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Not Yet Rated| 1 hr. 25 min.

Plot Summary
Documentarian Marshall Curry investigates the darker side of the fight for our environment in this documentary about the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), a radical group of activists that has gone to extreme lengths to protest against deforestation. The film focuses on Daniel McGowan, a former member of ELF who was sentenced to life in prison when he was found guilty of acts of environmental terrorism after he participated in the firebombing of several Oregon-based timber companies.

Cast:

Director: Marshall Curry

Genres: Documentary

Distributor: Oscilloscope Pictures

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front (2011)

Release Date: June 22nd, 2011|1 hr. 25 min.

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critic reviews ( 3 )
fan reviews ( 1 )
  • 25
    Walter Addiego San Francisco Chronicle

    Depressing. So is director Marshall Curry's avowal in the press notes that the film will leave viewers with "a more nuanced view of the world." show more

  • 60
    Elizabeth Weitzman New York Daily News

    Despite their efforts to address most sides of this complex story, each new interview leaves us wanting to know even more. Of course, that's the sign of a compelling film - but in this case, not an altogether satisfying one. show more

  • 60
    The Hollywood Reporter

    Curry and co-editor Matthew Hamachek assemble the wide-ranging material into an informative, compelling story line, although details about McGowan's upbringing and early years in the environmental movement slow the narrative down and some of the footage of McGowan puttering around his sister's apartment proves too mundane to hold much interest. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com
  • August 30, 2011 wc00000000100563
    Report This User

    Fascinating, revealing and shocking. This movie reveals a story that most Americans have never heard. It tells the story of a group of Americans who believed so strongly in something they were willing to go outside of society\'s accepted norms to force others to listen to them through acts of terrorism. This movie highlights the fact that even an American can become a terrorist and it does so in such a way that you search your soul for the beliefs you have which are strong enough to push you to the brink, to become a terrorist. Every human has at least one belief that is this strong, but not all humans resort to terrorism to force their beliefs on others. The movie makes you feel both sides, which is not easy to do in any movie. This movie is a must see for all Americans.

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