While we sometimes praise artworks for being muscular and meaty, this New-Age classic reminds us that we shouldn’t food-shame our vegetarian film fare. Such is the zeitgeist of vegetarian films like The Secret Life of Plants. Based on the 1973 book of the same title by Silvin Tompkins, this 1979 documentary zeroes in on the life and mind of plants, drawing on a range of scientific experiments to argue for the sentient life of the flower. From a 21st-century perspective, the film’s argument may feel less novel or scientifically convincing than it did during its time, but it’s an amusing reflection of its historical moment all the same. Even as a cultural curiosity, the plant footage and exclusive Stevie Wonder soundtrack ensure a high entertainment quotient. Perfect for any pod of consciousness-raising cinephiles. 

Watch the film below.

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