Memorable, crazy movie

Let's be realistic.

Lack of good storyline.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

The idea behind this film isn't bad. The problem for me is that the film never seemed very convincing to me--mostly because the characters acted too dumb and too one-dimensional during much of the film. It's a shame...it had a basic idea that was good and was likable in some ways.The film begins with what you think are two Norwegian women arriving in America to marry mail order husbands. However, one has arrived for a man who has rescinded his offer and the other isn't Norwegian--despite her ability to speak the language. She is, in fact, German--a rather unpopular thing to be in 1920 considering that WWI recently ended. While it IS true that there was lots of discrimination against German-Americans during the war (including riots), the reaction of the townsfolk seemed ridiculously overdone. First, the minister refused to marry her and her fiancé. Then, she is ostracized. Finally, after moving in with her fiancé (as she has no place else to go), she is attacked from the pulpit for living with an unmarried man--though HE refused to marry them. I just couldn't buy it--and also felt it was just a clichéd attack on ministers (an easy target for some filmmakers). What also bothered me was how DUMB everyone but the woman seemed to be. No one seemed to have the least notion that they should teach the woman English or how to do it. Speaking loudly or telling her the wrong names for animals were a few examples of how this rural town in Minnesota seemed to be inhabited by idiots alone. Yes, there must have been a serious language barrier, but the notion NO ONE in Minnesota could speak Norwegian (Minnesota was settled by the Swedes and Norwegians--many of which would have been first generation back in 1920) seems ludicrous. And, while Germans weren't super-popular, you'd think someone would know more than two or three words of the language. Minnesotans are not dumb people--but here, they are narrow-minded and just plain stupid."Sweet Land" could have been so much better had there been a few small changes. First, there is no sense of humor and the film is just too grim and slow. I am NOT talking about inserting Don Rickles into the film but it was just so dreadfully serious--and life is not that grim unless you live in a gulag! Second, the characters needed depth and likability. Only Inga (the German lady) was likable but that was also a problem because it painted everything in a black and white swath. I just couldn't get into this film, though I tried.

This is a wonderful, artistically-shot film which, despite its sweet title, introduces a lot of subthemes about the underbelly of human nature. Presented to us as a flashback within a flashback, the story takes us back to the last century where socio/political/religious rules were hard to get around. But despite it being a period piece, we see powerful reflections of modern day.Whether we're yelling "Witch!" or "German spy!" or "Pinko Communist!" or "Muslim Terrorist!", American society has always had a love affair with xenophobia that keeps frothing to the surface every few decades. What's interesting & inspiring about this movie is that it shows how individuals can still exist within this harsh, judgemental environment. Though society may be unfair & ignorant, we needn't get depressed & cynical about it. Romance can still exist.In keeping with that theme, the story is very bright and light-hearted (though never sappy), and that's what I enjoyed most about it. The landscape is vibrant, and the director made full use of colour, unlike many period pieces that are shot in dull sepias. On the contrary, being a flashback, this film presents a somewhat dreamy, storybook image which is very nice on the eyes.The star, Elizabeth Reaser, is so convincing as the European immigrant, and the way she unleashes rapid volleys of German and Swedish(?) is so authentic that I was certain she was a real-life German who couldn't speak any English. Imagine my surprise when I found out she's a Michigan girl. Her performance alone is worth the price of admission. If all mail-order-brides were like her, I'd be tempted to send away for a half dozen.

It is true that "Sweet Land" would have been a better picture with the non-1920s segments removed. But that is not the major problem of the film. The general lack of thinking that permeates this picture along with the slow pace dooms it to failure.Example: In this very strange first generation Norwegian-American community, no one speaks Norwegian. How many first generation immigrant communities do not speak their native tongue at least amongst themselves? None.Example: The actors are supposed to be speaking German and Norwegian at one point. But because no one seemed to care to teach them (even if only phonetically) actual dialog, they spout gibberish that is suppose to sound Norwegian and German.Example: The anti-German World War One feelings are so high that the community refuses to accept the lead female character. But by the time of the story, the war had been over for four years. The losing Germans were no longer the enemy. The anti-German feelings no longer existed...especially from new immigrants. Norway did not battle the way the French and English did.Example: Two of the major characters played by Alan Cumming and John Heard have no motivation to do what they do, except that it advances the story in the direction the filmmakers want to go.Example: The one nude scene is totally gratuitous. Who takes a bath in the living room at four in the morning and then falls asleep in the tub? Only the bride-to-be of a farmer who is so dumb that he fails to see her and instead washes in the yard would know.These are just a few of the "sloppy" problems of the film. There is the slide show, the auction, the size of the wheat field, the bankers, the neighbors...You get the picture.If you have an overwhelming need to see Elizabeth Reaser's backside, then you will enjoy this film. Otherwise, you're just wasting your time.

And I think that's what many viewers pass their ultimate judgment on - what they think the movie is about.The actual movie, though, falls far short. Let me count the ways.It's pace, if there is one, is glacial.Olaf, for most of the movie is beyond shy and retiring, he's border line retarded.The minister hates Inge with a passion, then does a 180, decides he loves the girl, based on....what? Seeing her work hard in the corn field? The neighbors raise $7,000 and give it to Olaf so Olaf can keep his farm? No, to keep his neighbor's farm, which he bought without any money. When his 'bid' was the highest, all the banker lets the other bidders, the ones with real money, take off, despite knowing that Olaf does have anywhere near enough money.On the other hand, viewers were fortunate enough to see what was probably the prettiest immigrant girl who came across the ocean. Lucky Olaf.The general concept could have resulted in a really sweet movie - the actual story line was thread bear.