The Phoenix Network:
 
 
About  |  Advertise
 
Features  |  Reviews
Best2012Vote-1000x50

The Price of Sugar

Prisoners in cane fields
By PEG ALOI  |  November 7, 2007
3.0 3.0 Stars

inside_the_price_of_sugar
THE PRICE OF SUGAR: Unsettling truth in the Domican Republic's cane fields.


Nutrition gurus like Michael Pollan may extol the evils of high-fructose corn syrup, but this documentary by Bill Haney shows the horrific truths behind our favorite sweeetener. Focusing on Father Christopher Hartley, a firebrand missionary born into wealth and privilege, Haney documents the crippling poverty and degradation suffered by Haitian immigrants brought into the Dominican Republic’s cane fields (most of them owned by the billionaire Vicini family). Stripped of their documentation, the workers are virtual prisoners, supervised by armed guards and paid a pittance. Intestinal parasites, tuberculosis, and AIDS add to the ravages of malnutrition. Father Christopher’s stubborn refusal to be cowed by threats (from the Vicini family’s cronies hired to stage protests in the streets) puts him in danger, but he’s galvanized the Haitians toward solidarity. Such an inspiring figure might invoke martyrdom, but Haney’s treatment is unsentimental, allowing the harrowing truth to speak for itself. 90 minutes | Kendall Square 
Related: Michael and me, Reel lives, Pick what you eat, More more >
  Topics: Reviews , Bill Haney, Michael Pollan
| More

 Friends' Activity   Popular   Most Viewed 
[ 02/17 ]   "Guys, Gals, and Glitter"  @ Club Café
ARTICLES BY PEG ALOI
Share this entry with Delicious
  •   REVIEW: THE INNKEEPERS  |  January 31, 2012
    Ti West's spook show is atmospheric (thanks to the terrific hotel setting) and frequently funny; but the plot line is choppy, the dialogue often unnecessary, and the scares too sparse.
  •   REVIEW: THE BEST OF THE OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL  |  January 24, 2012
    The Canadians produce the best animation programs and prove it again with this international selection.
  •   REVIEW: THE DEBT  |  August 30, 2011
    Based on the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov, the story weaves present and past together, with most of the action surrounding the fateful mission and the perilous web of duty, passion, and betrayal that still haunts the agents.
  •   REVIEW: ONE DAY  |  August 16, 2011
    Following her stunning coming-of-age tale, An Education, Danish director Lone Scherfig returns to London for this adaptation of the bestselling novel about a love that spans 20 years.
  •   REVIEW: PRIEST  |  May 19, 2011
    Director Scott Stewart ( Legion ) helms this futuristic tale of a barren world under siege.

 See all articles by: PEG ALOI

MOST POPULAR
RSS Feed of for the most popular articles
 Most Viewed   Most Emailed