Though this film is somewhat infamous for not casting all Chinese actors, I think that Paul Muni does a very credible job (though not a favorite of mine, the guy took on roles from Eastern European to Mexican). I really enjoy his expectant spirit...
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Though this film is somewhat infamous for not casting all Chinese actors, I think that Paul Muni does a very credible job (though not a favorite of mine, the guy took on roles from Eastern European to Mexican). I really enjoy his expectant spirit in the beginning, portraying the joy of life experienced only by the young of any place or time.

I also think "The Good Earth" has a lot of smart production cues, music and close vignettes really set a stage for the upheavals of China and its people in the 20th century. From there, Buck's novel takes over, and the film uses it's time documenting the triumphs, tragedies, and sheer good and bad luck of the citizens who have struggled though a lifetime in this world. I especially like the passage of time as portrayed in this film