Eco-Films!

List creator: underdog Created on: August 12, 2003 - 9:46 AM PDT Description: The Earth's still a troubled place. These films vary wildly in quality but all have environmentalist themes, some may even inspire you to activism. (Quite a few good movies about environmentalism aren't out on DVD, so these'll do for now.)

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	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	Erin Brockovich (2000)
Surprisingly great and inspiring -- although Soderbergh's involvement makes it less surprising. Roberts proved she can act, playing a more recent version of Lois Gibbs (Love Canal)
	The China Syndrome (1979)
Still classic, suspenseful depiction of the perils of nuclear power was particularly scary in 1979 when 3 Mile Island melted down, but still holds some power (as it were) today
	Ghostbusters (1984)
You scoff, but this hilarious film has a toxic waste subtext, at least according to some people
	Fire on the Amazon (1993)
Frankly, this really isn't a very good movie, although the story itself is inspiring. It's too bad Burning Season: The Chico Mendes Story isn't out on DVD; that will fill in this space when it arrives.
	The Electric Horseman (1979)
Longtime environmentalist Redford surely had something to do with the environmental theme that sneaks into this film as it goes along. A bit dated, but a very likeable, even touching, romance
	Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (1990)
In my opinion, a bit self-indulgent and heavy-handed, and far from the master's best work, but def. worth seeing; two of the "episodes" are environmentally themed and good fodder for debate
	Doomwatch (1972)			Not Rated
Kind of half-baked but worth seeing as a time capsule of the ecological mindset of the 1970s
	Koyaanisqatsi - Life Out of Balance (1982)			Not Rated
Beautiful, time-lapse cinematography and Philip Glass' haunting score are the main stars here, with the eco-theme also an attraction for some people. Haunting and maudlin at the same time.
	A Civil Action (1998)
Not entirely successful depiction of true story of toxic waste battles, partially because of an unsatisfying ending, it's nonetheless inspiring
	Soylent Green (1973)
Classic sci-fi doesn't seem as farfetched today as it once did, and is just as scary. "Soon they'll be breeding us like cattle!"
	Never Cry Wolf (1983)
Amazing photography and rousing man-and-nature story centered by CM Smith's performance. Will make you want to run off with wolves.
	Baraka (Special Edition) (1993)
My favorite of all the -atsi type movies, this is not only a great disc to show off dvd technology but also to make you feel connected to the rest of the world
	The Day of the Dolphin (1973)			Not Rated
Totally bizarre film is nonetheless eminently watchable in a campy sort of way, although it's hard not to think of the Simpsons episode where dolphins take over. If you're a fan of dolphins, like me, you'll still enjoy this thing.
	Cane Toads: An Unnatural History (1987)			Not Rated
Oft-hilarious little doc from down under is part real, part not so real, but all unique and memorable. Also makes you realize while some people think of this creature as a pest, others revere them
	Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
Weaver is excellent as the martyred Gorilla researcher Dian Fossey; will make you hate our species
	Trinity and Beyond: The Atomic Bomb Movie (1995)			Not Rated
Along with Day After Trinity, an enlightening look at the A-bomb's story and aftermath
	Princess Mononoke (1997)
Like much of Miyazaki's work this has a strong environmental theme, but it is more balanced and complex than one would expect, showing both the human and natural sides of ethical delimma. A beautiful, moving fantasy with some very real thematic elements
	The Emerald Forest (1985)
Sheesh, I have this on two lists now. Well, I couldn't overlook it. Saw this when I was a young teen and it was one of the first films to make an impact on me about man's relationship to the environment.
	Silent Running (1971)
About the only science fiction film that ever made me cry, this will make you look at your houseplant more affectionately.
	Green Legend Ran (1992)
Severely underrated anime series (condensed into one DVD feature) mixes, as Charles Solomon wrote, "ecological themes with some very odd theology