A Piece of Eden (2000)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

John D. Hancock

Writer:

Dorothy Tristan (writer)

Release Date:

15 September 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

A New York press agent applies his show-business acumen to revitalize his ailing father's Indiana fruit farm. |

Plot Keywords:

Farm | Indiana | Independent Film

Cast

Marc Grapey	...	Bob Tredici
Rebecca Harrell	...	Happy Buchanan
Tyne Daly	...	Aunt Aurelia
Frederic Forrest	...	Paulo Tredici
Andreas Katsulas	...	Giuseppe Tredici
Robert Breuler	...	Franco Tredici
Tristan Rogers	...	Victor Hardwick
Irma St. Paule	...	Maria at 90
Marshall Efron	...	Andres
Jeff Puckett	...	Gregory Tredici
Julia Swart	...	Claire Tredici
Rengin Altay	...	Maria at 30
Lara Phillips	...	TV Reporter
Jeannette Washluske	...	Nurse
James Ferguson	...	Teenage Franco

Also Known As:

13 (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

106 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Filming Locations:

LaPorte, Indiana, USA

Company:

Film Acres

Small independent gem

Deftly directed and beautifully acted, this movie is a little gem that didn't get nearly enough attention when it first came out. It is both a perfect family film and a poignant, satisfying movie experience for adults. The movie explores the complex relationships among a tightly-knit family of farmers whose prodigal Hollywood son returns home when his powerful old-fashioned father takes ill. The son returns to confront the responsibilities, and the relatives, he left behind. The ensemble of talented character actors create an atmosphere that is totally real, colorful and engaging. The director balances numerous family relationships: an old and bitter feud between father and uncle (excellent performances by both actors); the Old Country values of the grandmother; the competition between the two nephews for their share of the farm; and the shyly blossoming romance between the two leads. The plot offers enough twists and turns to keep you watching and wondering how it will all turn out. Shot on location at a glorious old farm in America's heartland, the film is a statement about the American spirit, the conflicts between old world values and modern ambitions, and ultimately about family bonds that can never be broken. Film buffs take note: the romantic female lead is the same actress (all grown up now) who played the little girl in Hancock's earlier children's feature, "Prancer."