This is one of those movies where you ask the question, "What else can go wrong?" The principle characters, played by Paul Muni and Louise Rainer are wonderful in their roles, even though they are not Asian. This is a story of the struggles of the people of the earth to make do. As farmers everywhere can attest, the harvest is never a done deal, and so many factors can destroy it. Here there is a sense of fortune, which is part of the Chinese culture. Pearl Buck lived in China and knew the ways of the people. Things are cyclical, so when the man prospers, it is fortune and wise living that works. Like so many men, as his wife ages, he begins to seek greener pastures, but, again, he is defying fortune. Soon there is a deconstruction of the fabric of his family, having to do with a sense of betrayal by his son. This is a magnificently filmed production with very fine acting by all involved. It's a benchmark film from a very fine book.
Review of The Good Earth
