Logo What's After the Movie

Sweet Land 2006

A spirited German immigrant, Inge Altenberg, played by Elizabeth Reaser, discovers unexpected love in the picturesque farmlands of rural Minnesota. She’s betrothed to Olaf Torvik (Tim Guinee) in an arranged marriage, and the couple faces considerable challenges as they try to build a life together. Their unconventional union is tested by the expectations of their close-knit community, forcing them to confront prejudice and find strength in their bond.

A spirited German immigrant, Inge Altenberg, played by Elizabeth Reaser, discovers unexpected love in the picturesque farmlands of rural Minnesota. She’s betrothed to Olaf Torvik (Tim Guinee) in an arranged marriage, and the couple faces considerable challenges as they try to build a life together. Their unconventional union is tested by the expectations of their close-knit community, forcing them to confront prejudice and find strength in their bond.

Does Sweet Land have end credit scenes?

No!

Sweet Land does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Sweet Land

Explore the complete cast of Sweet Land, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


No actors found

Ratings and Reviews for Sweet Land

See how Sweet Land is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Sweet Land stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

IMDb

7.1 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

63

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Sweet Land Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Sweet Land with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Sweet Land Quiz: Test your knowledge on the heartfelt immigrant story and family legacy depicted in Sweet Land.

What is the main character Lars Torvik struggling with after his grandmother's death?

Awards & Nominations for Sweet Land

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Sweet Land, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Sweet Land and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


22nd Film Independent Spirit Awards 2007

Elizabeth Reaser
Nomination

Best Female Lead

Elizabeth Reaser
Win

Best First Feature

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Sweet Land

See more

Read the complete plot summary of Sweet Land, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2005 Hamptons International Film Festival, Sweet Land beautifully captures themes of land, love, and the immigrant experience in America.

In 2004, when Lars Torvik’s grandmother Inge passes away, he faces a pivotal choice—should he sell the family farm that has been in the family since 1920, or should he hold onto the legacy bestowed by the land? In search of guidance, Lars reflects on Inge’s life and the rich stories she shared.

Inge arrives in Minnesota in 1920, eager to marry the young Norwegian farmer Olaf. However, her German roots and absence of proper immigration documentation make her a target of suspicion among the locals, leading to a ban on her marriage to Olaf. Stranded and alone, Inge seeks refuge with Frandsen, Olaf’s neighbor, and his wife Brownie, where she begins to learn English, adapt to American culture, and cultivate her independence.

As time passes, Inge and Olaf develop a deep affection for each other amidst the vastness of the farmland and towering skies. Despite societal judgment and the disapproval of the local minister, they opt to live together openly, embracing their love. When Frandsen’s farm faces foreclosure, Olaf stands firm, prompting the community to rally behind the couple, ultimately accepting Inge into their fold.

Adapted from Will Weaver’s short story “A Gravestone Made of Wheat,” and filmed in the picturesque settings of Southern Minnesota, Sweet Land embodies that rare quality of independent cinema, combining exquisite visuals and subtle performances to convey a timeless narrative of love and self-discovery. David Tumblety’s stunning magic-hour cinematography invokes the spirit of classic American art films like Days of Heaven, transforming the golden vistas of Southern Minnesota into a heartfelt symbol of memory, family ties, and cultural heritage.

Featuring supporting roles by esteemed actors like Ned Beatty, Paul Sand, and Lois Smith, Sweet Land emerges as a poignant testament to immigrant America, crafted by the son of first-generation immigrants.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Cars Featured in Sweet Land

See 9 more

Explore all cars featured in Sweet Land, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Dodge

1994

Caravan

Ford

2000

Mustang

Ford

1984

Ranger

Ford

1998

Windstar

GMC

2001

Sierra HD

Honda

1986

Accord

Honda

1997

CR-V

Toyota

2003

4Runner

Volkswagen

1998

Passat B5 Typ 3B

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


nudityfemale rear nudityminnesota1920sprejudicenorwegianmarriagegermanfarmfarmerf ratedmagic lantern projectortwo word titleslow motion scenerural settingellis island new york citynonlinear timelinewood choppingwomen's rightsweddingwedding dresswater pumpwaltzwakevictrolaunderwearumbrellatraintractorthreshertearssuitcasesuffragettestairwaysongsocialistslide showslide projectorsingershovelshared bedscytheriflerecordingrecord playertrain stationradioprologuepost world war onepolka

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.