Before the Flood

Name: Before the Flood
Genre: Documentary, News
Released: October 21, 2016
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 63

2016

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Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 66 Ratings

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7.3

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7.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 66 Ratings

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Before The Flood

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Movie Details & Credits

National Geographic Channel | Release Date: October 21, 2016 | PG

Summary: A look at how climate change affects our environment and what society can do prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the planet.

Director: Fisher Stevens

Genre(s): Documentary, News

Rating: PG

Runtime: 96 min

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Critic Reviews

Robert Yaniz Jr.

Oct 27, 2016

The obvious political agenda behind Before the Flood may turn off those who still maintain that climate change is a myth, but the evidence presented in the film should at least cause open-minded viewers to rethink their position on the issue. Read full review

The Film Stage Dan Mecca

Oct 20, 2016

One of the most interesting things when watching Before The Flood is noting how the tone has changed in reference to climate change in just a decade. Read full review

Peter Rainer

Oct 21, 2016

It should all resemble a vanity project except for one thing: The film lays out the case for reform with steadfast rigor. Read full review

Allan Hunter

Oct 19, 2016

A sober, thoughtful documentary that combines a lament for a lost Eden with a rousing call to action. Read full review

Amy Brady

Oct 20, 2016

It's far more convincing — and enraging — when focused on the lives of real people. In these heartbreaking moments, Before the Flood grows more aggressive in its imagery and argumentation, becoming the climate-change documentary Americans need to see. Read full review

John DeFore

Oct 19, 2016

While those of us who've seen dozens of similar docs could name plenty that taught or moved or enraged us more, Flood's filmmakers are intelligent in their use of the biggest asset they have: Not only do they keep their movie star onscreen, they work hard to tie viewers' concern for the environment up with his biography. Read full review

Keith Watson

Oct 17, 2016

The documentary's focus on elite solutionism effectively erases the role of popular agitation in formulating social change. Read full review

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User Reviews

1949Anna

Nov 12, 2016

Great film about the biggest problem facing our existence today.... please watch to the end and take action. The future of this planet depends on all of us.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

DingoDollar

Nov 1, 2016

Incredible! He makes a valid point that in order for things to change, the people have to change - not the government! He is a modern day hero!
People need to stop making excuses and start acting, even if its just a small change, if everyone does a small gesture to start, those will haveIncredible! He makes a valid point that in order for things to change, the people have to change - not the government! He is a modern day hero!
People need to stop making excuses and start acting, even if its just a small change, if everyone does a small gesture to start, those will have huge impact. The film photography is incredible and the story within the journey is also gripping.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

daneesyoung

Nov 11, 2016

This message has been here for over 50 years. DiCaprio synthesized what is coming. There is no stopping it UNLESS we act. Tell EVERYONE you know to see this.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

mimi0nguyen

Dec 11, 2016

The movie gave a descriptive broad overview of the environmental status of the world and how climate change has affected many biomes, as well as humans’ current attempt to create significant impacts in sustaining current ecosystems and repair lament deteriorating ecosystems. LeonardoThe movie gave a descriptive broad overview of the environmental status of the world and how climate change has affected many biomes, as well as humans’ current attempt to create significant impacts in sustaining current ecosystems and repair lament deteriorating ecosystems. Leonardo DiCaprio, the director and investigator of the documentary, documented his experiences of traveling around the world and found how several environments are negatively affected in biodiversity and climate conditions. Leo also spoke to experts who hope to improve the climate issues such as the GigaFactory CEO, professors with socio-economic and political insight, and President Obama himself on the matter. After DiCaprio’s research and travels, he attends an international meeting as a spokesperson to advocate environmental awareness and encourage change to every attending nation. The documentary is a good introduction to the complexity and issue of climate change, and I highly recommend checking it out.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

martens16

Nov 6, 2016

This is one of those do good documentaries from a "big name" in Hollywood that makes sense all the way around. Even if you don't agree with the subject the facts are there and you can't help but think twice after watching this film. I think it sheds light from a team of people with enoughThis is one of those do good documentaries from a "big name" in Hollywood that makes sense all the way around. Even if you don't agree with the subject the facts are there and you can't help but think twice after watching this film. I think it sheds light from a team of people with enough voice to actually make someone listen.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

beflygelt

Nov 2, 2016

Two things I want to put first right here. For one, this is an exceptional documentary and works wonderfully as a piece of enlightenment. Secondly, I have to say that Leonardo DiCaprio is a really bad actor in it. I also think, however, that you should -and easily can- look past that fact.Two things I want to put first right here. For one, this is an exceptional documentary and works wonderfully as a piece of enlightenment. Secondly, I have to say that Leonardo DiCaprio is a really bad actor in it. I also think, however, that you should -and easily can- look past that fact.

Now, I think it is a great thing that one of the most famous people in the world gives his face to draw attention to the most urgent issue of our time, the devastation of our planet through our own hands, or how most people call it, "climate change". DiCaprio's presence throughout the film also helps you to identify with the situation, you look through his eyes much the same way you see the madness of war through Martin Sheen's eyes in Apocalypse Now. So overall, he benefits this movie in all the right ways... Well, all the right ways except for authenticity. The problem I have is that when I look at his face during these interviews, I don't see genuine interest. I see disinterest. All his "oh my god"s come across as uninspired and fake to me. I see a person trying to level up his PR. He comes across as hypocritical. And I mean he's a great actor, why couldn't he at least pretend interest? It's just baffling to me. He seems to care, but he also looks bored. Maybe he plays with brilliance a character meant to reflect our own ignorance and hypocrisy. I kinda doubt that though.

But the documentary itself is easily good enough to condone DiCaprio's ambiguous appearance. I think it takes a look at all the right things and delivered all the right messages. Technically, the editing of Before The Flood, it's structure, especially how it uses Bosch's painting The Garden of Earthly Delights as a frame for it's story, is impeccable. I also really liked how they used behind the scenes footage of The Revenant (another film I really like). The cinematography is very impressive, delivering many memorable pictures. And the score by heavy-weights Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (highly acclaimed for their work on recent David Fincher films) in collaboration with Mogwai (!!) and Gustavo Santaolalla is marvelous. The interviews are all very interesting and informative, illuminating not only the facts we have to face in a very objective and vivid manner, but also showing the different perspectives on the topic from all around the world, giving you a very complete picture. And interestingly enough I didn't find the film to be preachy at all (I definitely expected it to be exactly that), it is much rather informative and insightful. After all, the content of a documentary, and even moreso the way it is delivered, is all that counts. And this makes it, by all accounts, a great film. It helps to gain deeper understanding of one of the most important topics in the world. And it will convince people not aware of it's importance.

You can stream Before The Flood for free on youtube. A great decision on side of the filmmakers. It is the absolute right thing to do in 2016, just putting it online where everybody can see it. And not to charge money for such a clearly high-budget project definitely shows the good intention behind it

You can follow me on https://letterboxd.com/beflygelt/… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

Ellen2

Nov 10, 2016

This is a very good and informative film. It shows the harsh realities of global warming while at the same time offer hope, showing us that we can make a change and even stop and reverse the effects. Leonardo DiCaprio is great in the film and you can really tell that he believes what he isThis is a very good and informative film. It shows the harsh realities of global warming while at the same time offer hope, showing us that we can make a change and even stop and reverse the effects. Leonardo DiCaprio is great in the film and you can really tell that he believes what he is saying. Overall if you want to see a great film about climate change, learn something or even just want to see Leonardo DiCaprio then I recommend you watch this film.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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