Review of "Living Things" A Vegan and Meat Debate

One of my most frequently asked questions is, "Why are you vegetarian?"  I recently updated my "About Me" page to include the answer to this question.  There are many reasons; I love animals, it's healthy, vegetarians eat a more varied diet, and it is better for our environment.  After writing an opinion piece for my school's newspaper, I was contacted by Eric Shapiro, director of "Living Things," who kindly shared his film with me.

The film is distributed by Cinema Libre Studio and is endorsed by PETA.  It details an incredibly intense debate between Rhona, a vegan, and her red-meat loving father-in-law.  When I realized that the film was around an hour and fifteen minutes in run time, I was skeptical of how just one debate could last that long.  To my pleasant surprise, the conversation drifts down many controversial avenues between omnivores and vegetarians.  The film tackles many challenging questions like: Why are animal feelings valued more than plant feelings?  Do vegetarians get enough protein?  Can meat-lovers learn to appreciate meat-free meals?Are vegans healthy enough to bare children?

The debate was believable and the tension between Rhona and her father-in-law felt authentic.  I recommend the film to anyone who is interested in becoming vegetarian or vegan, but has some serious questions.  Vegans and vegetarians would likely enjoy this film, as they would relate to many of the questions Rhona is pounded with.  I also challenge those who have never considered giving up meat to watch, as it is likely to make them think about meat in a whole new way!