Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Forks over Knives is a 2011 documentary about a pair of doctors' research into the direct relationship between diet and health and how adopting what is, in essence, a vegan diet (although the word "vegan" is never used) produces profoundly positive benefits for the health of both individuals and the planet as a whole. For the more squeamish of any age, there are many close-up scenes of heart surgery, in which a chest is shown opened up and cholesterol is being removed from an artery. There also is a scene in which an older man discusses how he gets more erections since adopting the "whole foods, plant-based" diet. On the whole, this documentary manages to convey a great deal of complicated information in a simple way, shows the benefits of the diet being espoused without being negative, and manages to refute counterarguments and popularly held beliefs about food without being preachy or self-righteous.
Sexual
Content
An older man who has spent decades on the "whole foods, plant-based" diet discusses how the diet increases the level of sexual arousal and erections. An animated sequence shows a shark swimming around looking for a sexual partner as the narrator discusses how animals are primarily interested in food and sex.
Violence
Many close-up scenes of heart surgery, in which a chest is shown opened up and cholesterol is being removed from an artery.
Language
Not applicable
Social
Behavior
Through research, discussion, and testimonials, this film shows the positive effects a "whole foods, plant-based" diet can have on individuals and the planet.
Consumerism
A cottage industry has developed around those involved in this movie. Dr. Esselystn's son, Rip, has written books on switching to the "whole foods, plant-based" diet, including the best seller The Engine 2 Diet. They have since partnered with the grocery store Whole Foods, which sells a variety of Engine 2 food products.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Some brief, stock footage of people smoking cigarettes.
