Crude
Crude

Crude

2009Movie105 minEnglish

The story of lawsuit by tens of thousands of Ecuadorans against Chevron over contamination of the Ecuadorean Amazon.

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Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users88%
Director: Sammy JacksonGenres: Documentary, Crime

Plot Summary

Crude is a powerful documentary that chronicles the landmark lawsuit filed by thousands of indigenous Ecuadoreans against Chevron Corporation. The film follows the decades-long struggle for justice and accountability as indigenous communities fight for compensation and environmental remediation after devastating oil contamination in the Amazon rainforest. It highlights the human cost of corporate exploitation and the resilience of those seeking to protect their land and heritage.

Critical Reception

Crude was widely praised for its urgent message and compelling storytelling, drawing significant attention to the environmental and human rights issues in the Amazon. Critics lauded its intimate portrayal of the legal battle and the indigenous fight for justice, though some noted the complex legal and political landscape it navigated. The documentary resonated with audiences for its raw depiction of a David-and-Goliath struggle.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply affecting and important documentary that exposes corporate malfeasance and celebrates indigenous resilience.
  • Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, capturing the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
  • Effectively documents a complex legal and environmental battle, serving as a stark warning about the consequences of unchecked resource extraction.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly approved of "Crude," praising its powerful storytelling, important social and environmental message, and the courageous fight of the indigenous communities. Many highlighted the film's ability to shed light on a critical global issue and its emotional impact.

Awards & Accolades

Official Selection at Sundance Film Festival, Winner of the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Winner of the Human Rights Award at the Nuremberg International Human Rights Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Sammy Jackson spent six years living with the indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon, immersing himself in their culture and the ongoing legal battle to gain their trust and accurately document their story.

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