Watch Chow Down
- NR
- 2009
- 1 hr 13 min
-
7.0 (39)
Chow Down is a powerful documentary that highlights the effects of the standard American diet. The film was released in 2010, and it covers the impact that unhealthy foods have on people's health, especially on the risks of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The documentary follows the lives of three people who have taken different approaches to changing their diets following health scares: T. Colin Campbell, who authored "The China Study" and protested the addition of animal protein in the diet, Caldwell Esselstyn Jr., who argued that a plant-based diet is best, and Rip Esselstyn, who urged people to stay committed to the very beneficial idea of plant-based diets.
The first person the audience meets is a former junk-food junkie who switched to a plant-based diet after dealing with severe health issues. The next person is a college student who wants to be healthy but doesn’t know how to cook. The final person is an overall health expert who believes that changing one's diet could be crucial to longevity.
The documentary provides insight into the ways that the food industry has impacted our health. It allows the audience a look at the unhealthiness that is prevalent in our food supply and offers resources on how to shift and improve this.
One of the strengths of Chow Down is the emphasis it places on looking at the science behind the food. It highlights aspects of nutrition that often get neglected, such as the importance of fiber in the diet, and the specific ways that certain foods can impact our overall health. Experts along the way discuss how our understanding of nutrition and health, and the treatments that we seek when we are ill, are shaped by profit-driven agendas of major food corporations.
The film is honest in the way it confronts the reality of unhealthy eating habits, and remains compelling throughout. It offers a clear-eyed and driven approach to changing how we think about our diets and the cultural pressures that push us in unhealthy directions.
Overall, Chow Down is a powerful documentary that offers important insights into the American diet, and how it is harming our health. It is an inspiring call to action, offering viewers the tools and information they need to make healthy choices, and to take control of their diet and overall health. The movie provides an array of useful tips for people looking to make healthy dietary changes, offers insights into some of the most pressing health problems facing people today, and offers a call to action for viewers looking to improve their lives.
The documentary's star power is also impressive, as the filmmakers were able to assemble an all-star cast of leading experts in the field of plant-based diets and nutrition to provide valuable insights and advice to viewers. These experts are not speaking from theory, but from lived experience, and can share a wealth of information on how to combat the unhealthy food culture.
The film also succeeds in creating an emotional connection between the audience and the characters. Viewers are invested in the experiences of these characters, and are motivated to see them make healthy choices and improve their lives. The stories of the characters are compelling and relatable, and make the point that even small dietary changes can have a profound impact on overall health, both physical and mental.
Overall, Chow Down is an inspiring, informative, and deeply moving documentary about one of the most pressing health issues facing Americans today. It is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to better understand the relationship between diet and health, and who wants to take action to make positive change in their lives. Whether you are a long-time vegan or simply curious about the benefits of plant-based eating, this film is a must-see, and is sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers of all ages and backgrounds.
Chow Down is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.