The Corporation
User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 41
  3. Negative: 1 out of 41

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  1. JohnJ.
    Sep 5, 2004
    10
    My only real complaint is that some of the facts of this movie were thrown out so quickly that a person like myself who does not know very much about economics or business practice might not absorb it all. However, there is still so many incredible points in this movie that leaving the theater with even 1/10th of the facts is enough to have an incredible effect. There are instances of outrageous greed on the part of corporations (privatizing water in Central America, renaming and changing soda to be able to sell it in Nazi Germany during WW2) that prove that something must be done, and also instances of thoughtfulness by some of these same people and corporations that prove that perhaps something can be done to save the planet and its people. A great film, much more thoughtful than a lot of movies I have seen recently. Go see it if you get the chance!… Expand
  2. RandyW.
    Jun 10, 2004
    10
    Complete, definitive, informative portrait of the corporate entity. Thoroughly entertaining. One of the best documentaries of the year.
  3. MorganG.
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    A wonderful, compelling indictment of the most powerful institution of our times. For those that claim about partiality; it is supposed to be. The film makers clearly state they are looking to critique this institution; and even still they clearly present the arguments of those on the far-right and prominent corporate figures. Critical theorists in political philosophy always preach that, even when attempting to be, impartiality is impossible. Indeed, the guise of impartiality is as much a subordination to an illiberal and unfair status quo. Thus, what is left is to make an argument based on logic and evidence; reason, to make one's point. This, the corporation clearly does. The movie makes a clear argument and takes on opposing evidence! A great documentary that will hopefully open the eyes of some.… Expand
  4. L.Conti
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    It plays out like the perfect essay. Those who complain that it's too long often received "C's" in school and couldn't understand why. I'm talking to you Mr. Ebert.
  5. Eric
    Apr 6, 2005
    10
    A great documentary that explains how corporations came to rule the world and what we can do about it.
  6. SSiver
    Oct 31, 2004
    10
    Most thought-provoking movie I have seen in some time. Furthermore, even though it was a lecture of leftist doctrine it was remarkably well put together, entertaining and humourous in parts. Makes far stronger and resonant points than F9/11, I would suggest this to anyone who doesn't mind seeing a movie that might make them think. Others have mentioned that the movie is long, but I barely noticed the length, I was overwhelmed initially and never bored or restless.… Expand
  7. CarlosA
    Jul 20, 2004
    10
    Felt like a monumental door the size of the screen was opened for a moment... that was one hell of a closet of skeletons. Worth it just to witness the elightenment of that one CEO. A must-see-again. Long, but worth it.
  8. VinceH.
    Aug 13, 2004
    10
    This is certainly one of the best documentaries I've ever seen, and I've seen pretty much all of the best ones. An informative, crushing, heartbreaking, and highly entertaining film essay that not only suceeds higher than "Fahrenheit 9/11" in its themes and topics, but also teaches us a lot more about the world around us. I don't think any other movie has made me think and contemplate so much about all those random stores and accessories we pass every day in strip malls and plazas, and how they really operate. Of all the recently released left-wing docs, this is the most essential (with respect to Mr. Moore's film, of course).… Expand
  9. DorJ.
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    Excellent film. Thought the comparison to psycopathic traits very interesting. Film quite balanced. The book is very worth reading. Lots of sources, very detailed.
  10. Mark
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    Another must see! Open your eyes folks and be engrossed, scared and perplexed with this powerful film.
  11. RudyS
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    Those who condemn it as some form of propaganda or completely partial fail to realize that this film attempts to give you one side of the story. The movie makes convincing arguments as to why the corporate agenda may not be sustainable. Criticizing the movie for not giving a pro-corporation side is condemning it for something it isn't meant to be. It's a critique of the corporate agenda and should be something people on all sides of the political spectrum should see. Even if you disagree with their positions view it at least to broaden your own view and understand the anti-corporate side of the argument while people who agree with this movie should examine the pro-corporate side.… Expand
  12. Necromus
    Dec 6, 2012
    10
    An absolute must-see for anyone who cares about educating themselves about everything that has gone wrong with America (and countries that follow a very similar model like Canada, etc.). If you're the type of person that thinks ignorance is bliss and just want to go on your merry way believing the corporations you buy all of your stuff from have nothing but the best intentions towards you and your environment this film is not for you. However, if you are a person who wants to know the truth about how the world really works so you possibly might be able to do something about injustices in it that need to be overcome then this film is for you.… Expand
  13. DamienV
    Jul 26, 2004
    9
    "Worth it just to witness the elightenment of that one CEO" I couldn't agree more.
  14. KevinC.
    May 31, 2005
    9
    It amuses me that just after Ebert calls it too long, the very next reviewer says it's too short. As for me? I found it just right. I'm not a big fan of either Moore or Chomsky, but that doesn't mean they don't have good things to say here. Moore even gets - gasp - a little introspective and self-aware near the end. And beyond the story of corporations, there are so many smaller stories - Interface's, for example - that are so engrossing as to keep the movie moving along nicely. Well worth the time invested.… Expand
  15. JonK.
    Jun 15, 2004
    9
    A must see for people of all political persuasions. informative and entertaining.
  16. StevenS.
    Jul 11, 2004
    9
    At once funny, somber, infuriating, and even inspiring, this film should be seen by anyone remotely interested in the future battles that will be waged against the ubiquitous growth of The Corporation.
  17. NilsP.
    Jul 22, 2004
    9
    A fantastic and frightening movie. Though I saw it two months ago, I still remember the feeling of dread I had after leaving the theatre. It would have been nice to leave the viewer with a feeling of empowerment, but it had an effect nonetheless.
  18. MikeB.
    Oct 17, 2006
    9
    Forget your standard-issue horror flicks, this film is truly the most frightening piece of cinema I've ever subjected myself to. The Corporation puts the fear of the Invisible Hand into the viewer, doing for capitalism what Jaws did for beaches.
  19. PepP.
    Oct 26, 2008
    9
    Fantastic documental movie!!!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Pete Vonder Haar
    80
    Powerful, infuriating, and ultimately sobering. Make an effort to see it.
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Dennis Harvey
    80
    A surprisingly cogent, entertaining, even rabble-rousing indictment of perhaps the most influential institutional model for our era.
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  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    100
    It’s coolheaded and incisive, a thorough and informative study of corporations, their origins and their place in the modern world.
    Read full review
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