EATING ANIMALS – A Review by Cynthia Flores
This documentary is not just a cry for vegetarianism, instead it is pro traditional animal farming practices. Eating Animals is the documentary adaptation of Johanthan Safan Foer’s critically acclaimed book of the same name. It is narrated and produced by Natalie Portman who was stunned at the facts surrounding the big agricultural business. This documentary shows the horrors and consequences of what has happened in our country since 1970 when we first moved away from traditional farming disciplines and switched to massive, industrial farming complexes. All in the pursuit of an endless supply of so-called “cheap” meat, eggs, and dairy.
They even cover how the Colonel who brought us Kentucky Fried Chicken was ignored by the people that brought him out. They sacrificed the quality he built his brand on for the cheaper easier way to do chicken.
This documentary goes way beyond the question of where our food comes from. It takes us on an “Eyes Wide Open” tour of today’s industrial agriculture and the devastation it leaves in its wake. It shows the soul sucking effects it has had on families that have been farmers for generations. They have been turned into nothing more than low level managers of their own farms – owning only the debts, dead animals, the feces, and their house on the property.
There is a lot of footage of the cruel circumstances that most animals live and die in to get meat to our table. It also shows the independent farmers that care for their animals and understand the stewardship that they have over them.
Eating Animals is really a great stunning documentary on a subject that touches us all. It is shining a light on a subject that has flourished in darkness. I give this film a solid A rating.
Directed by Christopher Dillon Quinn
Written By Christopher Dillon Quinn, Jonathan Safran Foer
Rated NR
Selig Rating A
Running Time 1hr 34min
Documentary
Limited Release June 29th The Magnolia and The Plano Angelika Film Center
Starring: Natalie Portman
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn't paid for it.
