Occidental Mindoro National High School

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

National Road, Brgy Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

BOOK REVIEW
(Elements of Fiction)

Ang Alamat ng Gubat

Written By: Bob Ong

for the Subject

CREATIVE WRITING / MALIKHAING PAGSULAT

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements

in Humanities & Social Science Strand

Submitted by:
Neilfren P. Villas
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Submitted to:
Neilfren P. Villas

December, 2023

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 Occidental Mindoro National High School
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
National Road, Brgy Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

I. INTRODUCTION

Author: Illustrator:
Genre: Publisher:
Publication Date:

ANALYSIS OF THE ELEMENTS OF FICTION

1. Characterization:
Ray Kroc: The protagonist, depicted as a persistent and ambitious individual with a sales
background. Initially struggling, Kroc's encounter with the McDonald brothers' efficient system
sparks his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to his aggressive pursuit of success.

Richard and Maurice McDonald: The innovative and principled brothers who created
the efficient fast-food system. Their clash with Kroc arises due to differing visions for the
company's future.

2. PLOT

Summary of the Story

"The Founder" is a biographical drama film released in 2016, directed by John Lee
Hancock. The movie tells the story of Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman who eventually
transformed a small fast-food restaurant operated by the McDonald brothers into the global fast-
food empire known as McDonald's.

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 Occidental Mindoro National High School
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
National Road, Brgy Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

Ray Kroc, played by Michael Keaton, is a middle-aged milkshake machine salesman with
a persistent and ambitious personality. He comes across a highly efficient and successful burger
restaurant operated by the McDonald brothers, Richard "Dick" McDonald (played by Nick
Offerman) and Maurice "Mac" McDonald (played by John Carroll Lynch) in San Bernardino,
California.

Impressed by the brothers' innovative and efficient fast-food system, Kroc pitches the
idea of franchising their restaurant to expand its reach. Initially, the McDonald brothers are
hesitant due to previous failed attempts at franchising. However, Kroc's persistence and business
acumen convince them otherwise.

As Kroc begins to expand the franchise, conflicts arise. His vision for rapid expansion
clashes with the McDonald brothers' original principles and quality standards. Kroc's aggressive
business tactics, including real estate deals and contractual agreements, lead to a fallout between
him and the McDonald brothers.

Eventually, Kroc buys the company from the McDonald brothers, effectively cutting
them out of the significant financial success and control of the business. He then turns
McDonald's into a global phenomenon, but the movie also highlights the personal and ethical
costs associated with his ruthless pursuit of success.

"The Founder" offers a compelling portrayal of the complexities of ambition, business

ethics, and the realities of the American entrepreneurial dream, showcasing how McDonald's
grew into a colossal empire while shedding light on the contentious role Ray Kroc played in its
history.

3. Conflict:

Man vs. Circumstances: Kroc faces multiple obstacles, from initial business failures to
convincing the McDonald brothers to franchise and later his conflicts with them as his expansion
vision clashes with their principles.

Man vs. Society: The film highlights the cutthroat nature of the business world and the
ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of success. Kroc's ruthless business tactics lead to moral
and ethical questions about the cost of success.

4. Rising Tension:

The tension escalates as Kroc's ambitions conflict with the McDonald brothers' desires
for maintaining quality and control. This results in a power struggle and eventual fallout between
them.

5. Climax:

The climax occurs when Kroc ultimately buys the company from the McDonald brothers,
cutting them out of the massive success they initially envisioned and taking full control of the
McDonald's empire.

6. Resolution:

The resolution sees Kroc's success in turning McDonald's into a global phenomenon, but
it also emphasizes the personal and ethical costs associated with his ruthless ambition.

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 Occidental Mindoro National High School
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
National Road, Brgy Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

II. OPINION/REACTION

Watching this film gives me an impression that entails the idea of a story line that delves
into the complex world of entrepreneurship, ambition, and the moral dilemmas often associated
with success. The portrayal of Ray Kroc's journey from a struggling salesman to the ambitious
but ruthless force behind McDonald's growth is compelling.

I think Michael Keaton's portrayal of Ray Kroc is particularly impressive, capturing both
the drive and the darker, more morally ambiguous aspects of his character. The movie effectively
showcases the clash between Kroc's pounding ambition and the McDonald brothers' original
vision, raising questions about the price of success and the ethical considerations in the business
world.

The film prompts reflection on the nature of success and the sacrifices made in its pursuit.
It brings to light the often-ignored aspects of business, where ambition can lead to ethically
“murky waters”, impacting relationships and personal integrity.

The story's ability to provoke discussions on business ethics, ambition, and the human
cost of success makes it a compelling watch. It serves as a reminder that while success can be a
remarkable achievement, the journey often involves tough decisions and ethical compromises
that can challenge one's moral compass.

Overall, I recommend this movie because it is a well-crafted and thought-provoking film

that prompts viewers to consider the ethical implications of ambition and success in the cutthroat
world of business.

III. CONCLUSION

1. Did anything that happened in the story remind you of something that has occurred in
your own life or that you have seen occur to others?

Answer:

Well for me, there are some scenes in the movie I can relate. The movie's exploration of
ambition, entrepreneurial pursuit, and the ethical considerations in business resonates some of
my personal experiences and also I have witnessed some of my batchmates who are inline in
business. In real life, all of us might encounter situations where the quest for success challenges
our moral values or ethical boundaries. It could involve tough decisions related to competition,
business strategies, or relationships, echoing the struggles that are also depicted in the film.

2. Does the story reflect on a current event or contemporary issue?

Answer:

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 Occidental Mindoro National High School
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
National Road, Brgy Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

"The Founder" primarily reflects on historical events and the rise of McDonald's,
portraying the story of Ray Kroc's transformation of a small fast-food restaurant into a global
empire. However, the themes explored in the film remain relevant and connect with
contemporary issues in various ways:

1. Business Ethics: This theme remains highly relevant today, especially in discussions
about corporate responsibility, fair business practices, and the impact of aggressive
growth strategies on stakeholders.

2. Entrepreneurship and Ambition: The movie depicts the entrepreneurial spirit and the
drive for success. In today's world, the portrayal of ambition, innovation, and the
challenges faced by entrepreneurs in a competitive market continues to be a
contemporary issue, especially with the rise of startups and the competitive business
landscape.

Although "The Founder" portrays historical events primarily focused on the mid-20th-
century rise of McDonald's, its themes and the ethical questions it raises about business practices
remain relevant and can be connected to ongoing conversations and issues in today's business
world and society at large.

~ End of Book Review ~

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