MOVIES SET ON A PLANTATION / FARM....etc. (OTHER THAN OUT OF AFRICA)

It's no secret for those who know me that I'm totally obsessed with Out Of Africa, and that I've been this way for a while now. 

"I had a farm in Africa...."

And it's not just because of the epic love story (I'm a helpless romantic) but it's also because of the story, the music, the photography...etc. I mean, firstly the story of superation, a woman that is running a farm alone in Africa, and how she ends up realising that the land was never her's, showing one of the problems of colonisation. 

The landscapes this movie shows makes me want to get the first plane to Africa (if I could afford it). Its just magical.



And lets not forget about the soundtrack, John Barry in this case surpassed his own mastery, this soundtrack is simply gorgeous. And I must admit, one of my Dad's favourite's. 

So, being obssesed and all I decided to make a list of certain movies that take place in a farm or so and that have some (even if very remote) resemblance to Out Of Africa. 

1. Australia

It is true that the comparison of this movie to out of Africa is slightly insulting. But not all movies can be masterpieces, and on top of that this one is very enjoyable. 






Lady Ashley (Nicole Kidman) goes to Australia to meet her husband in his land, Faraway Downs. When she arrives the farm is in a terrible state and her husband is dead. She will have to face these and other problems, with the help of Drover ( a very sexy Hugh Jackman) who is very different to the men she's used to. Also, she will take care of an aboriginal child, Nullah, showing us the racial discrimination and other issues. This story takes place during the Second World War. 

2. Giant

This movie (1956) takes place in a big, a very big (should we say giant?) ranch in Texas, called Riata.  

Bick Benedict (Rock Hudson) owns a big ranch in Texas, and goes to Meryland to buy a horse from Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor). They soon fall in love, despite their differences, get married and go back to Texas. Life there for them is difficult due to their differences and because of Bick's sister, Luz, who will give an old employee, Jett (James Dean), a piece of land, and he becomes determined to get revenge on Bick (he had fired him). 

The movie tells the story of the family and depicts how the oil industry changes the economy, and other issues such as racial discrimination. 

3. Gone With The Wind

This is probably the ultimate story about the importance of land.

Tara! Tara! 

Probably one of the best movies of all times, an absolute masterpiece. 

I believe little desciption is needed because who hasn't seen it? (and if you haven't you should, and fast!)

This movie takes place in the South, during the American Civil War, and it tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), specially her romance with Rhett (Clark Gable). 

And it has left us uncountable iconic scenes and phrases. 

4. The Long Hot Summer

Its seems weird to name this movie after Gone With The Wind, but again it takes place in a plantation in the deep South, and on top of that it tells the love story between Ben Quick (Paul Newman) and Clara Varner (Joanne Woodward). I mean Paul Newman (OMG!) and Joanne Woodward! Together!

Ben Quick, is an accused barn burner that arrives to a small town in Missispi and soon gets to know the richest family there, the Varners, specially Clara, that works as a teacher and is  pressured by her father, Will Varner (Orson Welles) , to get married.