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McLibel (2005)
Rated: PG
Runtime: 85 mins
Theatrical Release: 17-02-2006
Synopsis: McLibel is the true story of a postman and a gardener who took on McDonald's and wouldn't say "McSorry," in a legal battle since described as "the biggest corporate PR disaster in history." McDonald's loved using the UK's libel laws to suppress criticism. Major media organizations like... McLibel is the true story of a postman and a gardener who took on McDonald's and wouldn't say "McSorry," in a legal battle since described as "the biggest corporate PR disaster in history." McDonald's loved using the UK's libel laws to suppress criticism. Major media organizations like the BBC and The Sun had crumbled and apologized. But then McDonald's sued penniless activists' Helen Steel and Dave Morris. In what became the longest trial in English legal history, the "McLibel 2" represented themselves against McDonald's USD$19 million legal team. Every aspect of the corporation's business was cross-examined: from junk food and McJobs, to animal cruelty, environmental damage and the company's advertising to children. Outside the courtroom, Dave brought up his young son alone and Helen supported herself working nights in a bar. McDonald's tried every trick in the book against them. Legal maneuvers. A visit from Ronald McDonald. Top U.S.executives flying to London for secret settlement negotiations. Even spies. Seven years later, in February 2005, the marathon legal battle finally concluded in the European Court of Human Rights. And the result took everyone by surprise - especially the British Government. Filmed over ten years by no-budget Director Franny Armstrong (Drowned Out), McLibel features reenactments of key courtroom scenes directed by Ken Loach. McLibel is not about hamburgers. It is about the power multinational corporations wield over our everyday lives and two unlikely heroes who are changing McWorld. --© Cinema Libre Studio [More]
Genre: Education/General Interest
Reviews
Everybody loves a good David & Goliath story, often doubly so when the story happens to be entirely factual and quite ironic.
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.
Should give anybody pause the next time they think about ordering 'two all-beef patties, special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a sesame-seed bun.'
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.
... (a) portrait of corporate power and intimidation and the draconian British libel laws that turn the presumption of innocence on its head.
McLibel is best when it sticks to Steel and Morris, who never become comfortable on-camera.
An alarming if ultimately inspiring David-and-Goliath parable for today.
Riveting, suspenseful, and a perfect antidote to the too-tricky documentary Super-Size Me.
the big loser is McDonald's, who spends millions on a year-long trial and is crucified in the court of public opinion
A fascinating look at perseverance and strength of will, McLibel is inspiring viewing whether you agree with the politics or not.
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