The Bullish Farmer

The Bullish Farmer, directed by Ken Marsolais, is a powerful documentary unearthing the agricultural renaissance that would define modern farming and sustainable food production. At the center of this compelling narrative is John Ubaldo, a former Wall Street trader who traded his high-paced, luxurious lifestyle to live on a 185-acre farm in the Hudson Valley, New York.

The film watches John navigate his new way of life, one founded on the principle of ethical, sustainable farming. Thanks to stellar performances, the audience witnesses a gripping and profound transformation as John transitions from a shoes-and-suit Wall Street trader to become a duck-hunting, pig-rearing, corn-growing farmer.

Laura Amedeo Ubaldo and August Amedeo Ubaldo are integral characters in the narrative, supporting John in every step of his journey. Together, they dismantle a seemingly colossal task one day at a time, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster.

At its core, the documentary is about more than just farming. The Bullish Farmer offers an in-depth examination of the modern agricultural industry, highlighting the loom of genetically modified crops, the abhorrent living conditions of poultry, the unhealthy use of antibiotics, and the administration of hormones in livestock. However, it also showcases the increasing number of farmers like John who are breaking free from these harmful practices and returning to a more traditional, earth-friendly approach to farming.

John Ubaldo, the soul of the film, is not just an ordinary farmer. The audience learns that he is a man on a mission to educate consumers about the dangers of mass-market foods and enlighten them on the difference that fresh, locally-sourced, and homegrown food can make. This journey of enlightenment, though challenging and often heartbreaking, is also replete with moments of joy, humor, and humble victories that make the film a must-watch.

John is critical of the farm-to-table movement's co-option by big business and aims to promote genuine change in the food industry, where sustainability and ethical consumption become the norm rather than the exception. He stresses the importance of preserving animal breeds and crop varieties that have been passed down from generations, preserving biodiversity, and often rejected by the modern agricultural system.

Yet, the heart of the film is not solely in the fields. It’s within John’s endearing interactions with a variety of characters from his sprawling farming family: The defiance of his pigs, the innocence of his ducks, the loyalty of his dogs, and the solitary quietness of his cows, all combine to bring a beautiful sense of earthiness and warmth to the film.

John’s journey is not an easy one, but his determination and simple love for the land play a vital role in helping him overcome adversities, a strength admirably reflected throughout the film. With the steadfast support of his family, the challenges encountered in his journey serve as stepping stones towards realizing his vision for sustainable and humane farming.

The Bullish Farmer serves as a rallying cry for the budding global movement of independent small farmers battling the might of corporate “big agriculture.” It not only makes its viewers ponder upon what they eat but also compels them to consider where it comes from.

The film’s cinematography is stunning, highlighting the beautiful landscapes of Hudson Valley and creating a contrast with John’s previous life in the concrete jungle of Wall Street. The breathtaking visuals of vast fields filled with crops and healthy, free-roaming animals are an antithesis to the cramped, boxed-in visuals from the Wall Street scenes, reinforcing the liberating step John has taken.

In the end, The Bullish Farmer is a story of change and survival. It's about realizing the value of going back to the roots, learning to respect and understand nature, and spreading this wisdom to others. The film is overflowing with authenticity and real emotions, making it an inspiring watch for anyone interested in the reformation and sustainability of our world's food systems. It provides a perfect blend of picturesque cinematography, joyous reality, tear-jerking truths, and gravity-defying inspirations worthy of a standing ovation.