arquette are accomplished character actors, whose performances are almost not superficial enough for a romantic comedy. They're joined by the talented Emily Mortimer as a British documentarian who is filming foreign men who have journeyed to Russia in search of wives. "Two Brothers and a Bride" has its moments. Jake's methodical quest for a wife/housekeeper is at times very funny. But somehow the corny stuff, irony, and relationship drama don't converge successfully. The film isn't bad, but it's awkward.

The DVD: Bonus features include filmographies for Emily Mortimer, David Arquette, and Tim Blake Nelson, as well as "A Foreign Affair Virtual Tour", which is a 5-minute infomercial for the Foreign Affair "Romance Tour" that the characters in the movie take. By the way, "A Foreign Affair" and its tours are real. Their web address is www.loveme.com .

Average customer rating:

Little Tony
Starring: Alex Van Warmerdam , Annet Malherbe , Ariane Schluter , Sebastian te Wierk , and Tomas te Wierk
Director: Alex Van Warmerdam
Manufacturer: Homevision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | VHS | Video

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The Dress
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Where the Truth Lies (Unrated Theatrical Edition)

ASIN: B000C20VHS
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Description

Illiterate farmer Brand, his demanding and corpulent wife Kate, and pretty young tutor Lena are three corners of an unconventional romantic triangle. International award-winning director Alex van Warmerdam (The Dress) vividly etches a bizarre and surreal rural noir landscape for this strangely twisted game of lust, manipulation and murder.

Average customer rating:

A very young promise in progress!
Strictly for the Film Historians
Wrong running time
Imperdible...
A Hitchcock Film In Name Only That Goes On For Ever

The Farmer's Wife
Starring: Jameson Thomas , Lillian Hall-Davis , Gordon Harker , Gibb McLaughlin , and Maud Gill
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Alfred Hitchcock: The Collection (The 39 Steps / Jamaica Inn / Young and Innocent / The Manxman / The Secret Agent / Number 17 / The Ring / The Skin Game / The Cheney Vase)
The Alfred Hitchcock Signature Collection (Strangers on a Train Two-Disc Edition / North by Northwest / Dial M for Murder / Foreign Correspondent / Suspicion / The Wrong Man / Stage Fright / I Confess / Mr. and Mrs. Smith)
Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection (Psycho / Vertigo / Rear Window / The Birds / Shadow of a Doubt / Family Plot / Frenzy / The Man Who Knew Too Much / Marnie / Rope / Saboteur / Topaz / Torn Curtain / The Trouble with Harry)
Alfred Hitchcock's Bon Voyage & Aventure Malgache
Under Capricorn

ASIN: B00000JNVG
Release Date: 1999-07-24

Amazon.com

Description

Containing many of his cinematic touches, this enjoyable and rustic 1928 silent comedy explores the exploits of farmer Samuel Sweetland who is unsuccessful at finding himself a bride. What he doesn't know is he is secretly loved by his devoted housekeeper.

Menus: English • Spanish • Chinese • Japanese
Subtitles: Spanish • Chinese • Japanese

B&W/129 min.

Customer Reviews:

A very young promise in progress!.......2007-03-09

Strictly for the Film Historians.......2006-08-30

Wrong running time.......2001-01-22

Imperdible..........2000-09-25

A Hitchcock Film In Name Only That Goes On For Ever.......2000-06-26

Average customer rating:

The Farmer's Wife

The Farmer's Wife
Starring: Antonia Brough , Maud Gill , Lilian Hall-Davis , Gordon Harker , and Ruth Maitland
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: Westlake Budget
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0009OL88U
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Customer Reviews:

The Farmer's Wife.......2007-03-13

I know there have been several versions of this story. I went back a little too far and got a silent movie. My mistake. I would rather have chosen the version made in about 1940.

Average customer rating:

Good movies but NOT the original glorious music!
A different kind of Hitchcock

Farmer's Wife (1928)/Manxman (1929)
Starring: Alfred Hitchcock
Manufacturer: LaserLight DVD
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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Alfred Hitchcock: Blackmail/Easy Virtue/Rich & Strange/The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Number 17/The Ring
Alfred Hitchcock's Bon Voyage & Aventure Malgache
Lifeboat (Special Edition)
Under Capricorn

ASIN: B00004YKRC
Release Date: 2003-02-06

Description

Includes:
The Farmer's Wife
The Manxman

B&W/177 min.

Customer Reviews:

Good movies but NOT the original glorious music!.......2007-03-05

As much as I like "The Manxman" I rate this particular collection 3 stars because it does not have the original music. I first saw it in 1996 on my local PBS station and it had beautiful classical music in it, including "Serenade for Strings" by Tchaikovsky and Sarasate's famous "Zigeunerweisen." The reason I bought this is because there is a piece of music that is so utterly gorgeous and I wanted to hear it again or at least find out who it was composed by. I can't remember exactly which scene it starts in, I'm pretty sure it's before the baby's born. To this day I still have the tune in my head and do not know where to find it! I was thinking it was by Tchaikovsky since the majority of the pieces in the film were by him, but I can't seem to find the tune in my vast collection of his works. If anyone knows where I can find the original version of "The Manxman" with the original score please tell me!

A different kind of Hitchcock.......2004-09-16

This is a box set of 2 DVDs which can be bought individually, but together they are a nice little bargain and not at all too bad for the price. I approached these two very different films from the silent film standpoint, not as someone familiar with all of Alfred Hitchcock's work, but I know enough of his more famous work to say that these silent films are quite different from the suspense-thrillers for which he became renowned. For a start, "The Farmer's Wife" is a slow-moving, chatty and comical story about a middle-aged widower who decides to remarry. He goes through the motley assortment of widows and spinsters in his charming English village while all the time the right woman is under his own nose. I found that Hitchcock displayed skill and good knowledge of people/characters in the way this film focusses on the individuals and the interactions between the characters. One annoyance however, is the old music score that at times sounds like a scratchy old phonograph record - very noticeable to us with sensitive ears who are used to good quality digital recordings! But this aside, the music itself is pleasant and suitable, and the film itself quite entertaining.

The second film, "The Manxman" is my personal preference for its deeper drama. Two best friends love the same woman, but the story keeps you guessing what the outcome will be. Fine acting, more good focus on people, their emotions and interactions, and the musical score, being classical and quite suitable to the picture, sounds much better than the one for "The Farmer's Wife". For silent film fans, this 2-DVD set is a nice, somewhat different addition, mainly for the special touch by Hitchcock's masterful direction.

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