Honeyland

Everyone should see this - marvellous raw depiction of a harsh hand-to-mouth existence demonstrating human resourcefulness, selflessness and concern for and care of others - absolutely puts to shame today's 'civilised' Western entitlement-junky, moaning and chronically-dissatisfied populations.

I ordered myself a copy of this mesmerising triple Sundance Award Winner after reading so many positive reviews - and I'm so pleased I did because I found this to be a quite extraordinary viewing experience. Apparently, this documentary started life as a short nature conservation video about one of Europe's last wild-beekeepers - but developed into this powerful, feature-length movie. It is set in a remote, abandoned village in North Macedonia where Hatidze, a woman in her mid- fifties, ekes out a simple living by harvesting honey in the traditional, sustainable way from wild hives.Hatidze lives in a one-room ramshackle hut - there is no running water, gas or electricity. Her only companion is her frail, 85 year old mother, who is just about capable of sitting up in bed, and who has to be spoon-fed by her daughter. For many years they have lived in isolation from the outside world. However, one day their peaceful existence is disturbed by the arrival of a large, rowdy itinerant family. To avoid spoilers, I won't reveal what follows - other than to say that it's a must-watch movie. I'll also add that there's some beautifully shot scenes that are interspersed with moments that some may find rather disturbing, or at least uncomfortable to watch. But that's life folk - it ain't all sugar and spice and all things nice. The end product though is an incredible film, one that was occasionally heartbreaking, but one that will stay in my head for a very long time.This is a film like no other. What you see in Honeyland is REAL, these are genuine characters going about their daily life - and it's miraculously captured by the film-makers. It was shot over three years as if by invisible camera – what's amazing is that not a single furtive glance is directed towards the camera, not even from the very young children depicted. I believe 400 hours of footage came out of this project, which was condensed down to this 90 minute masterpiece. My advice to you is: Buy it, watch it, digest it and feel enriched afterwards. Then tell your family and friends about it - spread the word!

A wonderful experience. A testament to the human spirit. An unbelievably accomplished documentary - a credit to everyone involved. Additionally, the filmmakers have used the success of the film to provide support for Hatidze Muratova, the irrepressible beekeeper and subject of the film.

I would like to marry her if she is still available?

My son and I very much enjoyed this documentary. The fly on the wall style was very much appreciated; it was 'observation based' rather than participation, and covered a huge range of human emotions. We really felt that we were able to enter the culture of the time and place. It touched on greed, anger, loneliness, friendship, perseverance but above all, love. The central character, who was alone physically, and in every other way, was looking after her mother who was poorly, and it followed the struggles of her small and precious bee keeping, and honey making business. The generosity and friendship she showed to others was repaid with avarice and selfishness.In the end the though this provoking film raised more questions than answers about the state of the world and human nature.Very much worth the few pounds spent, and I daresay it will repay a further watch.

Moving and touching documentary. Will stay with you

My wife and I watched this with great interest, and only at the end did I tell her this was a documentary showing real people having their own dramas. She was amazed.Beautifully shot. Heartfelt. Would highly recommend.

An amazing film about an extraordinary woman living as was done centuries ago... right here in Europe! A poignant human drama that will haunt you.