An extremely refined film, Food Inc. brings a lot of attention to certain areas of the food industry. Showcasing the ills of the system, and like ever the villains are always the same - big conglomerates and the government working hand-in-glove.
Food Inc. chiefly focuses on the meat industry, though also takes a good look at the usage of Corn and Soybean and the companies behind them. It depicts touching stories of a mother who lost her son and who is now an advocate fighting to bring-in more checks into the system and some stories of farmers.
One is managing to hold his own by producing the meat in a natural way, another was fighting a battle with a world's leading corporate and eventually had to settle since he couldn't pay off the legal fees. There are other stories too of people who believe that things are not right, who do their own thing and yet find the going tough against the powers-that-be.
The film successfully showcases the might of the corporate and how difficult it is for individuals to take on them. Through extensive use of different footage including hidden camera, the film puts various points into play - the changing food industry, consumption of people, corporate growth, politics and a strong focus into manufacturing.
The food industry is compared to the auto plants and footage from such factories do highlight the reality - it's a belt system and every is automated. One ominous inference is that it's very difficult to control what you are eating. The film rides on the shoulders of two experts and they do make insightful comments and explain the complexity of this industry.
It does not help when corporate decline to interview, but then that comments on the state of affairs. The film paints different shades and does a decent job of creating that something's wrong.
Though the film dabbles into Organic as the positive deal, it doesn't delve into the negative arguments against it. The film does end on an upbeat note - if once giant tobacco industry can be brought down, then why not the food inc. However the ending does seem hurried. The last 15-minutes seem to rush too soon taking away the impact with which it builds in the beginning and middle.
Yet it's an important film. As it says in the end, take note of what you eat, take onus of finding things, you have a 'right to know'. Be responsible.
[Max Rating ****]
[Viewed on Mac at Langford Town, Bangalore on 25th Nov, 2009]
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