pastoral backdrop

Movies with pastoral vibe

The Wonders

1. The Wonders

Drama Family Drama
6.7
20141h 52min

Overview

In the Tuscan countryside, a family of traditional honey farmers struggles to make ends meet. The household consists of only daughters—four of them—led by the eldest, Gelsomina, who takes on the responsibilities of the family. When a small boy is sent to stay with them for rehabilitation, their routine is disrupted. As financial troubles threaten their home, Gelsomina sees an opportunity in a reality TV contest searching for 'Italy’s Most Traditional Family.' Willing to expose their secluded life for the prize money, she clashes with her father’s rigid ways in a bid to secure their future.

Themes

Economic precarity, Intergenerational conflict, Family duty vs aspiration, Gendered labor in rural life, Public scrutiny and contest pressure, Authenticity under performative demands

Available on

Amazon Video
Rakuten TV
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

We Bought a Zoo

2. We Bought a Zoo

Drama Comedy Family Parody Animal Companion Family
7.0
20112h 4min

Overview

Benjamin has lost his wife and, in a bid to start his life over, purchases a large house that has a zoo – welcome news for his daughter, but his son is not happy about it. The zoo is in need of renovation and Benjamin sets about the work with the head keeper and the rest of the staff, but, the zoo soon runs into financial trouble.

Themes

Grief and renewal, Generational tension, Financial strain, Family resilience, Caretaking of animals, Community effort

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang

3. Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang

Comedy Fantasy Family Supernatural Fantasy Parent-Child Family
6.1
20101h 49min

Overview

Nanny McPhee appears at the door of a harried young mother who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. But once she’s arrived, Nanny discovers that the children are fighting a war of their own against two spoiled city cousins who have just moved in. Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life to a tree-climbing piglet and a baby elephant, Nanny uses her magic to teach her mischievous charges five new lessons.

Themes

Economic pressure on a farm, Wartime family resilience, External interference and manipulation, Authority versus parental care, Magic as problem solving, Unexpected outsiders and adaptation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Miss Potter

4. Miss Potter

Drama Family Romance Historical Drama Bittersweet Romance
7.0
20061h 32min

Overview

Beatrix Potter, the author of the beloved children's book "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", struggles for love, happiness and success.

Themes

Class inequality, Social climbing, Marriage expectations, Land preservation, Family disapproval, Female agency

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Bridges of Madison County

5. The Bridges of Madison County

Drama Romance Relationship Drama Passionate Romance
7.6
19952h 15min

Overview

Photographer Robert Kincaid wanders into the life of housewife Francesca Johnson for four days in the 1960s.

Themes

Duty versus desire, Emotional isolation, Marriage crisis, Housewife constraints, Secret affair, Memory and legacy

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.