The Real Dirt on Farmer John

Name: The Real Dirt on Farmer John
Genre: Documentary
Released: January 20, 2006
Duration: 82 min
Rating: 78

2006

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

CAVU Releasing | Release Date: January 20, 2006

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 heralds a resurrection of farming in America. (SlowThe 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 heralds a resurrection of farming in America. (Slow Hand Releasing)… Expand

Director: Taggart Siegel

Genre(s): Documentary

Runtime: 82 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Shawn Levy

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. Read full review

Roger Ebert

This is a loving, moving, inspiring, quirky documentary that was made while the lives it records were being lived. Read full review

Kevin Crust

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. Read full review

Julia Wallace

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. Read full review

Walter Addiego

A loose, amiable documentary tracking several decades in the life of this most unusual farmer. Read full review

Michael Wilmington

In many ways, it's a painful story, but it's also full of curious triumphs and outlandish redemptions. Read full review

Scott Foundas

Examines 50-odd years in the life of its eponymous subject -- a most compelling character -- and in doing so literally provides the viewer with food for thought. Read full review

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User Reviews

SteveL.

Feb 17, 2006

The film reflects the struggles of American family farmers over the last fifty years and, more importantly, the universal Hero

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Sandy

Jan 21, 2006

An extremely interesting documentary. Well done,well paced And if you enjoy documentaries,see this!!

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Gamzguy17

Aug 21, 2021

A lo-fidelity, fascinating flick that follows the hardships and open-mindedness of Farmer John Peterson; a non-fictional story that reminds us that face-value judgement is far from ideal. For those looking for creative reinvigoration, I recommend this film.

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