Inequality For All

Inequality For All (Jacob Kornbluth, 2013)

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Rating: DOCQ=7, DOCP=8 / Genius

Scale K=3, Scale L=4, Scale M=4, Scale N=4

Economics, Sociology, Politics, Current Affairs

I love Robert Reich. I've loved him since I read his book Supercapitalism during my first year as a graduate student. I often have trouble summarizing exactly what I see going on in our society today but Robert Reich knows how to say it. He knows how to show it, too, with this brilliantly simple and poignant documentary. This is the type of teaching we need more of in high schools. This is what college students everywhere need to hear. Because Reich is correct--they are the future. And if we want to make positive social change in this country, it starts with education. We must understand what is happening before we can do anything about it. I loved this documentary.

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The Secret In Their Eyes

The Secret In Their Eyes (Juan Jose Campanella, 2009)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Mystery, Crime, Romance, Detective

The Secret In Their Eyes is a wonderfully crafted story of fear and love. It is a thrilling detective mystery that jumps back and forth between present and past. It is about writing and uncovering the truth. It is about coping with loss and serving justice on those who must be punished. I enjoyed the tale and found myself very much engrossed in the subtle twists and turns of the plot. If you like mysteries tinged with romance and politics, you will like this one.

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The Constant Gardener

The Constant Gardener (Fernando Meirelles, 2005)
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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ
Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=1

Mystery, Thriller, Investigation, Spy, Africa, Corporate Crime

A fascinating mystery that at times feels like a documentary. Meirelles is a master at shedding light on the realities of the world we live in but still telling a fictional story. In this one, he shows us the very real ugliness of "health care" in Africa over the last few decades. The imagery is haunting, the investigation is tense, the people feel real. Ralph Fiennes is captivating as he pours out deep emotion through his body language.

I can't say I'd watch it again because it was hard to watch, at times. I have a real problem with corporate/white collar crime. But it was definitely worth watching once.

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