I watched the movie Sweet Land this past weekend and I was struck by how much the film resembled a collection of paintings by folk artist, Arnold Kramer.  The landscape showed prairies that go on forever under clear blue skies.

Sweet Land was filmed at Chippewa Village in Montevideo located in southwestern Minnesota, just a hop, skip, and a jump from where Kramer raised his family.  Chippewa Village is made up of a collection of historically-correct preserved buildings from the very era in which the movie is set.

This family film tells the story of a German mail-order bride in the 1920's who faces the bigotry created by a war she had nothing to do with.  It is a love story told with stunning images and endearing characters. 

 This movie would make a wonderful Christmas gift for hardworking midwestern grandparents.  See reviews of Sweet Land at this link.