The Cola Conquest (1998)

The Cola Conquest tells the story of Coca-Cola - the 'sublimated essence' of all that American stands for - and the century-long competition with its rival, Pepsi-Cola. Challenging, ... See full summary »

Director:

Irene Lilienheim Angelico

Writer:

Irene Lilienheim Angelico

1 win.

Storyline

The Cola Conquest tells the story of Coca-Cola - the 'sublimated essence' of all that American stands for - and the century-long competition with its rival, Pepsi-Cola. Challenging, fast-paced, irreverent, serious and funny by turns, it explores the delicious paradox at the heart of Coke: How did an innocuous soft drink come to wield such enormous power and assume such significance in so many people's lives? What does it tell us about who we are and what we are becoming?

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Plot Keywords:

soft drink | coca cola | marketing | food industry | corporate world | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Also Known As:

I epelasi tis cola

Company Credits

Production Co:

DLI Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min (3 episodes)

Color:

Black and White Color

User Reviews

Poetic and Researched

This is a comprehensive and thoroughly enjoyable film. I'm particularly struck by the care that went into interweaving themes and visual material. There are some extraordinarily poetic moments. I use this film in a course that I teach on commerce and popular culture to illustrate various trends such as the spiritualization of the brand and cultural imperialism. The filmmakers are obviously in touch with these larger philosophical themes, and they have done their homework. All this, and the film does not come off as preachy or heavy handed. A real work of art on one level; on another, a fine addition to our understanding of corporate power.