IndexIntroductionThe Dark Side of Chocolate: Harsh RealityConclusionReferencesIntroduction'Behind every fortune there is a crime', as stated by Honoré de Balzac, proves to be true in more ways than one . The documentary The Dark Side of Chocolate describes the sad reality of the strong oppressing the weak, of empires built on the ruins of the vulnerable. The African continent, rich in natural resources such as diamonds, cocoa, wildlife and fertile land, is plagued by endless civil conflict, failed governance, corruption, famine and poorly managed land. As a result, over four hundred and twenty-two million individuals are trapped below the global poverty line, making up over 70% of the world's poorest population. In this context, large companies such as Nestlé, Kraft, Cargill and Mars exploit these vulnerabilities, extracting resources from poor African nations. Despite the illegality and immorality of child labor and trafficking, these companies turn a blind eye to the unethical practices of their cocoa suppliers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The dark side of chocolate: the harsh reality Award-winning Danish journalist Miki Mistrati presents a documentary that every chocolate enthusiast should witness: a touching exploration of the agony and torment hidden beneath the sweetness of chocolate. The documentary weaves together interviews and hidden footage, as Mistrati embarks on a quest to uncover the veracity of rumors about child labor and trafficking. The film sheds light on the abduction of children from Mali and their trafficking to Ivory Coast via secret routes. Working with the general secretary of the Malian bus drivers' union, Mistrati orchestrated the rescue of 152 children, including 35 girls, meticulously documenting each rescue. On the contrary, although the Ivorian government recognizes the existence of the problem, tangible efforts to combat it remain scarce. Surprisingly, corporate entities engaged in chocolate production have refused to comment on this pressing concern. In particular, Nestlé, the largest food company by market share, reports an annual profit of around 12 billion euros, allocating 6 million euros to various aid initiatives, but fails to address its potential complicity in child labor and in the trade. Children between the ages of 10 and 12 are forced into slavery for the production and harvesting of cocoa, and their education is abandoned. Incredibly, child slaves can be procured for as little as €230, including transportation and delivery to buyers who exploit them indefinitely, often without compensation. While rare cases of escape emerge, successful cases remain scarce. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion A critical analysis of the documentary highlights some shortcomings. The film somehow neglects its responsibility to educate the public on issues such as "child trafficking", "child labor", or "slavery". The pacing of the documentary feels rushed, offering fleeting glimpses of the subject matter. The tone adopted conveys more regret than a call to action. Ideally, the documentary should portray this heartbreaking reality as not only deplorable but also deplorable and sensitive. A more robust presentation of the evidence and an emphasis on government involvement, rather than solely discussing the private sector, would have improved the impact of the documentary. References Balzac, Honoré de. "Behind every luck there is a crime." Quotation magazine.