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Breathtaking in its subtle beauty, Harvest is an achingly romantic tale of an innocent but ever increasingly passionate affair that develops between two simple farmhands. Life on a farm is all that sullen teen Marco knows- leading a perfunctory and quiet life of working, going to school and avoiding the advances of girls. However, his self-imposed solitude ends when curly-haired Jakob, rejecting the banking world for farming, arrives to train on the farm. Although initially cautious and tentative with each other, it is soon obvious that the unspoken sexual tension is becoming increasingly hard to resist - something a spontaneous trip to Berlin. Proving that true love can blossom in even the most unlikely of places, Harvest is as rich and rewarding as it is heartwarming.
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is the story of two lads who are working as interns at a German farming school, and we are told of a `passionate love that develops'. This is shot in a way that has the look and feel of a documentary, with sometimes pointless exchanges that do nothing to take the story or indeed the narrative further. The two main players are the only professional actors in this they are Jakob (Kai Michael Muller) and Marko (Lukas Stetner) who, it must be fair to say, do an above average job given the script and ad libbing. The rest of the cast are just ordinary folk who are obviously farming types.
There is a lot of `mood' in this film, where we are reflecting on the looks and stares or meaningful silences, in order to understand what is going on. There is also minimal background music which adds even more to the docudrama feel of the thing. Some of the sub titles, which are in white, often get obscured by the background too, but that is a very minor gripe. The real problem is that nothing really happens; it's like a perpetual ride to Nowhersville.
There is a lot about farming, so farm fetishists (if they exist) will be in welly heaven. There are explicit scenes involving the European `classic tractor' the Zeto 5211, graphic portrayals of cow husbandry and full frontal shots of irrigation machines. Plus a whole plethora of art house camera angles and suggestive looks. There is though some character development, but it just does so at a glacial pace and for a film with a run time of 88 minutes that is just another sign post to the severe lack of action.
With regards to the `passion' we were promised, we have to wait an eon for anything much and then its just drunken fumbling, but I did get to learn how to process carrots so not a complete loss. I actually am a big fan of gay themed and foreign cinema but this is about as ground breaking as a broken rotovator (farm reference!). If you like a very gentle coming of age/out flick, then this might be for you. If you want some hands on lessons in farming, this might be for you, if you want something exciting and original that has a real gay theme, then best to give this one a wide berth, as this just did not `plough my furrow' (I do mean that in a lewd way too)so it is just OK hence the three stars.
There is a lot of `mood' in this film, where we are reflecting on the looks and stares or meaningful silences, in order to understand what is going on. There is also minimal background music which adds even more to the docudrama feel of the thing. Some of the sub titles, which are in white, often get obscured by the background too, but that is a very minor gripe. The real problem is that nothing really happens; it's like a perpetual ride to Nowhersville.
There is a lot about farming, so farm fetishists (if they exist) will be in welly heaven. There are explicit scenes involving the European `classic tractor' the Zeto 5211, graphic portrayals of cow husbandry and full frontal shots of irrigation machines. Plus a whole plethora of art house camera angles and suggestive looks. There is though some character development, but it just does so at a glacial pace and for a film with a run time of 88 minutes that is just another sign post to the severe lack of action.
With regards to the `passion' we were promised, we have to wait an eon for anything much and then its just drunken fumbling, but I did get to learn how to process carrots so not a complete loss. I actually am a big fan of gay themed and foreign cinema but this is about as ground breaking as a broken rotovator (farm reference!). If you like a very gentle coming of age/out flick, then this might be for you. If you want some hands on lessons in farming, this might be for you, if you want something exciting and original that has a real gay theme, then best to give this one a wide berth, as this just did not `plough my furrow' (I do mean that in a lewd way too)so it is just OK hence the three stars.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Harvest is one of the most original and beautiful gay romances I have ever seen. The slow burning film follows the growing attraction between two 'straight' male farmhands. What starts as a tentative friendship turns into something achingly real. The film has such a natural and authentic sensibility that, at times, it almost feels as if you are watching a documentary. The performances are affecting, to say the least, and the actors have a genuine chemistry which shines throughout.
Another Gay Movie this ain't but if you're looking for a coming-of-age story with a difference this is for you!
Another Gay Movie this ain't but if you're looking for a coming-of-age story with a difference this is for you!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
(( NOTE: 1/2-STAR added for high degree of location / setting authenticity captured ON FILM. Otherwise, Story...Acting...Camera Work are rated at 2 1/2-STARS ))
Described at many DVD sales sites as more of a Gay Romance and at Imdb.com as a Drama. Neither description is "mostly" correct. For why, read on.
In the Director's words, this is a film he calls "The Farm" (perhaps being titled "Harvest" is more marketable for non-German distribution). Also in Benjamin Cantu's own words, this is more a "Documentary" (at least, a semi-one), rather than a film in either of the 2 Genres mentioned above. Now, in order for you to relate more easily to this film and its location, think of it as being a take on, or a counterpart to, the United States "F"uture "F"armers of "A"merica. BUT, here in this film, it's a story taking place on the far outskirts of Berlin, in an agricultural school established to intern / train the "FFG". Note that farm life and activities are quite realistically portrayed, right down to the actual use of farm machinery and the handling of animals (it is a working farm). Yes, there is a "side story" in which we are given scenes of the developing "relationship" between 2 young, male trainees (the only professional actors in this film; the many other persons you see being actual agricultural school students and their instructors).
As for my general impression of the storyline, I find it one which smacks of ruralness, of a deeply agricultural environment AND, frankly, a fair amount of "story aimlessness". There are many "Shifts" in the filmed activities shown to us, and those shifts never seem to lead anywhere meaningful (this aimlessness also exists within that particular "personal relationship" we are waiting to see develop). Dialog, by writer / director admission, is often unscripted or improvisational, and there is much reliance upon "looks" and "glances" to get a point....or a feeling across to us.
And as for what we are all waiting to see occur (due to the "romantic pitch" often given this movie), physical contact between the 2 leads is very slow in coming....and amounts to nothing other than upper body contact. Kissing scenes are particularly mishandled, due to poor camera angles and even worse use of lighting. Still, both of the Straight actors, playing characters Marko and Jakob, are fairly adept at portraying the qualms of "coming out" and facing up to a first affair. Kai-Michael Müller, as Jakob, is particularly able at expressing such feelings. Lukas Steltner (Marko), who we follow from film's beginning, is more stoic in nature (due likely to a more "iffy" family background).
At best, I see this as an "intermittently Gay" film, which I will NOT be keeping in my Film Library for this Genre.
Described at many DVD sales sites as more of a Gay Romance and at Imdb.com as a Drama. Neither description is "mostly" correct. For why, read on.
In the Director's words, this is a film he calls "The Farm" (perhaps being titled "Harvest" is more marketable for non-German distribution). Also in Benjamin Cantu's own words, this is more a "Documentary" (at least, a semi-one), rather than a film in either of the 2 Genres mentioned above. Now, in order for you to relate more easily to this film and its location, think of it as being a take on, or a counterpart to, the United States "F"uture "F"armers of "A"merica. BUT, here in this film, it's a story taking place on the far outskirts of Berlin, in an agricultural school established to intern / train the "FFG". Note that farm life and activities are quite realistically portrayed, right down to the actual use of farm machinery and the handling of animals (it is a working farm). Yes, there is a "side story" in which we are given scenes of the developing "relationship" between 2 young, male trainees (the only professional actors in this film; the many other persons you see being actual agricultural school students and their instructors).
As for my general impression of the storyline, I find it one which smacks of ruralness, of a deeply agricultural environment AND, frankly, a fair amount of "story aimlessness". There are many "Shifts" in the filmed activities shown to us, and those shifts never seem to lead anywhere meaningful (this aimlessness also exists within that particular "personal relationship" we are waiting to see develop). Dialog, by writer / director admission, is often unscripted or improvisational, and there is much reliance upon "looks" and "glances" to get a point....or a feeling across to us.
And as for what we are all waiting to see occur (due to the "romantic pitch" often given this movie), physical contact between the 2 leads is very slow in coming....and amounts to nothing other than upper body contact. Kissing scenes are particularly mishandled, due to poor camera angles and even worse use of lighting. Still, both of the Straight actors, playing characters Marko and Jakob, are fairly adept at portraying the qualms of "coming out" and facing up to a first affair. Kai-Michael Müller, as Jakob, is particularly able at expressing such feelings. Lukas Steltner (Marko), who we follow from film's beginning, is more stoic in nature (due likely to a more "iffy" family background).
At best, I see this as an "intermittently Gay" film, which I will NOT be keeping in my Film Library for this Genre.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A stunning art house gem
The film follows two farming apprentices; the troubled, semi-literate Marko, and the more extrovert Jacob, who's packed in a job at a bank for a more ascetic existence. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jet404
Not quite sure
Im not quite sure what to think of this film. Its got a nice, surreal setting and most of the characters are very realistic people. Read more
Published 2 months ago by blogoh
Simple, restrained and moving.
This is an unusual film in that it is a feature film with a strong documentary element. The two leading actors,Kai-Michael Muller and Lukas Steltner, both excellent, blend in... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mr. P. W. Jones
SURPRISING FARMERS!
This film is rather unique in its style. There's an authenticity that you can feel every minute, even in its clumsyness. Read more
Published 2 months ago by HAVOC
Slow and not too verbal
This was a tedious experience. The film is about two boys falling in love in a farm, so potentially sounds quite a nice background to a love story. Read more
Published 4 months ago by OB
Slow paced awakening between two...
"Harvest" explores much of the same themes of the very successful "Summer Storm", although in an entirely different way. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kurt Clare
Very slow and, unfortunately, boring
I really had a problem with this film. First and foremost it's not a regular drama. It left me thinking that I was watching a quasi-documentary. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Pitbulltje
understated gem
I loved this film and watched it twice in succession. It is very refreshing to see a film on a gay subject that does not announce this almost straight off; here, the way the farm... Read more
Published 6 months ago by schumann_bg
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