

King Corn
King Corn is a fun and crusading journey into the digestive tract of our fast food nation where one ultra-industrial, pesticide-laden, heavily-subsidized commodity dominates the food pyramid from top to bottom – corn. Fueled by curiosity and a dash of naiveté, two college buddies return to their ancestral home of Greene, Iowa to figure out how a modest kernel conquered America. With the help of some real farmers, oodles of fertilizer and government aide, and some genetically modified seeds, the friends manage to grow one acre of corn. Along the way, they unlock the hilarious absurdities and scary but hidden truths about America’s modern food system in this engrossing and eye-opening documentary.
Insights
Plot Summary
Two friends, Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, embark on a journey to discover the ecological and commercial realities of corn production in the United States. They plant their own acre of corn in rural Iowa and then investigate how this single crop has come to dominate the American landscape and diet. The film explores the complex issues surrounding industrial agriculture, subsidies, and the pervasive presence of corn-derived products in our food.
Critical Reception
King Corn was widely praised by critics for its informative and engaging approach to a complex subject. Reviewers highlighted its ability to simplify intricate agricultural and economic issues while maintaining a personal and accessible narrative. The documentary was lauded for its balanced perspective, presenting the challenges and realities of modern farming without overly condemning farmers.
What Reviewers Say
- A compelling and eye-opening look into the American agricultural system.
- Effectively educates viewers on the dominance of corn in the food supply.
- Features a personal and engaging narrative that makes complex issues accessible.
Google audience: Google users appreciated the film's educational value and its ability to shed light on the pervasive nature of corn in the American diet and economy. Many found the documentary eye-opening and praised its clear explanation of complex agricultural topics.
Awards & Accolades
Screened at the Sundance Film Festival, nominated for a Grand Jury Prize.
Fun Fact
The documentary was inspired by the realization that the vast majority of processed foods contain corn products, leading the filmmakers to question the role of this single crop in America.
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