If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

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Becky J 02/16/2025 It’s not often that a documentary makes me question my own views as much as If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front did. What starts as a deep dive into radical environmental activism quickly turns into a much bigger conversation about justice, extremism, and how far people are willing to go for their beliefs. The film follows Daniel McGowan, a former member of the Earth Liberation Front, as he faces trial for acts of eco-sabotage, and it does a fantastic job of presenting all sides of the story. What I appreciated most was how balanced the documentary felt. It doesn’t glorify the ELF or their actions, but it also doesn’t dismiss the urgency of their cause. Instead, it explores the moral and legal complexities of activism in a way that really stuck with me. Through interviews with law enforcement, activists, and even business owners impacted by ELF’s arson attacks, the film forces you to confront tough questions: When does activism cross the line? And who gets to define what terrorism is? The storytelling is gripping, and by the end, I felt torn between sympathy for McGowan and an understanding of why the government treated the ELF as a serious threat. It’s rare to see a film that challenges your perspective without forcing an agenda, but this one does exactly that. Anyone interested in environmental activism, social justice, or just a really thought-provoking documentary should absolutely watch If a Tree Falls. See more 03/23/2019 Genuinely troubling at a complicated stance with immorality remains intact on both sides of the environmentally protective and endangering argument by the purposefully misunderstanding exposure in the media's role that triggers the reflective redefining of questioned actions being far from terrorism despite the inferno appearance towards a more moral cause due to the ignored initially peaceful alternative. (B+) (Full review TBD) See more 03/12/2016 It's hard not to be fascinated by If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front. Imagine coming to work on a seemingly normal day and then seeing the quiet guy down the hall get arrested by the feds on terrorism charges. That's what happened to the wife of filmmaker Marshall Curry, who decided to turn his lens on this man and tell his story. There's this really interesting subtext throughout the film regarding what a terrorist really is. Should someone who burned down a few buildings face life plus 300 years in prison? Or does the label have more to do with one's set of beliefs, the reasons behind his or her actions, and not the results of these actions? The film frames this philosophical debate around the aforementioned quiet guy (or the "disgruntled one" as some of his "terrorist" friends called him). And it's a puzzler. I still don't know how I feel about Daniel McGowan's beliefs and crimes, but I loved his story and found it monumentally compelling. For a time, the Earth Liberation Front (or ELF) was considered the largest homegrown terrorist organization in America. Its motto: Protect all life on Earth. Its method: Set fire to companies they consider threats to the environment. Yes, it's extreme, and the former members interviewed for the film will be the first admit it. But as their story shows, traditional forms of non-violent protesting is toothless in situations like this, and when one feels powerless, the easiest way to grab some power is to make your enemies pay attention. That's what the ELF did in the 90s, and that's why Daniel McGowan and his friends went to prison. The filmmakers stay pretty much hands-off here, which is very much appreciated. They interview several federal officials, as well as businessmen who lost property at the hands of McGowan and company, to make sure it's a two-sided affair. Really, the entire ELF saga has a ton of gray area, so there's really no need to preach, and they don't. There's not much of a stylistic identity going on here, which I guess is OK, but the film loses points for its very obvious and distracting music cues. Beyond that, however, there's little to object to. It's just a very interesting story told well, and it has a ton of subtext for you to chew on-from the terrorist question to Daniel's arguably foolish decision to get married to the crazy ironic twist that leads to his eventual arrest. This is an exceptional doc, and coupled with Under Fire: Journalists in Combat and Bill Cunningham New York, it's part of a very strong shortlist for this year's Oscar. http://www.johnlikesmovies.com/if-a-tree-falls-a-story-of-the-earth-liberation-front/ See more 11/18/2014 Watching If A Tree Falls probably won't change anyone's ideology of the Earth Liberation Front's actions. But I gives us a great insight into the lives of those responsible, as well as those affected by the 'supposed' terrorist organisation. I'm giving IF A TREE FALLS a 4.5/5 See more 05/03/2014 Or The One Where You Fall In Love With Radicals... Directors Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman do a great job of crafting a story about radical environmental activist group, Earth Liberation Front, that makes you sympathize with arsonists. As the story unfolds you still see their actions as extreme, but you begin to understand how things went so far. Eventually the story becomes a story about one man's struggle to not fall into despair, and that's when the film really shines. As Curry and Cullman capture the trial of one of the members of the ELF, you begin to really care for him. It definitely is entertaining and educational, but it also is emotionally captivating. See more 03/25/2014 A fascinating & insightful Documentary about a subject I knew very little about & generally found that environmental culture interesting. The story of the ELF: Earth Liberation Front and the individuals that have destroyed many buildings that have affected the environment. It's takes a personal look at these people & their inspirations & why they do what they did. This film does leave you conflicted but I understand why they did what they did. See more Read all reviews

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

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