Quiet, subtle yet undeniably charming, Sweetland warms your heart in the most unexpected way.
It's rare to find such a film so quiet, yet filled with so much charm and elegance. Winner for Best Feature Film at the 2007 Independent Spirit Awards, Sweet Land tells the story of Inge (played by Elizabeth Reaser) recalling to her grandson how she traveled from Germany to marry the brutish and stoic Olaf (Tim Guinee) in 1920's America.
At a time when German nationals were on high alert in America, Inge finds herself unable to marry due to her heritage and 'insufficient papers.' Things do not bode well for her as she is forced to stay with Frans and Brownie (played by Alan Cumming and Alex Kingston) and their ten children instead of staying with Olaf. This is mainly due to church regulations and an unwritten society law that frowns upon an unwed man and woman sharing the same living space.
The crowded accommodations send Inge straight to Olaf where she refuses to leave because her purpose was to get married. Olaf relents and the community starts turning their back on the two.
Upon listening to selections in the audio commentary with Director Ali Selim and actress Elizabeth Reaser who played Inge, it's interesting to note that several cited laws and regulations actually existed at the time. When listening to them, in the context of the film in present day - it sounds ridiculous and drips of racism. Here's an excerpt for example in the scene where the judicial clerk finds out that Inge is German.
Clerk: "We have to be careful about this sort of thing."
Olaf: "What sort of thing?"
Clerk: "German Nationals. German National engage in prostitution, encourage polygamy, they harbour dangerous political convictions. Are you aware of the Espionage Act of 1916?"
Olaf: "You think she's a spy?"
Clerk: "Well, I'll tell you what's in her favour. She's not Chinese."
Perhaps the only thing jarring about the film is that despite it being a period piece, many small nuances and mannerisms are present day. While in the audio commentary, the filmmakers enjoyed and ended up keeping them in, it felt rather sloppy because it made the time, place and people out of sync with each other.
Sweet Land is based on the short story 'A Gravelstone Made Of Wheat' by Wil Weaver. Special Features include Audio Commentary and a short Making Of featurette.
