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Poster for Bright Leaves

Bright Leaves

2004 · 1h 48m · N/A Documentary
Directed by Ross McElwee

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Overview

Ross McElwee travels through the North Carolina tobacco belt in search of the ancient southern traditions associated with tobacco growing and use, while comparing his filmmaking to commercial cinema, represented by Bright Leaf, a melodrama directed by Michael Curtiz in 1950, starring Gary Cooper, apparently based on the life of his great-grandfather.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
86%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Bright Leaves is not the kind of film that thetruth.com would use in its anti-smoking campaign.

Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News
Fresh

A gently provocative film diary about tobacco and its mixed legacy.

Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh

McElwee's best film since Sherman's March.

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Bright Leaves is a beguiling film. Watching it is like spending time with an old, somewhat chatty but endearing friend.

Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
Fresh

It's a meandering visit by a curious man with a quiet sense of humor.

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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