It is imperative to see this through the eyes of an alternative, indie or artistic film viewer. Seen in any other way it is amateur even shoddy. If the genre is embraced however it is a refreshing perspective on a subculture who would otherwise be seen as lowly. I felt completely different about "bag ladies" and tramps after watching this and even a little humbled by the last character studied.
The film begins with paintings of gleaners, a visual and historical view. Some interesting interviews with people who remember the practice, and how communal it was. But Varda also takes in more modern examples, some quite surprising, some highly creative. These give another take on what is essentially re-cycling and often 'up-cycling'. A pleasing film.