How a Trout Transformed Craft Beer Culture

Read Time:3 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
A Two Hearted Tale
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Genre: Documentary, Short
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 40m
Director(s): Rory K McHarg, Bret Miller
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Freep Film Festival and Indy Shorts International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In A TWO HEARTED TALE, the canvas of documentary filmmaking expands to capture a tale where personal passion paints the broader strokes of commerce and culture. Directed by Rory K McHarg and Bret Miller, this film dives into the life and artistic journey of Ladislav Hanka, whose affinity for Michigan’s natural beauty and angling has profoundly shaped the branding of Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale and many others in their lineup. This documentary ventures beyond mere craft beer discussion, exploring how one individual’s creativity can ripple through an entire industry.

The storyline details Hanka’s innovative approach to integrating personal passions with product branding. His work on beer labels for Bell's Brewery is not just a design but a narrative, intertwining his love for nature with commercial artistry. The film highlights these connections, providing insight into the brewery's origins and the pivotal decision to embrace Hanka’s distinctive trout imagery. This decision resonated deeply within the craft beer community and anchored the brand’s identity.

While A TWO HEARTED TALE sometimes wanders through its narrative path, its most illuminating moments arise when focusing on Hanka’s deep relationship with his work. The film’s structure, though unorthodox, effectively pulls the audience into the depths of the artistic process and the stories encapsulated within the labels of Bell’s brews. This creative approach showcases the film’s subjects in their personal and professional growth and mirrors the evolving aspirations within the broader craft brewing scene.

Furthermore, the film delves into the psychological and emotional impact of Hanka's work on his life and those around him, illustrating how his artistic contributions have fostered community and continuity among his peers and admirers. It highlights the often-overlooked aspect of how art can bridge individual expression and collective experience.

The documentary tells a story of resilience and adaptability. These themes are woven seamlessly into the film’s fabric, enhancing the narrative with a raw portrayal of the challenges encountered during its creation. I will say that the biggest knock I have on the short is that while I can appreciate an artist's love for their work, Hanka’s comments occasionally drifted into the realm of belittling other artists, as though his work was the only one that mattered.

The directors navigate a rich landscape of nostalgia and authenticity, exploring how personal visions intersect with commercial ambitions. This exploration crafts a narrative that resonates with a broad audience, positioning A TWO HEARTED TALE as more than just a documentary—it’s a profound reflection on the transformative power of art in reshaping business landscapes.

The film balances humor with serious reflection, encouraging viewers to question traditional boundaries and the impact of artistic decisions. Through compelling interviews and thoughtful narration, it maintains an engaging tone that captures the interest of art lovers and casual observers alike.

As the documentary concludes, it leaves viewers with a resonant message about the power of creativity and the importance of looking beyond the surface to appreciate the more profound stories objects around us can tell. A TWO HEARTED TALE is a tribute to those who channel their passions into their professions, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the confluence of art, industry, and everyday life.

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[photo courtesy of RAMPORRYE, REPRISE POST, WOODWARD]

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