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Reviews
Runoff (2014)
Review of Runoff
Runoff is a fascinating new film by first time film director Kimberly Levin.
The film is about life in rural America, but unlike the usual simplistic, nostalgic and idealized portrayals which we often get when presented with stories of "life on the farm," Levin's film realistically tackles subjects confronting farmers in the here-and-now.
What is particularly interesting is that Levin poses the economic challenges of small farmers and small farm service industry workers as a series of moral choices many with devastating consequences, on people and on the environment. The actors are top-notch. The cinematography is personal and at times epic and lyrical. This was a wonderful film.
The lead actor, Joanne Kelly, "Betty," was especially great. Although full of outer beauty, she is no Hollywood actress "playing at" being a farmer. Joanne Kelly does all of her farm work like a pro, adding realism and dignity to her role. The same can be said for all of the other actors as well. All of them seem to truly inhabit their roles.
All in all, Runoff is a great film and should be seen widely by those who want to know more about the complexities of modern farm life, and for those who want to see a deeply affecting story about personal moral choices and their consequences.