Watch You've Been Trumped

"You've Been Trumped" is a British documentary film directed by Anthony Baxter that was released in 2011. The film follows the story of the construction of a luxurious golf resort by American business magnate and former US President Donald Trump in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In particular, the film centers on the opposition of a group of local residents who are against the construction of the resort, which they believe to be both environmentally and socially devastating to their community.

The main protagonist of the film is Michael Forbes, a Scottish farmer who refuses to sell his land to Trump's company, leading to a bitter battle between the two men. Forbes' refusal to budge from his land becomes a symbol of resistance for the whole community, and he and his family soon face harassment, intimidation, and bullying from Trump's employees and supporters. Not only is Forbes targeted, but other neighboring landowners receive gruesome letters from Trump's lawyers warning them that they will go bankrupt if they do not comply with Trump's wishes.

Meanwhile, the film also portrays the environmental damage done by the construction of the golf resort, which is built on a site of special scientific interest and one of Europe's rarest and most fragile sand dune systems. The film shows how the Trump organization disregarded warnings from environmentalists and locals about the damage that the resort would cause to a unique and protected ecosystem.

Moreover, the film highlights the role that the Scottish government played in facilitating Trump's plans. Despite the strong opposition to the construction of the resort, the Scottish government granted Trump and his company the necessary permits to continue the work, overruling the concerns of local residents and environmental campaigners. The film portrays the government's actions as favoring corporate interests over that of the local community and wildlife, and disregarding the voices of the people affected by the development.

"You've Been Trumped" also explores the impact of the construction of the resort on local economic interests. Trump has promised job opportunities and economic growth for the region, but the film shows that many of the boasts made by the Trump Organization regarding the resort's economic impact are untrue. In fact, many local businesses are struggling to survive due to Trump's company buying up vast amounts of land and driving down both the rental values and the economic vibrancy of the area.

Throughout the film, Baxter weaves together these various strands of opposition, environmentalism, economic concerns, and corporate bullying to create a cohesive narrative of a community's fight against a powerful player. The documentary is characterized by its accessible storytelling style and the powerful presence of Forbes, who intuitively articulates his belief in the importance of standing for the preservation of one's culture and well-being.

In conclusion, "You've Been Trumped" is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that provides a nuanced perspective on the development of Trump's Aberdeenshire golf resort. The film highlights the complex intersections between corporate interests, environmentalism, and the influence of politics on economic development while showcasing the resilience of a local community faced with a powerful enemy. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the effects of unsustainable development on both individuals and the environment.

You've Been Trumped is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 57.