# Land Girls, The (1998)

### reviewed by
Alex Bryson

    The Land Girls (1998)
    Reviewed by Alex Bryson
    *** / ****

It is 1941 and as the men of Britain's farming communities leave to fight their roles are assumed by women of the Women's Land Army. The Land Girls tells the tale of three such ‘girls' brought together from different backgrounds: Rachel Weisz' Cambridge graduate ‘Ag', Catherine McCormack's Stella and Anna Friel's (predictably chirpy) hairdresser, Prue.

Underneath what is ostensibly a story about friendship forged in a time of adversity, about pulling together and female bonds that transcend boundaries of class and so on, a more subdued tale of regret and thwarted happiness lies. Disguised for most of the film by digestible sentimentality this makes for a bittersweet experience ultimately.

This is a period drama with a pastoral theme almost out of a Hardy novel, but the producers know what they are doing and pull it off with ease. The impossibly picturesque farming community is photographed beautifully, and this pretty facade will no doubt satisfy those looking for a BBC costume piece (the costumes are wonderful too actually).

For such a long film the plot is slight - really just a series of vignettes chronicling the development of the main characters, but the acting holds it together. Steven Mackintosh is charged with bedding the entire female population of the South-West it seems (it is particularly welcome seeing the Our Mutual Friend pair again), and all three ‘Land Girls' are a pleasure to watch.

There are many moments of comedy, but in some ways the ethos is grimly stoic. In keeping with the times duty and sacrifice are paramount, and additionally we are provided with an examination of guilt and regret at the choices we make. Don't let that put you off this rewarding look back at what is fast becoming ancient history though.

    *** / ****

    --
    Copyright Alex Bryson 1998

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