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.

My family and I saw this movie at the Chicago premiere, where Farmer John held a Q&A session afterward. I was afraid my son would be bored (he's an antsy fourth-grader), but because we've been members of a CSA farm for he past three years, I thought he would do well to sit and learn. By the end of the movie, he was asking me whether we could sign up for a share at Angelic Organics! Even if you're not into CSA farming, though, this story is an inspiration... for anyone who's loved and lost, or who's failed at something that meant everything to them, this movie will touch your heart. Bring tissues because unless you're a stone or just not paying attention, you'll be teary-eyed at least once. I thought Taggart also did an excellent job filming this movie and culling years of videos toward the end result: a moving, inspirational film. The only negative I saw about this movie, and it's probably a result of the directors and writers wanting to have a positive, uplifting message, is that I don't think there was much exposition on why the family farmer has become largely extinct. I would have liked to see more about corporate agriculture and the dangers is poses -- thus making CSA farms all the more important.That being said, many movies that seek to provoke social change have an air of guilt about them; you feel bad that you don't do more, or you get the sense that things are so bad that it's not even worth trying. This movie did the opposite; I left feeling like the world was worth saving after all. I believe seeing this movie made me a better person.

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!

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.