Green Is Gold (2016)

A charming attempt to be real and intimate in a tale of two brother (played by two real brothers) who are growing pot illegally.

There is a lot to like here, mainly the naturalism invoked and the feeling of growing understanding between the brothers. The more obvious plot drives it—growing and eventually having to sell a lot of really good weed. But that is only the device to make you see these two unlikely brothers try to figure out how to get along together.

The writing is imperfect—and sometimes downright implausible—but generally the dialog is carried by the acting, which is natural and believable. There are a couple of other characters involved (the father, maybe the most important, though very briefly), but nothing remarkable happens beyond these two. (In fact, some scenes, like in the school, or the bathroom sex scene, are weak on every level.)

The filming is the kind of natural photography we expect these days—nothing jumps out, and that's just fine. In fact, this is an ordinary movie on most levels. But expect the director (who plays the older brother) to get another try at making a great film.

I'm so grateful to the New York Times for identifying this film as an under-watched Netflix offering. I found the writing, directing and acting all excellent. A small story that develops characters more fully than most big budget films do - I was impressed by the leads and then so pleased to see that the writer was not only the director but is also a lead AND real- life brother to the other lead. A simple story that seemed as real-life as can be. I expect and hope to see more work from all involved in this excellent film.

Father in jail. Big bro quit school when 16. Younger brother didn't manage even that long. The world is owned by multinational corporations and corrupt politicians. These folks say it, but they don't care. They enjoy life away from society. They don't pay taxes. They just grow weed, live like millionaires and occasionally play a bit, hang out and go to swim.

I enjoyed this movie because it was comfy and the characters did everything in their own style without giving an eff.

If you enjoy movies about finding your place in the world, living in the nature or comfy slice of lifing - such as Into the Wild, Edge of Seventeen, The Way, Captain Fantastic, King's of Summer, Hunt for the Wilderpeople - give this a go.