Thanks, in part, to movies like these, the phrase, "going green" is now a part of every American's vocabulary. All of these films affected how we view environmental issues, but one in particular spoke to our Academy.
The nominees are:
And the winner is...
Cris Bisch says:
I love, love, love Discovery Channel's Planet Earth Series, but please, please, please add the Josh Tickell's documentary "Fuel" to your list of nominees: http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/documentary-film-fuel/88MU2U8SYWK8YO4YIBHYUB9KPB3N.
Jordana G. says:
It may be just because it's older and so I've had many more years to think on it, but I'd say Erin Brokovich most opened my eyes not only to environmental degredation/pollution, but to a culture of it.
Debbie S. says:
Tough choice, these are good. I think An Inconvenient Truth and 11th Hour made the biggest impact on me.
Lorelei G. says:
No contest, between Erin Brokovich and An Inconvenient Truth, it's Inconvenient Truth by a mile.
M S. says:
Erin Brokovich might have had a broader appeal than Inconvenient Truth - I would bet the percentage of watchers who had no prior interest in environmental issues was higher for Eric Brokovich. And there were no uncomfortable scenes with Al Gore talking about his depression after the election debacle.
I haven't seen Planet Earth. But I'd guess that it would be "most enlightening."
Tony D. says:
the "Story of Stuff" should be on the list! Its an amazing fact filled film that will change this culture of consumption. Its had an enormous affect on the people I know that have watched it. www.storyofstuff.com
Cris Bisch says:
Okay, so now that FUEL is a nominee in another category, I vote for Planet Earth and here's why: Planet Earth has the most awe inspiring film footage I've ever seen. All of nature, the wild life and wild places, reveals the uniqueness and complexity of species and the bio-diversity and their delicate balance, which if maintained or changed will cause them to either thrive or perish. Nature is speaking in all it's wonder and beauty... we need to spend more time observing, listening and protecting.
Ken O. says:
I've only seen the first two so don't feel qualified to vote, but if you are counting my vote, I'd vote for 11th Hour. Props to Leo. 11th Hour covers all of our "spoiling where we live" degredation vectors in one sitting.
Monica S. says:
Planet Earth was an incredible phenomena - it seemed that many people I know watched at least a bit of it and thought it was beautiful - and it didn't matter what their feelings on global warming happened to be. I think this movie had an ability to reach more people than ITruth - I recall that some people I know purposely stayed away from ITruth.
Adam W. says:
I would also like to throw my vote behind Planet Earth. The scene of the snow leapord chasing and killing a mountain goat is without a doubt the best 2 minutes of of TV I have ever watched. I could keep throwing cliche "inspiring" comments out there, but it wouldn't do the film justice. If you haven't seen this movie, you are missing out. It is probably the only thing I could recommend more highly than going outside and exploring nature for yourself.
Beth R. says:
All great films - but An Inconvenient Truth inspired me to take action and remind people that the small changes do add up.
Charles B. says:
An Inconvenient Truth
Beth Terry says:
Of the movies listed, I vote for An Inconvenient Truth. But really, I'd rather add my personal favorite to the list: Blue Vinyl.
Gemma P. says:
I have to vote for Zeitgeist. It covers a lot of terrain, not just the environment, but it's all connected so I guess maybe it does belong in the environment category. If I could only recommend one of all the films nominated in all categories, it would be Zeitgeist. A huge eye-opener, and to the things that matter most. Plus, if you ever doubted the immensely profound effects of astrology you need to see this film.
Diana Budds says:
Al Gore is simply a genius. He basically stood in front of a projector and lectured--a move which typically bores people to tears--but managed to captivate a nation. My vote is for "An Inconvenient Truth."
Mariel T. says:
An Inconvenient Truth. Planet Earth is beautiful though.
Brian H. says:
great stuff, but An Inconvenient Truth was so huge.
Abby G. says:
So many great movies in this category. Shout out to March of the Penguins and Inconvenient Truth, but I just saw Erin Brokovitch again and it makes me want to go all paralegal on the corporate giants. It's inspiring