Story

In 1998, agriculture conglomerate Monsanto accuses small-town Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser (Christopher Walken) of illegally using its genetically modified (GM) canola seeds to grow better crops. When the 70-year-old farmer takes the business to court with the help of his local lawyer Jackson Weaver (Zach Braff) and environmental activist Rebecca Salcau (Christina Ricci), he becomes an unlikely spokesperson for disenfranchised farmers around the world. His monumental legal battle goes all the way to the Supreme Court and ultimately becomes a campaign to protect farmers’ rights and the world’s food supply from corporate greed.

Themes

Suicide; family discord; legal challenges; financial distress

Violence

Percy vs Goliath has some violence. For example, Percy threatens Monsanto scientists and security workers with a gun when it looks like they’re trespassing on his land.

Sexual references

There are no sexual references in Percy vs Goliath.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

Percy vs Goliath shows some use of substances. For example, Percy and other characters smoke cigarettes.

Nudity and sexual activity

There’s no nudity and sexual activity in Percy vs Goliath.

Product placement

The following products are displayed or used in Percy vs Goliath:

  • Ford car
  • New Holland tractor
  • Monsanto
  • Coca Cola
  • Samsung television
  • Dodge Ram car.

Coarse language

Percy vs Goliath has some coarse language, including ‘hell’, ‘ass’, ‘damn’ and ‘pissing off’.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Based on a true story, Percy vs Goliath is a down-to-earth legal drama with a thin plot and solid performances from its lead cast. Because of its legal content and adult themes related to financial distress and suicide, the movie is best suited to children aged over 13 years and adults. It’ll probably lack interest for children under 13 years.

The main message from this movie is that doing the right and true thing is more important than doing the easy thing.

Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include:

  • being truthful
  • remembering what’s really important to you
  • looking after your family and friends.

This movie could also you the chance to talk with your children about the real-life consequences of things like:

  • driving or riding in a car without a seatbelt
  • owning and using guns.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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