Bw Ca I saw this film at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and was blown away. The Real Dirt on Farmer John excels on both a technical and an emotional level. So many films, particularly documentaries, struggle to achieve three clearly defined acts that maintain a narrative arch, but this film succeeds... and then some. While 'Real Dirt' was one of the highlights at Hot Springs, what really provoked me into writing this brief review was an idiotic post at this same site that claimed the 'Real Dirt' was fake and manufactured by the director and his subject. Yes, they've had a long standing relationship, but I think the film makes that clear. And the many articles I've since read about Farmer John and the film backs up the documentaries validity. This same review claims Farmer John is 'acting'. Well, anyone who sees the film will instantly realize that John is at the very least a theatrical person in his everyday life - but I'd hardly call what he does at any point in the film acting (except for the segments that depict him acting in his own play as captured in a CNN clip from the 80's). The events of Farmer John's life are laid bare on the screen for all to see. That he wrote and reads the films narration is a bit unconventional, but in the end only adds to the unique experience of the exceptional film.

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...

syena-1 What I loved about The Real Dirt on Farmer John was that it is history, but is also a personal story that stirs the heart and soul. It is not just a movie of the small farmer in America, it is about someone's passions and the trials of one's life. This film will be a surprise for who ever watches it. It can be transformational. I watched it in a room with 200 other people and everyone was touched and moved by this documentary film. What a gift to all who view this one! I cried, I laughed, I applauded, I hooted! Not one moment of boredom or drag... awesome! I know everyone felt the same way because there was a standing ovation at the end too! Wow!

buzzoff-2 I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I had only a vague idea of what it was about beforehand. After an interesting beginning it seemed to lose some steam in the middle, but by the end it coalesced into a wonderful story. John's life is inspiring on many levels and I left the theater with more energy and determination. If you have any interest in individuality, community or farming, this movie is for you.On a side note, I saw this film at the Wisconsin International Film Festival and was seated in the theater behind John, the filmmaker, and John's girlfriend. It added an extra element to watch a man's life story while the back of his head was right in front of my face!