Forks Over Knives (2011)

Examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.

Director:

Lee Fulkerson

Writer:

Lee Fulkerson

Stars:

Jason Aucoin, Joey Aucoin, Neal Barnard

Cast

Credited cast:
Jason Aucoin	...	Himself
Joey Aucoin	...	Himself
Neal Barnard	...	Himself (as Neal Barnard M.D.)
Gene Baur	...	Himself
San'Dera Brantley-Nation	...	Herself
T. Colin Campbell	...	Himself (as T. Colin Campbell Ph.D.)
Junshi Chen	...	Himself (as Junshi Chen Ph.D.)
Joseph Crowe	...	Himself
Mac Danzig	...	Himself
Connie Diekman	...	Herself (as Connie Diekman MEd RD FADA)
Caldwell Esselstyn Jr.	...	Himself (as Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. M.D.)
Rip Esselstyn	...	Himself
Ruth Heidrich	...	Herself
David Klurfeld	...	Himself (as David Klurfeld Ph.D.)
Matthew Lederman	...	Himself (as Matthew Ledderman M.D.)

Storyline

What has happened to us? Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug and major medical operations have become routine. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country's three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to "battle" these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases. Could it be there's a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive, but so utterly straightforward, that it's mind-boggling that more of us haven't taken it seriously? FORKS OVER KNIVES examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the so-called "diseases of affluence" that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces ...

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Taglines:

Warning - This movie could save your life!

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Genres:

Documentary

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some thematic elements and incidental smoking

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 May 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gabel statt Skalpell - Gesünder leben ohne Fleisch

Company Credits

Production Co:

Monica Beach Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #2.24 (2011)

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Soundtracks

"Welcome Home"
Written by Radical Face
Performed by Radical Face

User Reviews

Let The Viewer Beware

I have mixed emotions about this film. I like the message that Americans (actually most of the world thanks to the spread of fast food chains) is becoming less healthy and more obese. However, despite what 'bhouman' the alleged surgeon on this site wrote, there are many seemingly deliberate inaccuracies in this film. Here are just a few:

* Prostate cancer is not the leading cause of cancer in men. It is skin cancer (http://www.cdc.gov/features/cancerandmen/).

* There is a risk in having a plant based diet in that there are nine amino acids our bodies cannot produce and, while these are found in meat, they only exist in certain plants. This was the argument of the director of nutrition at Wash U. but it was dismissed with a response that has nothing to do with the quality (types of amino acids present) of protein: "eating whole foods it is virtually impossible to be protein deficient without being calorie deficient because even if you take the foods that have the least amount of protein in it, lets say potatoes or rice – eight, nine percent. That's the figure we more or less need."

* The film claims that milk causes metabolic acidosis which in turn leads to lower levels of stored calcium in bones. The explanation given is that milk lowers blood pH and calcium is taken from bones in order to form calcium carbonate and thus help neutralize the blood. The truth is that sodium bicarbonate is used to neutralize blood pH and although milk is slightly acidic, it is nowhere near as acidic as the stomach itself. Metabolic acidosis is typically related to kidney or liver failure or in an uncontrolled type 1 diabetic reaction (DKA). This whole explanation about milk in the movie is ridiculous and feels manufactured to scare people away from drinking milk.

* A claim is made that Americans drink energy drinks, caffeine, and sugar because they have chronic fatigue. Okay? Based on what evidence? None is given, but this sets the stage for arguing for spinach which typically provides some sense of energy.

* The whole argument about the USDA conspiring with the meat and dairy constituents of the government to falsify dietary recommendations to the American people is just paranoid speculation which is completely unsubstantiated in this film.

Most of the rest of the film has some great points that are true.