Crude

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  • NR
  • 2009
  • 1 hr 44 min
  • 7.5  (866)
  • 75

Crude is a documentary film released in 2009, directed by Joe Berlinger, which explores the complex legal battle between a group of Indigenous peoples in Ecuador and the American oil company Chevron. The film opens with an aerial view of the Amazon rainforest, as the narrator explains that this region is home to a group of Indigenous people called the Cofán, whose traditional way of life is being threatened by the oil industry. The story then shifts to the city of Lago Agrio, where a lawsuit has been filed against Chevron by a group of Ecuadorian villagers, who claim that the company's oil drilling operations have caused widespread environmental damage and widespread health problems.

The film introduces us to several key figures in the legal battle, including Pablo Fajardo, the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, Kent Robertson, a spokesperson for Chevron, and Dan Ashley, a reporter for ABC News who is covering the story. Through interviews with these individuals, as well as footage from court proceedings and protests, the film recounts the long and complicated history of the lawsuit, which stretches back more than a decade.

One of the main themes of the film is the tension between the Indigenous peoples and the oil industry, which is portrayed as a classic struggle between David and Goliath. The film shows how the Cofán, along with other Indigenous groups in the region, have been fighting for their rights and their way of life for generations, and how the arrival of the oil companies has only made their struggle more difficult.

At the same time, the film also presents the perspective of Chevron and its representatives, who argue that the lawsuit is based on fraudulent claims and that the company has done nothing wrong. They say that the plaintiffs and their lawyers are only interested in money, and that the case is part of a larger campaign against American corporations.

Overall, Crude is a well-researched, thought-provoking film that raises many important questions about the role of corporations in society, the rights of Indigenous peoples, and the power of the legal system. By presenting multiple perspectives and allowing viewers to make up their own minds, the film serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, individuals and communities can still fight for justice and make a difference in the world.

Crude is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 75.

Crude
Description
Where to Watch Crude
Crude is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download on demand at Amazon Prime. Some platforms allow you to rent Crude for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2009
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 44 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (866)
  • Metascore
    75
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