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McLibel

Released Apr 9, 2005 1h 24m Documentary List
100% Tomatometer 10 Reviews 69% Audience Score 100+ Ratings
Documentarian Franny Armstrong explores the infamous "McLibel" case, a lawsuit filed by the McDonald's Corporation that targeted two members of the London Greenpeace environmentalist collective who distributed a brochure denouncing the products and business practices of the massive fast food restaurant chain. Employing courtroom reenactments directed by prominent British filmmaker Ken Loach, the film reveals the extreme financial lengths McDonald's goes to in order to win the suit. Read More Read Less

Critics Reviews

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Roger Moore Orlando Sentinel You can't help but take a little pleasure in watching jerk lawyers -- and an arrogant mega-corporation, with money and laws and seemingly the judge too on its side -- lose in every way imaginable. Rated: 4/5 Jul 8, 2005 Full Review Dennis Harvey Variety An alarming if ultimately inspiring David-and-Goliath parable for today. Jun 16, 2005 Full Review John McMurtrie San Francisco Chronicle A stirring and sometimes funny film. Rated: 3/4 Jun 10, 2005 Full Review Scott Weinberg DVDTalk.com Everybody loves a good David & Goliath story, often doubly so when the story happens to be entirely factual and quite ironic. Rated: 4/5 Aug 27, 2005 Full Review Steve Schneider Orlando Weekly McLibel made me want to boycott McDonald's, turn vegetarian and even punch a clown or two on principle. But most of all, it restored my faith that the power to shape public discourse really rests with the people and not the PR agents. Jul 7, 2005 Full Review Sean Axmaker Seattle Post-Intelligencer ... (a) portrait of corporate power and intimidation and the draconian British libel laws that turn the presumption of innocence on its head. Rated: B Jun 23, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member I have mixed feelings about this. I was horrified to see the baby chicks being gassed. I also know that a low fiber/ high fat diet is not healthy for you. But I don't think these practices are limited to just McDonalds. If you really want to do something about it, become a vegatarian. I only go to McDonalds once in a while as a treat, not every night like some lazy people! My mom told me how crappy their food was a long time ago, when I was a child. I didn't understand the whining about the lack of creativity or the low pay, etc. It's freaking McDonalds for goodness sake! If you want to be creative, find a different line of work. If you want better money, stay in school. I found this documentary rather one sided and recommend you watch "Super Size Me" instead. At least that was entertaining. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member A rousing dramatisation of how this incredible pairing took on one of the world's most powerful multinationals. You'll never eat a Big Man again in sheer solidarity (except at 3am when ethics must take a distant back seat to insatiable alcohol munchies). Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member McLibel made me want to boycott McDonald's, turn vegetarian and even punch a clown or two on principle. But most of all, it restored my faith that the power to shape public discourse really rests with the people. Newscorp, you have been warned. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member The story is really interesting. I'm glad I now know it. It did a good enough job of making me think twice about eating at McDonalds again - although to be honest, I probably still will. The production itself still felt really raw though and not in the usual documentary sort of way. It felt unfinished or rushed or something. The good guys win and that always makes me happy. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member You know most documentaries are depressing but this one is actually really inspiring. Check it out to seee the real McDonald's. Grade: B+ Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member pretty impressive, well done! fuck you McDonalds! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews
McLibel

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McLibel

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Movie Info

Synopsis Documentarian Franny Armstrong explores the infamous "McLibel" case, a lawsuit filed by the McDonald's Corporation that targeted two members of the London Greenpeace environmentalist collective who distributed a brochure denouncing the products and business practices of the massive fast food restaurant chain. Employing courtroom reenactments directed by prominent British filmmaker Ken Loach, the film reveals the extreme financial lengths McDonald's goes to in order to win the suit.
Director
Franny Armstrong
Producer
Franny Armstrong
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 9, 2005, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
May 20, 2005
Release Date (DVD)
Sep 14, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.3K
Runtime
1h 24m