Mclibel (1997)

100% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(1,009 ratings)

This documentary tells the story of two ordinary people who dared to take on one of the world's largest corporations. Viewers will see not only how the 1.8 billion dollars that McDonald's spends on advertising affects their bottom line, but how it manages to gloss over the unsavory aspects of their… More This documentary tells the story of two ordinary people who dared to take on one of the world's largest corporations. Viewers will see not only how the 1.8 billion dollars that McDonald's spends on advertising affects their bottom line, but how it manages to gloss over the unsavory aspects of their operations. The program also considers the extraordinary lengths to which a company like McDonald's will go to protect its own image. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Franny Armstrong
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: Jun 10, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Aug 30, 2005
Studio: Cinema Libre

Critic Reviews

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.
Dennis Harvey, Variety
An alarming if ultimately inspiring David-and-Goliath parable for today.
John McMurtrie, San Francisco Chronicle
A stirring and sometimes funny film.
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.
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.
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.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
McLibel is best when it sticks to Steel and Morris, who never become comfortable on-camera.
David Sterritt, Christian Science Monitor
Riveting, suspenseful, and a perfect antidote to the too-tricky documentary Super-Size Me.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
the big loser is McDonald's, who spends millions on a year-long trial and is crucified in the court of public opinion
Jonathan W. Hickman, Entertainment Insiders
A fascinating look at perseverance and strength of will, McLibel is inspiring viewing whether you agree with the politics or not.