God's Own Country 2017

7.783 / 10   868 vote(s)
R
Romance Drama

A young farmer in rural Yorkshire numbs his daily frustrations with binge drinking and casual sex, until the arrival of a Romanian migrant worker.

Homepage http://www.godsowncountryfilm.com
Release Date 2017-08-31
Runtime 1h 45m
Directors Francis Lee, Joshua James Richards, Rebecca Heathcote, Ted Mitchell, Lottie McDowell, Richard Stanley Jan Harris
Producers Manon Ardisson, Jack Tarling, Manon Ardisson, Cavan Ash, Anna Duffield, Celine Haddad, Richard Holmes, Diarmid Scrimshaw, Paul Webster, Mary Burke
Writers Francis Lee, Anna Seifert-Speck

The "British Brokeback Mountain" label that follows this film around is really unfair as it sells what is a magical move in its own right (and a stunning feature film directorial debut) really short.

The film is paced so well (I'm a fan of slow, gentle pacing that lets a story unfold; I know others might find it boring), giving us time to really get to know the characters and immerse ourselves in their world so that the plot evolution hits the way its supposed to.

The cast is phenomenal, bringing depth and realism to their performances, it's easy to feel the emotions they feel. The way the film handles intimacy and sexual tension is both sensitive and raw, making the characters' connection feel incredibly authentic.

One thing I really liked is how it does a good job steering clear of typical love story clichés. It's not just a film about rural hardship; it's about the challenge of loving and being loved, especially in a setting where such stories usually end in tragedy. The film has this unique ability to depict the gritty reality of farm life, complete with the mud and the livestock, while simultaneously exploring the complex emotional landscape of its characters.

It's not another BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN and it's not just another "gay love story." It's its own film and it beautifully depicts a relationship filled with hope and fulfillment, challenging the often tragic narratives we see in rural settings.

LuckyLinden