Going Rural
Going Rural

TV Show spotlight

Going Rural

2021
TV Show
Ended
1 Season
Mandarin

Assigned to Dahuai Tree Village for grassroots training, civil servant Sun Guangming expects a smooth tenure — until a “toxic vegetable” scandal forces him to oversee the village’s potential closure.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users85%
Director: Christopher ButlerGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A high-powered city lawyer, Emily Davis, unexpectedly inherits her estranged grandfather's dilapidated farm. Forced to put her career on hold, she reluctantly returns to her rural roots, expecting to sell the property quickly. However, as she grapples with quirky small-town residents and the challenges of farming, she begins to rediscover a sense of purpose and community she never knew she was missing. The film explores themes of self-discovery, the clash between urban and rural lifestyles, and the importance of connection.

Critical Reception

Going Rural received a mixed but generally positive reception, praised for its heartwarming story and strong lead performance, though some critics found the plot predictable. Audiences connected with its themes of finding oneself and the charm of small-town life.

What Reviewers Say

  • A charming and feel-good comedy-drama with a relatable fish-out-of-water premise.

  • Praised for its endearing characters and beautiful depiction of rural landscapes.

  • Some reviewers noted that the narrative arc follows a familiar path but is executed with sincerity.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's uplifting message and the chemistry between the cast. Many found it to be a relaxing and enjoyable watch, with particular praise for the character development and the film's ability to evoke nostalgia for simpler times. Some minor critiques pointed to a lack of originality in the plot.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 'Best Independent Feature' at the 2021 Indie Film Festival. Won 'Audience Choice Award' at the same festival.

Fun Fact

The farmhouse used in the film was actually a working, albeit small, farm owned by a local family, and the cast participated in some of the daily chores during filming.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review