The Vanishing of the Bees (2011)

59% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(504 ratings)

As honeybees continue to disappear at an alarming rate, filmmakers George Langworthy and Maryam Henein probe the political, economic, and ecological overtones of "Colony Collapse Disorder." In illustrating the ancient connection between the human race and the honeybee, Langworthy and Henein attempt… More As honeybees continue to disappear at an alarming rate, filmmakers George Langworthy and Maryam Henein probe the political, economic, and ecological overtones of "Colony Collapse Disorder." In illustrating the ancient connection between the human race and the honeybee, Langworthy and Henein attempt not only to solve this disturbing mystery, but to provide us with suggestions for reversing it. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: George Langworthy, Maryam Henein
Genres: Documentary

In Theaters: Apr 20, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Jun 14, 2011
Studio: Dogwoof

Critic Reviews

Rob Nelson, Variety
Hypnotic slo-mo images of honeybees flapping their wings are about all that distinguishes the docu Vanishing of the Bees from a well-researched article on its subject.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A cogent documentary exploring the causes of the global disappearance of honeybees who play such a crucial role in our ecosystem.
Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat
Both frightening and inspiring.
Brent Simon, Shockya.com
Shines a light on a fascinating and important subject, but also suffers some from comparatively lax filmmaking, failing to provide the sort of detail which would more robustly engage the typical layperson viewer.
Stuart McGurk, Sunday Times (UK)
Well intentioned and urgent - but let down by hammy narration, a made-for-TV budget and a blatant plug for its co-sponsor, the Co-op.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
A serious, didactic, rather rambling documentary.
Derek Malcolm, This is London
After watching this, you'll probably end up worrying as much as they do.
Anna Smith, Empire Magazine
Fascinating subject expertly covered.
Derek Adams, Time Out
There's little form to the structure, the editing is amateurish and the narration is puerile. It's a worthwhile subject - but the film is too poor to justify a release.
Daniel Etherington, Film4
Its US focus is disappointing considering the global issues, the sound mix is terrible in places, there's some iffy animation.
Kevin Maher, Times [UK]
Of course something has to change. But let's start with the eco-doc format.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
Langworthy and Henein sketch out the way this crisis has entered Hollywood's consciousness, in the form of M Night Shyamalan's sci-fi clunker The Happening.
Allan Hunter, Daily Express
A worthwhile documentary.
Jane Crowther, Total Film
Well-intentioned but lacking filmic zip, it'd fly better on the box.
Tom Cox, Daily Mail [UK]
A real buzz killer - in the best possible way.
Karen Krizanovich, Filmstar Magazine
Despite its schoolroom tone, The Vanishing of the Bees sounds an alarm; it's essential we heed it.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
A disappointing film that unfortunately fails to do justice to its vitally important subject.

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Sarah P

I didn't think it was a great documentary, but the subject was interesting.

The Vanishing of the Bees (2011)

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Sarah P

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