A Place at the Table

Synopsis

A Place at the Table is a compelling 2012 documentary that explores the critical issue of hunger in America. Narrated by Jeff Bridges, the film delves into the lives of three families who face food insecurity, highlighting the harsh realities and struggles they endure to put meals on the table. By examining the systemic causes of poverty and hunger, including health, education, and economic factors, the documentary sheds light on a widespread yet often overlooked crisis. Through interviews with experts, government officials, and affected individuals, the film calls for urgent action to address the root causes and offers a powerful plea for social change and awareness.

Cast

• 

  Jeff Bridges

  Self

• 

  Tom Colicchio

  Self

• Mariana Chilton

  Self

• Ken Cook

  Self

• Barbie Izquierdo

  Self

• 

  Marion Nestle

  Self

Reviews

A Place at the Table received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the documentary holds a high approval rating of 90%, with many praising its emotional depth and urgent message. The consensus describes it as an eye-opening and well-structured film that effectively brings awareness to an important social issue. IMDb users gave it a respectable rating of 6.9 out of 10, indicating a favorable, though somewhat mixed, reception from viewers. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 68 out of 100, reflecting generally favorable reviews. Critics admired the film's compassionate storytelling and compelling interviews, though some noted it occasionally leaned more on emotional resonance than detailed policy analysis. For example, Roger Ebert highlighted the film's ability to personalize the crisis, making the abstract problem of hunger tangible and relatable. Overall, the documentary is considered impactful and informative, succeeding in raising awareness and inspiring dialogue, though some viewers may wish for deeper exploration of solutions.