Golias

Frederic Tellier had used us to great films and topics, and this one proves what I just say. This is a thrilling drama and not a thriller. It is gripping, disturbing because it opens our eyes for those who don't know anything about the danger of chemical industries on our health. You could not find a more modern and in fashion topic, so close to reality, the danger for each of us in the future. It doesn't give you the desire to have children in such a world. It is a rather pessimistic film, but maybe not that hopeless. Great performances from beginning to the end and an excellent story telling and editing. You can compare it with Todd Hayne's DARK WATERS but you can prefer SILKWOOD, starring Meryl Streep. Same kind of topics and social issues. This is the nastiest character that Pierre Niney has ever played. I wished him to be smashed. His role is nearly the total opposite character he had in BOITE NOIRE.

Not a wonderful movie but a good play by all the actors. Gilles Lellouche and Pierre Niney are very good in theirs characters.

Regarding the topic, it's a Frederic Tellier's movie with the Bads (companies & lobbies) and the Goods (ie activists). And the Goods have to win. Of course the topic about chemicals products is very interesting and the consequences on the health of farmers and neighborhood of the farms and the fields. But I don't like this kind of position, too unique. So, I don't know what thinking about this movie, if I liked it or I hated it.

Watch it to have your own opinion on it.

The film essentially criticizes the practices of Monsanto around Glyphosate (although they use a fictional company and fictional pesticide), who biased scientific research in various ways, eg, discrediting research, paying scientists, etc.

It turns out that this film does exactly the same for the other camp. The film has absolutely no nuance and exaggerates every aspect of fight against glyphosate.

It pits sympathetic characters-a grieving lawyer (Patrick), a determined activist (France), and a conflicted lobbyist (Mathias)-against Phytosanis, a stand-in for Monsanto depicted as a ruthless corporation knowingly hiding the dangers of its pesticide. This creates a classic David vs. Goliath narrative, with the corporation as the unambiguous villain.

The reality is much more nuanced. By taking such an extreme, this film is essentially guilty of the same type of biased influencing as Monsanto.

Excellent movie. It has several important and subtle details that only keen eyes can connect. Luckily it completely anguished me from start to finish. The construction of the characters, the relationship with the unfortunate reality, the performance of the actors, the colors, the camera movements. Nothing is by chance, each scene brings a deeper reflection, we just need to know how to read that. A true work of art, congratulations to all involved.

Goliath isn't a 'great' film but it's an important story, well told. Terrific performances all around and excellent claustrophobic cinematography which helps create a tense atmosphere. For me, a couple of things let it down - some rather corny reaction shots of people laughing at the lobbyist's joke, and the sentimental ending over the credits. But the rest of the film far outweighs these minor flaws. Recommended.