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The Good Earth
bySidney Franklin
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5.0 out of 5 stars An Epic Film from an Epic Novel
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2021
“The Good Earth” DVD based on book by Pearl Buck; © 1937, B&W, 138 minutes.
For nearly all American viewers, this was their first insight into life in China in the late Qing Dynasty and early “Republican” era, but reflecting two millennia of Confucian culture. This included the realization that women had no rights and could be sold in times of famine. —The heavy population and life on the edge of starvation during regular famines. Unfortunately, the U.S. film industry had not committed to using Asian actors for the main Chinese roles. Nevertheless, the excellent acting, especially by Louise Ranier in the female role, expresses a constrained hopefulness in a hopeless time. Nevertheless there would be very few films reflecting the Asian and especially Chinese culture until much later with “Joy Luck Club.”
While hundreds of the reviews here echo the above “aha” responses, few Western viewers know that when this film came out, the relatively small number of Chinese-American citizens who watched this were overcome with the portrayal that so much accurately revealed the heart of China. And this rippled across the Chinese-American community.
For nearly all American viewers, this was their first insight into life in China in the late Qing Dynasty and early “Republican” era, but reflecting two millennia of Confucian culture. This included the realization that women had no rights and could be sold in times of famine. —The heavy population and life on the edge of starvation during regular famines. Unfortunately, the U.S. film industry had not committed to using Asian actors for the main Chinese roles. Nevertheless, the excellent acting, especially by Louise Ranier in the female role, expresses a constrained hopefulness in a hopeless time. Nevertheless there would be very few films reflecting the Asian and especially Chinese culture until much later with “Joy Luck Club.”
While hundreds of the reviews here echo the above “aha” responses, few Western viewers know that when this film came out, the relatively small number of Chinese-American citizens who watched this were overcome with the portrayal that so much accurately revealed the heart of China. And this rippled across the Chinese-American community.
Pearl Buck knew “the heart of China” because she grew up as the child of Western missionaries in China, and she ran with her young Chinese playmates, learning Chinese fluently before she learned English fluently. And that is indeed the voice that was maintained in her book “The Good Earth” and which, for the most part, was preserved in this movie.
Over 80 years later, Americans remain supremely clueless about other countries and in particular East Asian cultures. With fewer than seven percent of Americans speaking a second language (and many of them are immigrants), the U.S. remains as ignorant as ever. China today is not the China seen in this film but the hardships seen by today’s great grandparents are still understood by their younger generations.
Over 80 years later, Americans remain supremely clueless about other countries and in particular East Asian cultures. With fewer than seven percent of Americans speaking a second language (and many of them are immigrants), the U.S. remains as ignorant as ever. China today is not the China seen in this film but the hardships seen by today’s great grandparents are still understood by their younger generations.
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022
This is fiction more like Real Life. A Classic film of Life. Man rose from extreme poverty to wealth because of his wife. Though later rejecting her for younger woman (like most men do) he at her death realized She was his greatest prize not earthly possessions. A Must see film young people.
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2022
Didn't want to read book, but skeptical before seeing film. Writer Pearl S Buck, specified all actors to be Chinese when made into a film, but it didn't happen. Pearl was fluent, literate, well versed in Chinese history, culture and Taoist philosophy. Her parents Missionaries in China, lived with the common folk they were working to convert.
Speak Mandarin member good standing US Chinese Society over 30 years, have a right to be skeptical
Though I love the singer, I hated the English version of Love for all time. Chinese version Moonlight Lover stirred my emotions
Male lead directed the film, and leading lady was European. Well done for a movie of it's day:
Songs, customs, and historical events A+ Wishing a Taiwanese reprise of this film.
Speak Mandarin member good standing US Chinese Society over 30 years, have a right to be skeptical
Though I love the singer, I hated the English version of Love for all time. Chinese version Moonlight Lover stirred my emotions
Male lead directed the film, and leading lady was European. Well done for a movie of it's day:
Songs, customs, and historical events A+ Wishing a Taiwanese reprise of this film.
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2022
Love this movie...a great classic. I have purchased several used DVDs from Amazon and havent had any issues yet.
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2020
I watched this movie because my mother had told me about it years ago, being her favorite movie of all time. When this picture came out she was only 10 years old but it made such a huge impression on her because she had never seen extreme poverty or famine.
It’s a very touching movie! The only part that I did not care for is obviously the main characters are not Chinese, with that said the acting is excellent. The mother speaks with a German accent! However that’s indicative of the time that it was filmed. I wish they would remake this movie with current Chinese and Chinese American cast. I know it will be an Oscar winner all over again ! Watch it, you won’t regret it !!!
It’s a very touching movie! The only part that I did not care for is obviously the main characters are not Chinese, with that said the acting is excellent. The mother speaks with a German accent! However that’s indicative of the time that it was filmed. I wish they would remake this movie with current Chinese and Chinese American cast. I know it will be an Oscar winner all over again ! Watch it, you won’t regret it !!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2022
After all these years and me seeing this movie 10-12 times since I was in school, I loved it and is still a favorite.
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2022
March 2022
The movie has to be one of the best movies ever made. The only limitation is that it was made in black and white and no wide screen...due to limit technology of the time. Fine acting.
The movie has to be one of the best movies ever made. The only limitation is that it was made in black and white and no wide screen...due to limit technology of the time. Fine acting.
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2014
This book is a classic, and somehow I completely missed the bus when it passed by in my younger days because I never read it until now. I had no idea that I was missing out on one of the best stories I've ever read in my life. Then a friend of mine mentioned on Facebook that she read it and that piqued my interest.
This book along with the 2 sequels" Book 2: "Sons" and Book 3 "A House Divided" make up the trilogy. I loved it so much I didn't want it to end. Then I had to see the movie. But the movie doesn't do the story justice. A modern remake of the movie might be able to redeem that because this story has an epic quality (like Laurence of Arabia, or Dr. Zhivago, or South Pacific) that begs it to be told on the silver screen. If you like human interest stories, set in exotic locations, that dig deep and wide into the characters' mind, will, and emotions, you won't be disappointed. I sincerely hope a talented screen writer. a wealthy producer, and a stellar director resurrect this story. It deserves to be retold.
This book along with the 2 sequels" Book 2: "Sons" and Book 3 "A House Divided" make up the trilogy. I loved it so much I didn't want it to end. Then I had to see the movie. But the movie doesn't do the story justice. A modern remake of the movie might be able to redeem that because this story has an epic quality (like Laurence of Arabia, or Dr. Zhivago, or South Pacific) that begs it to be told on the silver screen. If you like human interest stories, set in exotic locations, that dig deep and wide into the characters' mind, will, and emotions, you won't be disappointed. I sincerely hope a talented screen writer. a wealthy producer, and a stellar director resurrect this story. It deserves to be retold.
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2020
this is a good movie. other reviewers have come down on it for not using actual Chinese actors, but they fail to realize that when this movie was made there were no Chinese actors to play these main parts. In 1932 studios would use actors that were known, the movie might not have even gotten off the ground if they had tried to use authentic but unknown actors. you have to remember the state of China in 1932 - it was not the way it is now. I think the movie is very good and enjoyable (although they did not explain why the daughter ended up like she did the way it was explained in the book)
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