Monday, May 16, 2011

Monday Movie Meme - The Farmer in the Dell

How long have y'all known the Bumbles?  Well, if you have been around them for awhile, you will know that they have forever been thinking and planning on The Shed Project, which is close to being complete.  God bless Molly and Andy.  They've also been toiling away on their garden and landscaping, and they are feeling like downright farmers.  So they decided that should be the topic of the week.

As some of you may or may not know, I am a farmer's daughter, born and raised on a working farm (corn, beans, cattle) in Indiana.  So movies that remind me of home?  That is easy peasy for me.  Except that Molly and Andy took some good ones (Field of Dreams, Witness, Places in the Heart) and I was forced to dig deep.  Here is what I came up with:

1.  The Straight Story - I have yakked about this movie no less than a dozen times, so people, rent it already.  It is not a fast-paced movie, but is dear.  It is about an old man, no longer able to drive, who jumps on his John Deere and travels across multiple states to see his brother and resolve an old feud.  But as they say, the it is all about journey, and on this one, he meets all specimens of mankind, and makes a difference in their lives. 

2.  Food Inc. - Both my father and my husband (who is also in the grain industry) had lots to say about this documentary that exposes the underbelly of the agricultural industry.

3.  Charlotte's Web - Just shoot an arrow into my heart.  People, I raised pigs (and cattle) for my 4-H projects, and yes you do get attached.  This is exactly why I will grieve my guinea pig for years...I have always loved animals.  When I saw this movie for the first time at the theaters, I sobbed for days.  I named my very first kitten Charlotte.  My fate was sealed at this point.

4.  The Wizard of Oz - We didn't have any flying monkeys in Central Indiana, but we did have our share of tornadoes, which was my single biggest fear growing up.

5.  Babe - Maybe I have a thing with pigs?  I have watched this movie at least two dozen times, and would never turn it down if I saw it on the tube.  It is absolutely precious.  It is about a charming, talking pig who really would prefer not to end up on the dining room table for Easter, and intends to prove himself as a top notch sheep-herding pig.


What are your favorite farm movies?  Have any of you had any experience on a farm?

 

12 comments:

The Gal Herself said...

"It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer." So Wilbur said of Charlotte, and I can think of no higher praise.

I'm ashamed that I didn't include The Wizard of Oz in my list, because it's the one movie I have seen more than any other.

bermudaonion said...

Wow, I'm not sure I have a favorite farm movie. Of those you listed, I've seen Charlotte's Web and parts of The Wizard of Oz.

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I give you credit for coming up with 5 farm movies! I don't think I could have done it, although I can think of one whole movie (besides the ones you named): Our Vines Have Tender Grapes - it's from 1945, but it used to be shown on tv a lot!

kayerj said...

I watched Babe on Saturday and can't believe I didn't even think of it. I love Charlotte's Web too. I like that you included Wizard of Oz--I didn't think of that one either. nice list today. Kaye—the road goes ever ever on

caite said...

I loved Babe! Pigs are so cute...until you smell them in real life...oh my heavens.

Kathleen said...

Charlotte's Web is definitely one of my favorites. I have such a strong connection to the book as well. I can still remember reading it at the age of 7 and crying my eyes out when I was finished.

Trisha said...

I married a farmer so while my experience is less than yours, I still feel pretty comfortable around gigantic tractors and dirty, oily, grass stained jeans. :)

Food Inc. spawned a great deal of blasphemy from my husband's lips. :)

Jenners said...

I remember hearing about The Straight Story but never watched it. I must rectify that. And boy, farms make for some good movies!! Some of these are some of my favorites!

Zibilee said...

You know, I can't think of any farm movies that you or the Bumbles didn't already name, but you did pick some good ones!

The Bumbles said...

I took Oz off of our list because I felt we were getting too greedy "hogging all the good ones" as we are accused each week of doing ;0) So I am glad to see it given props here.

Babe is absolutely precious. My friend's husband came by one night to wait for his wife to return to our house from a concert with Andy et all and the two of us came across Babe on TV. We were glued to the story and the time just flew by. Watching a talking pig with a guy I never hang out with individually was a scene I never thought would have been enjoyable - but it was!!!

Alyce said...

My husband bought Charlotte's Web for the kids this week, and I didn't even make it through the beginning credits before I started to tear-up. Then Fern started begging for Wilbur's life and crying and I was done in. Of course my husband was chuckling the whole time. :) He said he's going to get Bambi for me next.

Alice said...

I read the book for Charlotte's Web and cried my eyes out. I will find the courage to watch the movie.