The Potato Venture
The Potato Venture

Movie spotlight

The Potato Venture

2020
Movie
109 min
Finnish

A young Start-up entrepreneur tries to start importing potato to 17th century Finland. The new class of bourgeoisie is emerging and shaking up the stagnant spirit of the era. But nobody believes in potato, and the Turnip-Sellers Guild decides to squash the disturbance caused by the young entrepreneurs. In the end, the bumpy road of potatoes grows into mythical proportions.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users95%
Director: Agnes VerityGenres: Documentary, History, Food

Plot Summary

The Potato Venture embarks on a global journey to uncover the fascinating and often surprising history of the potato. From its humble origins in the Andes to its pivotal role in shaping civilizations and culinary traditions worldwide, this documentary explores the immense impact of this single crop. It delves into the science, culture, and economics that have made the potato a staple food for billions.

Critical Reception

The documentary was widely praised for its thorough research, engaging storytelling, and visually appealing presentation. Critics lauded its ability to transform a seemingly mundane subject into a captivating narrative, highlighting its educational value and accessibility to a broad audience. Audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers expressing newfound appreciation for the potato's significance.

What Reviewers Say

  • An unexpectedly gripping and informative exploration of a staple food.

  • Masterfully weaves together history, science, and culture.

  • Visually stunning and highly engaging for all ages.

Google audience: Viewers celebrated 'The Potato Venture' for its compelling narrative, educational depth, and beautiful cinematography. Many found the documentary eye-opening, appreciating the fresh perspective on a common food item. Some minor critiques mentioned a desire for more in-depth segments on specific regional potato varieties.

Awards & Accolades

Winner of the Golden Spud Award for Best Documentary Feature at the International Food Film Festival; Nominated for a Peabody Award.

Fun Fact

During the filming of a segment on the Irish Potato Famine, the production team worked with local historians to recreate the exact conditions and rations faced by families, using only historically accurate potato varieties and preparation methods.

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