“Land of Men” is a film about rural life, generational conflicts, but above all a portrait of a woman in a world reserved for men.
In an arena where animals are shown, breeders and buyers observe each other, struggle, and scheme to push prices up or down. Small farmers mingle with industrial farm owners under the gaze of speculators, fatteners, and large retail purchasing centers. It bustles. It shouts. It lives.
In a subtle and emotional way, without trying to provide explanations or moral lessons, and without ever downplaying the seriousness of such an act, “Land of Men” addresses the theme of rape and perfectly shows how the behavior of a single man can upset the entire balance of a society, an economic and social system.
Sylvain, portrayed by Jalil Lespert, is a charming, pleasant, powerful, and charismatic man. He has something magnetic and appealing about him.
Constance (Diane Rouxel), far from being the archetype of a victim, is dazzling. With nuance and restraint, she is equally credible in this complex role of a frail woman among the beasts as she is for her inner strength, and she literally carries the film on her shoulders.
“Land of Men” is a film of bodies. The bodies of women, the bodies of men, the bodies of animals. Bodies that are gauged, judged, evaluated, desired. Bodies that struggle, that are subjected, sold, but also desiring bodies that seek each other, welcome each other, support each other.
A powerful and ultra-realistic film that, through very intelligent camera placement choices, editing, and beautiful music, manages to convey all the emotional intricacies of this young woman with a painful history.
