The Story of Plastic (2019) User Reviews

A Must-See Account of Our Plastic Crisis

[hodgetts-665-29065 · 8/10 · 25 April 2020]

I viewed this film as part of the 2020 Cleveland International Film Festival's streaming catalog. The film is an eye-opening look at the life cycle of plastic and should especially be commended for its focus on the issues posed by single-use plastics to people in the Global South. While the film jumps around the world, it spends much of its time in communities in the Global South as well as in economically less advantaged communities in developed states (particularly the USA). The film could be criticized for a narrative structure that has trouble sticking to its point for long (and this makes the film feel long for its 96 minutes), but this is vastly outweighed by the information being presented. Viewers learn briefly about the history of plastic, before the film settles into its themes: that single-use plastic is the next frontier of exploitation by the oil and gas (and chemical) industry, that recycling of said plastics is a sham that is especially destructive for poor communities, and that there are many committed activists around the world working towards a zero waste future. The film attempts to strike a hopeful cord, but as with most environmental documentaries right now, it also is one with an urgent (and depressing) message. If you have read this far, you should absolutely take the time to watch it - it is now widely available via digital distribution.

Break Free from Plastic

[TigerHeron · 10/10 · 30 July 2020]

This is an excellent documentary that exposes the business behind single use plastic. Most people don't think about how plastic is made from fossil fuels and that each time we buy something made of plastic we're supporting the fossil fuel industry. Nor do most people probably realize that much of the plastic they use is not recyclable, nor that burning it gives off toxic fumes and contributes to climate change. Most people don't realize that we've been sending our plastic waste to the Third World, where poor people are exposed to the toxic waste created by plastics. There are some really shocking scenes and anecdotes in this film. Stop buying single use plastic, especially snack wrappers that cannot be recycled.

Soo truthfully painful and heartbreaking...

[Vinnie_PB · 10/10 · 12 June 2020]

Here you just have to feel at least a little to understand the whole meaning about human infinitely destructive stupidity.

The plague of the 21st century. Say no more!

Learn about the truth of plastics

[lidiamartinezprado · 30 July 2020]

Great documentary. Visit the website, help out! I loved this documentary. I wish this was available in an independent platform to watch by anybody.

Plastics can be destroyed but there is no profit in it

[neverends · 2/10 · 8 July 2020]

If this interests you then watch plastic planet, a much more forward doc. It's not filled with people pointing fingers and crying. There are solutions but they cost money and make no money that is why plastics are hurting the planet. They don't have to. They can be useful and not hurt our planet. It's all about the all mighty dollar.

Hysterical activists

[rsvp321 · 8 July 2020]

Boring, a lot of misleading "facts", opposing opinions weren't presented in this video.

It's activists that want the human race to devolve.