Watch Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern

Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern is a poignant and heart-warming documentary film directed and produced by Jeanne Jordan and Steven Ascher. The film was released in 1995 and tells the story of the Jordan family - Don, Bonnie, and their four children - as they struggle to keep their family farm afloat in the face of mounting financial pressures.

The film takes place in rural Iowa and follows the Jordans over the course of several years as they work tirelessly to maintain their way of life. Don and Bonnie are determined to pass on the farm to their children but worry if that will even be possible. The family struggles with crop failures, equipment breakdowns, and mounting debt. As they try to make ends meet, they also battle with the ever-present threat of losing everything.

In the midst of their struggles, the Jordans remain a tight-knit family, sharing meals, stories, and laughter around the dinner table. The film captures the warmth and humor of their relationships, with Bonnie's infectious laughter and Don's steadfast dedication to his family standing out as highlights of the film.

The documentary is also filled with stunning imagery of rural Iowa. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the wide open skies, the filmmakers capture the beauty of the area and the importance of the land for the Jordan family and their community. Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern is a reminder of the importance of family and community and the struggles that so many face in trying to hold onto their way of life.

One of the key themes of the film is the changing face of American agriculture. Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern was made during a time when scores of small family farms were rapidly disappearing across the Midwest. As mechanization and corporate farming took over, many were forced to sell their land and move into town looking for work.

The Jordan family is faced with similar pressures. In order to keep their farm running, they must modernize and adapt to the changing times. This means taking out loans to buy new equipment and diversifying their crops. But even with their hard work and determination, they find it difficult to compete with larger corporate farms.

Despite the challenges they face, however, the Jordans remain committed to their way of life. Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern shows the resilience and determination of rural Americans, who not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

The documentary was filmed over the course of several years, allowing the filmmakers to capture the ups and downs of the Jordan family's struggles. The result is a powerful and honest portrayal of rural life in the Midwest. Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern is a must-see film for anyone interested in American history and rural life, and a moving tribute to the strength and perseverance of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

One of the great strengths of this documentary is its intimacy. The filmmakers Jeanne Jordan and Steven Ascher, who are actually married, are part of the Jordan family. This close relationship allowed them to gain unprecedented access to the family's everyday lives and made it possible for them to capture the nuances of the relationships and the story. They clearly have a deep respect and affection for the Jordan family, and that comes through in the film.

In conclusion, Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern is a powerful, honest, and deeply moving documentary film that captures the struggles, joys, and resilience of rural life in the Midwest. It is a tribute to the spirit of family, community, and hard work that characterizes so many Americans, and a reminder of the importance of maintaining our connection to the land and to each other. Highly recommended.

Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern is a 1995 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.