Earthlings
Due to its extremely graphic nature, this film is for mature audiences only.
Nature · Animals · Humankind · Make the Connection
Earthlings is a feature length documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.
With an in-depth study into pet stores, puppy mills and animals shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and entertainment industries, and finally the medical and scientific profession, EARTHLINGS uses hidden cameras and never before seen footage to chronicle the day-to-day practices of some of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit. Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, Earthlings is by far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals, and human economic interests. There are many worthy animal rights films available, but this one transcends the setting. Earthlings cries to be seen. Highly recommended!
Earthlings has taken five years to produce. What began as a series of Public Service Announcements on spaying and neutering pets, evolved into a feature-length film on every major animal-related issue. Writer/Director Shaun Monson began the process by shooting footage at animal shelters in South Central L.A., Long Beach and North Hollywood. The PSAs were soon completed as his interest moved to other problem areas, like food and scientific research. In time, he accumulated a small library of material from several animal welfare organizations, and started editing. The process was a slow one. As footage gradually came in, Joaquin's narration was recorded (in stages), and a soundtrack was added. Along with all of Moby's music, some original pieces were also written for the film. In 2005, Earthlings premiered at the Artivist Film Festival, (where it won Best Documentary Feature), followed by the Boston International Film Festival, (where it won the Best Content Award), and most recently at the San Diego Film Festival, (where it won Best Documentary Film, as well as the Humanitarian Award to Joaquin Phoenix for his work on the film). Earthlings will be available on DVD on November 4, 2005.
Member Reviews
Brutal but necessary viewing - onebluedog
This is a documentary made by an animal rights activist. The proposed solution: don’t eat meat. That is laudable in its own right, but the film discloses a much deeper problem. We have industrialized EVERYTHING, and in doing so we have lost respect for our food, for our fellow earthlings, indeed for all life, including ourselves. As I watched I realized that we have the notion of “inhuman treatment” backwards. Slaughter, brutality, mindlessness, disrespect – these are the sad attributes that define what is “human” in the modern world. It has been a long slippery slope: a few isolated cases became the norm, then the industrial standard, all driven relentlessly downward by the naked profit motive. I am so glad I saw this, to shake me back into awareness, and hopefully turn me away from giving support to the growing horror by being a mindless consumer.Get Smart - cyberd
Where does one begin after watching this? Human beings as a whole are the most vicious, murderous cold blooded killers of all time. We are not evolved, we ruthlessly slaughter our own kind with guns and bombs by participating in war, support it and elect into it. To add to our guilt we consume products knowing full well that what goes behind it is immoral and just outright evil.
It’s easy to pick or blame big corporations. We all know it’s just a money factor that drives all this. There is no heart or consciousness involved. So make no mistake....it’s the consumer that is to blame because nobody is holding a gun to you head to eat at McDonalds or buy that leather couch.
I hope that all who watch this take the necessary steps in adjusting your eating and purchasing habits.hmmm - Nic_Insect
what to say about this movie? despite shielding my eyes for about 75% of the time, I managed to listen to what was happening until eventually skipping the last 3 or 4 chapters - but i still found it a profoundly disturbing and depressing experience. this is clearly a film with intentions - mainly to illuminate people to the reality of the various animal abuses that are going on in the world. ranging from treatment of homeless animals and puppy mills, all the way to dolphin slaughter in japan, this covers a great deal of utterly horrific ground. I had to give this a 5 star rating because it seemed to perfectly accomplish the task it set out to - however, i would reccomend this film to very few people. if you are questioning your use of animal products, or like myself, have been practising some form of vegetarianism with only a vague idea as to why, this film will help you to understand what disgusting atrocities you will be participating in and supporting through the use of many common products. enlightening but also emotionally devestating, this is defenitely a difficult film for almost anyone to watch, but kind of a necessary one.
Member Reviews
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Brutal but necessary viewing - onebluedog
This is a documentary made by an animal rights activist. The proposed solution: don’t eat meat. That is laudable in its own right, but the film discloses a much deeper problem. We have industrialized EVERYTHING, and in doing so we have lost respect for our ...Get Smart - cyberd
Where does one begin after watching this? Human beings as a whole are the most vicious, murderous cold blooded killers of all time. We are not evolved, we ruthlessly slaughter our own kind with guns and bombs by participating in war, support it and elect ...hmmm - Nic_Insect
what to say about this movie? despite shielding my eyes for about 75% of the time, I managed to listen to what was happening until eventually skipping the last 3 or 4 chapters - but i still found it a profoundly disturbing and depressing experience. this is ...