Here are two must-see movies that will change the way you look at the food industry:
1. Earthlings is a documentary on animal cruelty, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.
This movie is very moving and, unfortunately, an accurate depiction of how many animals are treated. It is upsetting to watch, but I'm glad I saw it. If ever I have an urge for animal products, I will think of the images in this film -- of the helpless animals, fighting for their lives.
2. Food, Inc., another documentary, explores the true costs of cheap food. This movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary and is available for rental. It's a well-done overview of the food industry.
Documentary filmmaker
Robert Kenner uses reports by Fast Food Nation author
Eric Schlosser and The Omnivore's Dilemma author
Michael Pollan as a springboard to exploring where the food we purchase at the
grocery store really comes from, and what it means for the health of future generations. By exposing the comfortable relationships between business and government,
Kenner gradually shines light on the dark underbelly of the American food industry. The USDA and FDA are supposed to protect the public, so why is it that both government regulatory agencies have been complicit in allowing corporations to put profit ahead of consumer health, the American farmer, worker safety, and even the environment? As chicken breasts get bigger and tomatoes are genetically engineered not to go bad, 73,000 Americans fall ill from powerful new strains of E. coli every year, obesity levels are skyrocketing, and adult
diabetes has reached epidemic proportions. Perhaps if the general public knew how corporations use exploited laws and subsidies to create powerful monopolies, the outrage would be enough to make us think more carefully about the food we put into our bodies.
MPAA Rating: PG for some thematic material and disturbing images.
