Green is Gold (2016) User Reviews

Big brother and lil brother doing the live a life thingy

[Harhaluulo54 · 6/10 · 4 May 2017]

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.

Trading and growing (up)

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 14 November 2017]

I guess if your father is a criminal ... well there is a chance that you may follow in his footsteps. Even after you should know better (him being incarcerated). So we have two sons trying to make do, while their father is locked up. It's a drama and it is very slow paced. So these points right there should be an indication if this is even in your ball park or not from the get go.

Towards the end we do get a lot of suspension but also false drama at time. Or something that feels like it could have been bigger than it is. There is also a "hidden" door, that does not get a set up or explanation until after the fact. Some may not like the movie being unconventional like that at times either. But it works most of the time because of that. Don't expect too many obvious answers either

Tender and unaffected, though still feeling like a low budget first film.

[secondtake · 6/10 · 19 November 2017]

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.

Alternative lifestyle

[kevs5612 · 7/10 · 18 November 2018]

Enjoyable movie, sometimes films show us how life is not perfect and for that same reason neither should the film, it portrays emotion well and how the people behind ilegal business are only trying to get by like the rest of us.

A gem

[evmcelroy · 8/10 · 10 October 2017]

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.

shows illegal is not immoral

[janvankollenburg · 9/10 · 1 May 2017]

Surprising movie. Dad goes to prison, youngest son goes living with older brother, who has a weed farm. The 13 y/o already smokes weed. Older brother is OK with that. The two mostly stay at the farm and everything is peaceful and fun. The movie shows that illegal does not necessarily equal immoral.

Hits so close to home

[JadonFitzpatrick · 9/10 · 21 May 2018]

I love this film. Being that I've experienced many things in this film and am writing one similar of my own, it was a trip down memory lane. The movie was true and authentic to the whole lifestyle of the backyard pot dealer. I loved it. The only critiques I'd have technically would be the audio when they were dealing with the plethora of bags(should have done ADR work), and some cuts had some continuity issues. But overall it was a raw, and true film, only slow in the beginning, but I loved the time the writer took the audience through getting to know the characters. Definitely a good RELATIONSHIP film.

This is good. Interesting. Complex ideas.

[smiledaydream · 8/10 · 8 August 2021]

This is good. Interesting. Complex ideas. It's able to make us uncomfortable at times. I don't see any flaw in the acting. The story is a great story. It's not a common thread. I am happy and uncomfortable with the ending.