
Our Daily Bread
A story about a family after the Second World War. The petty bourgeois cashier Karl Weber of Berlin observes from a distance how his son Ernst participates in the building of a new socialist society. Karl does not understand Ernst's visions, instead he confides in his other son Harry. However, Harry becomes involved in illicit business and Karl quickly realizes that it would be best to join his son Ernst in the citizen-owned factory.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this allegorical drama, a wealthy socialite inherits a struggling farm and decides to bring her wealthy friends out to help run it as a communal effort. Initially resistant and out of their element, the city dwellers gradually learn the value of hard work and cooperation. They face numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and internal conflicts, as they strive to make the farm successful and build a new sense of community.
Critical Reception
King Vidor's "Our Daily Bread" is a unique and ambitious film that was ahead of its time. While its idealistic message and somewhat dated approach have led to mixed critical reception over the years, it is often praised for its earnestness and Vidor's experimental filmmaking techniques. Audiences have sometimes found its earnestness a bit heavy-handed, but its message of communal living and self-sufficiency resonates with some.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unconventional, experimental spirit and Vidor's artistic vision.
- Criticized for its earnest, sometimes didactic, and overtly philosophical approach.
- Seen as a fascinating, if flawed, attempt at social commentary through filmmaking.
Google audience: While specific Google user reviews for this classic film are not readily available, the film's themes of communal living and self-sufficiency tend to elicit thoughtful, albeit sometimes polarized, reactions from viewers who appreciate its unique, idealistic message.
Fun Fact
King Vidor financed and produced "Our Daily Bread" independently, using innovative techniques such as shooting on a working farm with many amateur actors and employing creative methods for sound recording and visual effects.
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