Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Let's All Hate Toronto (2007)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Let's All Hate Toronto
Let's All Hate Toronto is a 2007 Canadian documentary co-directed by Albert Nerenberg and Rob Spence. The film examines the reasons behind the widespread resentment towards Toronto, Ontario, as perceived by other Canadians. Co-director Rob Spence, also known as 'Mister Toronto', embarks on a cross-Canada trip to investigate this phenomenon while promoting a fictitious 'Toronto Appreciation Day'. His journey begins in Hamilton, where he encounters a billboard that reads 'Toronto Sucks' and learns about Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans who wear bags over their heads due to their team's losses to Toronto. Throughout the film, Spence visits various cities including St. John's, Halifax, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver. He experiences hostility towards his 'Toronto Appreciation Day' banner, particularly in Atlantic Canada. In Montreal, a local comedy troupe performs a song criticizing Toronto. The film culminates with Spence realizing that the most significant criticism of Toronto comes from within the city itself, as he receives support from Torontonians at an art event after admitting the city's flaws.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Mister Toronto on his cross-Canada tour.
  • •Find out why Hamilton fans wear bags over their heads.
  • •See how Montreal comedians mock Toronto.

Did You Know

•Mr. Toronto starts his journey in Hamilton after seeing a 'Toronto Sucks' billboard.
•In Halifax, locals spit on Mr. Toronto's 'Toronto Appreciation Day' banner.
•The Dancing Cock Brothers in Montreal sing 'Goodbye Toronto, Bonjour Montreal'.
•During the 2006 NHL Stanley Cup Finals, Mr. Toronto wears a faux Wayne Gretzky jersey in Edmonton.

Perfect For

Canadian cultureSports rivalriesComedy fans