The Land Girls (1997)
-
61% of critics liked it
(18 reviews) -
54% of users liked it
(1,986 ratings)
David Leland (Wish You Were Here) directed this adaptation of Angela Huth's novel about the British Women's Land Army (aka "land girls"), a WW II regiment which recruited women to work on farms during the war. The volunteer "land girls," from all walks of life, were… More David Leland (Wish You Were Here) directed this adaptation of Angela Huth's novel about the British Women's Land Army (aka "land girls"), a WW II regiment which recruited women to work on farms during the war. The volunteer "land girls," from all walks of life, were dispatched across the British countryside to replace the farm workers who had gone to the front. Answering the call and ready to pitch in, three young WLA women arrive at a remote farm in the Dorset countryside. Romantic Stella (Catherine McCormack) plans to wed naval officer Philip (Paul Bettany). Cambridge grad Ag (Rachel Weisz) is quirky and cerebral. Working-class Prue (Anna Friel) is a flirt whose impudent wit conceals her innocence. The farm is owned by the Lawrences (Tom Georgeson, Maureen O'Brien), whose handsome son Joe (Steven Mackintosh) gets involved with all three land girls. Joe dreams of leaving the family farm to become a fighter pilot, but he's thwarted by health problems. For the women, the work is hard, the days are long, and the war is never far from their thoughts. But the women's camaraderie strengthens them, individually and as a unit. They form close friendships with each other, and Stella finds true love with Joe. All experience exhilaration and passion, and with the war's end, altered destinies (revealed in an epilogue in which the land girls are reunited some years after the war). The soundtrack features memorable '40s songs. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Directed By
- David Leland
- Written By
- Angela Huth, David Leland, Keith Dewhurst
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jun 12, 1998 Wide
- Studio
- Gramercy Pictures
Critic Reviews
-
Emanuel Levy, Variety
Made in the British tradition of quality, the film adds another panel to the revisionist history of women's roles in WWII--Women's Land Army (WLA), a unit composed of women who replaced men in the fields--Rachel Weisz is a major talent to watch.
-
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Very charming, if slightly conventional.
-
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
These women bond together during their wartime experiences. And like their male counterparts on the front, they experience a freedom that is both intoxicating and edifying.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
No Featured Audience Ratings Found…
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Catherine McCormack
as Stella
-
Rachel Weisz
as Ag
-
Anna Friel
as Prue
-
Steven Mackintosh
as Joe Lawrence
-
Tom Georgeson
as Mr. Lawrence
-
Maureen O'Brien
as Mrs. Lawrence
-
Lucy Akhurst
as Janet
-
Paul Bettany
as Philip
- Steve MacKintosh
- Tom Geogeson