During the WW2, a Swiss mountain farmer, refuses to follow the government policy to increase self-sufficiency with produce. In his opinion, the steep mountain pastures are not suited for agriculture. Most of the villagers agree. However some begin to cultivate. Even after all his fellow farmers have given in and have started to plant cops, Tanner continues his opposition and ignores all letters and instructions. This leads to a series of reprimands, for instance, some of his hay is seized and his wife cannot buy at the local grocer's since the family won't comply with the government policy.
Acting
Otto Mächtlinger's silence speaks entire manifestos.
Cinematography
Mountains that dwarf human pettiness—stunning and cruel.
Direction
Koller lets tension build through hay bales and paperwork.
Director
Xavier Koller
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on real Swiss 'Anbauschlacht' (cultivation battle) policies of 1942, where farmers were legally compelled to plant crops on unsuitable land.
Director Koller grew up in this region; his father knew farmers who resisted. The film's authenticity comes from inherited memory, not research.
CH
