Fresh
Compelling and often shocking.
Dave Calhoun, Time Out
Big Boys Gone Bananas!*
The true story about a Swedish filmmaker, a banana corporation, dirty tricks, lawsuits, manipulation and the price of free speech.
2011 · 1h 30m · N/A
Documentary, Drama
Directed by
Fredrik Gertten
Overview
The conflict between Dole Food Company and Swedish filmmaker Fredrik Gertten unfolds dramatically in the documentary "BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS!" as the corporation attempts to suppress Gertten's earlier film, "BANANAS!"—chronicling Nicaraguan workers' lawsuit against Dole. Initially selected for the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival, "BANANAS!" was abruptly removed from competition, followed by a negative article in the Los Angeles Business Journal and legal threats from Dole's attorneys. Gertten captures this saga of corporate intimidation, media manipulation, and legal challenges in his documentary, showcasing the struggles documentary filmmakers face and highlighting the threat to freedom of speech posed by powerful corporations protecting their reputations.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
77%
Tomatometer
Fresh
An eye-opening look at the way the U.S. media fell lockstep behind Dole's claims.
Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times
Rotten
The film's protests of censorship ring hollow given its selective version of the truth.
Simon Abrams, Village Voice
Fresh
A provocative look at what can happen when corporate power takes aim at independent film.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Rotten
An occasionally fascinating, if ultimately reductive, showdown between First Amendment rights and corporate power.
Andrew Schenker, Time Out New York
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