Film Review: The Game Changers

I am not a regular movie reviewer. I went whole food-plant based three years ago to fix my cholesterol and it worked, so I’m on board with this healthy version of veganism, 3 years running. Therefore, while I do have bias but when I read science, I try to still account for that and be consistent.

I give this film three and a half out of 4 stars.

The film is engaging with a good pace. The music chosen is motivational. The stars and personalities such as athletes, doctors and researchers were well chosen. The film makes emotional appeals, and some weak scientific arguments, but some very strong health related arguments. The camera and scenes were excellent with some breathtaking visuals in Africa, at sports events, on the road cycling and on the Appalachian trail running, for example.

Primarily, the film appeals to the steadfast holdouts against dietary change: men who still eat animal products. It mostly portrays the realistic idea that a plant-only diet can maintain professional athletes, even those with world and national records and championships in a variety of sports. Male-dominated violent sports such as Ultimate Fighting Championship and professional football. Strength and muscularity is well covered. However, long endurance and spring sports such as cycling, ultra marathons and track are covered.

The film goes on to touch a great deal of topics involved with veganism:

1. Plant effects on sexual function and better impact on the blood vessels and heart.
2. Food animal suffering.
3. Sport and trophy hunting effects.
4. Environmental consequences of animal food production, all of which are stark but allow for individuals to make a big difference in the world.
5. The food industry’s effect through commercials and industry funded ‘scientific’ studies.
6. The fact that plant protein is adequate and even healthier than animal protein.
7. Vitamin B12 and the real cause of deficiency: increased attention to cleanliness of water and all plant foods.
8. A one week vegan trial for New York fire fighters to improve their health. Massive serum cholesterol value drops were measured which indicate massive health benefit, the same that happened to me after a few weeks on the food program.
9. Comparison of different species to show humans have biological components which suggest they are primarily plant eaters.

Considering all those pieces of the film, it was well worth the price for me to see since it provided a great deal of motivation and validated what some of my previously discovered inspirations have said: people such as Dr. John Mcdougall, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Michael Greger, Nathan Pritikin.

Other Observations

Health Science

There are far more scientific studies related to serious diseases than sports outcomes. The health benefits of veganism and even more so for the whole food-plant based diet are significant and well established. That is not to say there aren’t a good number of claims (not necessarily in this film) without much or any evidence. To me, I am sold by health outcome testimonials backed up by good science which has been confirmed by respected and reliable doctors and organizations of doctors.

Motivation

For me, seeing athletic and aesthetically pleasing physiques prompts me to continue the food program and know it’s possible if I just put in the work. The scientists and doctors, all of whom I saw give many presentations on Youtube previous to this seeing this film, are motivating.

Film Category: is it a documentary?

I feel it is wrong to call this film a documentary. It’s a motivational film, and that’s okay to me. One definition of ‘documentary’ in Wikipedia: “A documentary film is a nonfictional motion picture intended to document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education, or maintaining a historical record.” This film is at least 65% motivational and persuasive appeal through athlete examples, but there is some good science in there.

Dean Ornish Quote

In an interview, Dean Ornish states: “People who eat a diet that’s high in animal protein have a 75% increased risk of death from all causes and 400 to 500 percent increased risk of death from most forms of cancer: prostate, breast, colon cancer as well as type 2 diabetes”.