Capitalism: A Love Story Reviews and Ratings



  • November 24, 2009
    In his usual style, Michael Moore once more does not falter. 100% political and 100% directed in a way appealing mostly to Americans, it's good but it's not Bowling for Columbine. And now I think that whatever he tries in years to follow, he can never film something bigger than t...( read more)hat.
  • November 23, 2009
    Great movie. But i dont understand a single thing. What for I care about American's politics? That's their problem.
  • November 20, 2009
    In the screening of this movie, there was a recorded message from Michael Moore in which he said that "I made this film like it were my last one. I thought to myself,'if I had to make one last film, what would I include in it?'"
    If it was destined to be his last film, it...( read more) surely wasn't his most memorable one. He will just never return to his Bowling for Columbine days - which literally made him who he is.

    But frankly speaking, this is another fire-breathing Michael Moore specimen of great cinematic and political significance. Unlike his previous works, your eyes will not brim with tears, but you will definitely laugh. Its humor resonates, is caustic, and mostly impromptu. You will find yourself shaking your head left and right in disbelief in many scenes, doubting human nature and how deep into the bone corruption and the thirst for profit can reach.
  • November 19, 2009
    This film may not be the first exploration of the causes and effects of the global financial crisis, but it's probably the first to get cinema release. And the reason for that is the name Michael Moore.

    Capitalism: A Love Story is a mostly engaging and interesting exploration ...( read more)of consumerism in America and its undoing. Moore starts back in the 1950's when capitalism was the best thing and life was easy.

    An intriguing piece of footage that Moore presents is the face of President Jimmy Carter talking about how greed and consumerism will bring America undone--but he was saying that in 1979/80 and that wasn't a message of the USA wanted to hear. So the people who actually bothered to vote booted him out and took up with Ronald Reagan and his low taxing ways (for the rich anyway). Moore pieces together lots of information that is available in this film, including Captain Sullenberger, the Hero of the Hudson, and his evidence before a Senate inquiry.

    It will make you think twice about flying in America when you know that pilots earn about as much as a cashier at McDonalds. The really scariest thing in the film is watching the guys behind the various presidents and realising where the power lies. It looks like the bankers, not the ballot box, rule the world.
  • November 18, 2009
    Insightful, funny, horrifying
  • November 17, 2009
    This is a great movie that has what I consider a very big problem and that problemis what makes it also good, this problem is known as Michael Moore.
    Although this guy is a great director and did and does lots of good documentaries he has and we also had to admit that he is v...( read more)ery narrow minded.
    this could be seen as a big issue because you should be able to hear de oder points of view and defeat them in a fair dicussion and this is soething Micheal moore never did. but i really loved this movie besides of all that.
  • November 10, 2009
    You will come exit a viewing of this film HOPPING MAD! Moore, of course, overstates the case (as usual) but many of his examples are convincing. Who else is a better social critic in the world of Hollywood? Maybe by stating the case for greed and avarice so strongly he will en...( read more)able some change of attitudes out there. Trouble is, he preaches mainly "to the choir"!

    We loved it anyway.
  • November 6, 2009
    Muckraker Michael Moore examines the mortgage crisis, the financial bailout, and the growing gap between the rich and the pure [sic], and concludes that capitalism is pure evil. Manipulative socialist propaganda that is intermittently entertaining and exposes some concrete inju...( read more)stices, but it seems irresponsible to deal with such complex and consequential issues in a 2 hour rant without any fact checking, meaningful context, or dissenting opinions. Whenever you see character actor Wallace Shawn brought in as the economics expert in a documentary, you should sense something is wrong.
  • November 4, 2009
    gets to the point of these system of things! the world i say much? run by Satan the devil!
  • October 31, 2009
    It goes without saying that Michael Moore is a lightning rod of criticism. He's made a career on his own brand of documentaries - completely bias sermons that are often accused of broken logic and showboating. "Capitalism: A Love Story" is perhaps his most accessible film, howeve...( read more)r by doing away with the magnifying glass and making a film about an extraordinarily broad subject, "Capitalism" feels more like the first of a twenty part series than a stand alone picture.

    Moore's thesis is that capitalism is an inherently broken system - it's sink or swim, rewarding greed and tossing the poor aside. It's a valid thesis and Moore is still a highly persuasive tour guide, however his conclusion leaves a little to be desired. Moore's solution calls for a true democracy, which he supports by newly uncovered footage of Franklin Delano Roosevelt calling for a second Bill of Rights. Put FDR's words in the mouth of our current president and they wouldn't be any less relevant, but it's perhaps too idyllic a solution for this sort of exposé.

    There are some great episodes in "Capitalism", and, as usual, Moore has found a tremendous mixture of victims worthy of our sympathy and analysts who have the talent to eloquently support his ideas. One of the best segments is when Moore discusses the corrupt judge in Pennsylvania who unrightfully condemned many innocent kids to keep the juvenile detention center full. When Moore moved on, however, all I could think is - "hey, i'd like to see a movie about that".

    The most shocking reveal in "Capitalism" is a corporate policy known as "dead peasant insurance", in which companies take out life insurance policies on their workers and reap the benefits when they die prematurely. The workers' spouses are rarely told. Although i'm not particularly fond of films that find these clearly heartbroken subjects and exploit them for our sympathy, there is a motivated anger in "Capitalism". These people aren't being "used", they're infuriated - their voices need to be heard.

    Moore doesn't get the opportunity to exhaust the subject of capitalism and corporate greed because, well, the subject is inexhaustible. Nevertheless, however, the film's broadness doesn't take any sides that might infuriate a particular political viewpoint. It's Moore's most agreeable and easy-going picture, simply because you're not going to find anyone who fights for the unambiguously corrupt financial institutions. It's an entertaining picture, but nowhere near as thorough as his previous work.
  • October 30, 2009
    What would a Michael Moore film be like without a slanted point of view? Without a one-sided dialogue that tells the story primarily from one perspective? You'd have a PBS documentary, I imagine. Well this is not the kind of film you watch if you want a "fair and balanced" take o...( read more)n things. Of course, media outlets that have to disclaim that they're "fair and balanced" usually aren't anyway. But that's another story.

    This, however, is the a love story. A story about America and its love of money. Its love of affluence without thought as to how it's achieved. It's a love story that borders on lust story about America's incessant hubris and the people we step on in order to get what we've been brought up to believe is our natural-born right to attain. It's the story of capitalism. And its a love story of the ill-fated kind...

    Michael Moore has never been known for delivering an objective documentary; and Capitalism is definitely no exception to that fact. However, whether you agree with his opinion or not, he does have a very manipulative way at getting you to reconsider your own. Whether or not you choose to alter your mindset is ultimately not his goal--probably. But at least a dialogue is started and people start talking about his ideology.

    With his latest project, Moore finds himself in the midst of a country in financial turmoil. A housing market gone bust and the bubble in which citizens saw their American dream exist suddenly burst into nondescript residue. Of course, it's never pleasant to see people suffer on film what so many in the audience have actually experienced: repossessed homes, liquidated funds and being part of a system where we were told that everything would be okay--and it suddenly isn't.

    But Moore has a funny way at pointing out the truth in all the crises. He finds humanity in every single topic he's discussion; putting a face (a real human face) to match the hopeless situation he's presenting. He introduces us to people who are just like us and have gone through the same madness we've all had a taste of. Whether a person who was laid-off due to being employed at a so-called "recession-proof" bank or a lost their home to unscrupulous bank executives who scoop up your house as they fly by on their golden parachutes.

    Ultimately, this movie is about finding a commonality with others. It's about knowing that system is flawed and that it's up to us to fix it. And, as flawed as a Michael Moore documentary about our capitalistic shortcomings may be, at least he gets people some more information than the nightly news is willing to provide.
  • October 29, 2009
    where can i see it online
  • October 27, 2009
    Meanderingly pointless, but entertaining while it wasn't pissing me off.
  • October 26, 2009
    Messy, impractical, but extremely interesting.
  • October 24, 2009
    Thank God for Michael Moore. When he isn't self aggrandizing, he brings up some very valid points about our wonderful Plutocracy here in the old USA.
  • October 23, 2009
    Not as good as his other films. It seemed to wander and was disjointed at times. Not what you'd expect either, if you were thinking left wing propaganda, think again. This calls out dems every bit as much as repubs. it's also very pro- Christian values which was a pleasant surpri...( read more)se. See it with an open mind and open heart
  • October 21, 2009
    Holy crap, the United States is messed up!
  • October 20, 2009
    Another great Moore documentary. Not quite as strong as Sicko and Farenheit 9/11, but worth watching. Makes you think about a few things.
  • October 20, 2009
    Yeah, definitely a Michael Moore movie. Pretty good, and you leave angry. Haha...
  • October 18, 2009
    if its about love i gat to see it
  • October 18, 2009
    Michael Moore came through again. I just feel like this would've had a much bigger impact two or three years ago.
  • October 16, 2009
    I can already guess that his definition of Capitalism will be either wrong, misleading, or shown out of context. Might need to rent to congratulate myself for being right.
  • October 14, 2009
    moore's most impartial and consequently most incendiary film in nearly a decade, a frank examination about corruption through capital on all sides along with classic grand-standing makes this a career high point
  • October 12, 2009
    Another piece of crap by Michael Moore? If you ever feel that your I.Q. is too high and you want to take it down a notch, watch one of his movies.
  • October 12, 2009
    Some good stuff. accessible, well paced for those with short attention spans. A little vague at times, but Moore is, of course working with an agenda. I wish it had been longer.
  • October 12, 2009
    Michael Moore is a windbag. He gives some information, skews it so it works for him, then presents his documentary with his soft "are you sympathetic toward my view yet" tone. And Capitalism is no different. He has a knack for telling us things in a way we can understand, then gi...( read more)ving us some schlep to feel sorry for with some redundant story.

    I can't feel bad for most of the people he has in his movies because they're so nasty. Want me to feel bad for poor people? Show at least the ones who tried and failed, not the ones who've mooched, taken, borrowed, then didn't give back when it was time to.

    It's hard for me to talk about a number of subjects that come up here without a soapbox, so I'll try to digress.

    He even has religious people in there bashing capitalism. OK, so you can touch kids and have a HUGE coverup that has lasted decades or more and the Vatican can bully people all they want without repercussion or judgement, but people can't steal. Again: can't quite feel it. He loves this "God bless America" idea, but I don't think he's realized yet that neither is real.

    He does share some information with us that is scarier than any movie I've ever seen. When the banking industry screwed us out of $700+ million, we didn't have a choice. There was nothing Americans could do to stop them from robbing us, and taking advantage of Bush being in office one more time. I don't know how none of us saw the hand shoved up his ass controlling him. They literally screwed us. Moore also gave us some insite into government and propaganda, and what they just don't show Americans because we're so blissfully ignorant of the world around us. You have to pay attention for that though.

    All in all, I'd say it's educational for a Moore film, but you'll get what you expect if you're familiar with his work. If you're not familiar with him, don't expect much. It is his most drawn out and yawn filled movie to date, and that's why I barely failed it. I couldn't recommend this for anyone to see in theaters.
  • October 12, 2009
    UGH. A MESS! Too long, not funny OR serious enough. Goes in way too many directions. Not nearly enough focus! Some interesting sections, particularly on the banking crisis, which aren't followed through with the necessary depth, then simply meanders and goes off on gags that...( read more) aren't really funny. Mostly just harassing security guards.
  • October 11, 2009
    this is a must see for everyone..no matter what your your political views are..it is full of information for anyone who lives and cares about the country.
  • October 10, 2009
    This new Mike Moore movie rocks!
    Capitalism is simply powerful & great.
  • October 10, 2009
    Loved it but was kind of depressed on how are government works....and after working in the system its nice to see someone exposed the flaws.
  • October 10, 2009
    Excellent documentary. There was some real sad parts and it was very awakening to our capitialist views. Most recommend for all to see.
  • October 9, 2009
    Everbody should see it
  • October 8, 2009
    I generally agree with Moore's politics and his challenging of authority. I couldn't help but be carried along by his message. He inspires action through the subjects he interviews. Michael Moore movies are rare film going experiences that always get people in the audience fee...( read more)ling a variety of emotions. Both of his movies I've seen in theaters have had people yelling at the screen, usually in disbelief of the villains he portrays and with empathy toward the victims. Plus I like his use of humor to break up serious issues. There are some interesting comparisons that can be made between this documentary and Capra's depression set It's a Wonderful Life. My favorite part was the archival film footage of Franklin Delano Roosevelt suggesting a second Bill of Rights. Have you heard of this bit of history? I'm sorry to say I hadn't. Michael Moore includes Last Call Cleveland's Hastily Made Cleveland Tourism video (also available on YouTube) and finds assumed lost newsreel coverage of President F.D.R.!
  • October 8, 2009
    yall need to watch these movies that Michael Moore make
  • October 7, 2009
    Hypocrisy in theater...no thanks I think I will pass.
  • October 7, 2009
    as always...Michael Moore and his "the world against me thing"...i never get tired....cz the government can never be trusted....lol
  • October 7, 2009
    Every American should see this movie! Americans should know the truth; and not be controlled by lies and fear.
  • October 6, 2009
    Yet another insightful peice of work from a great filmaker. Insighful, interesting, eye-opening and probably the most depressing of all of Moore's films. Very cool to see the progression of greed in America and to see why they are are as screwed up as they are. Makes me ever more...( read more) proud to be Canadian.
  • October 6, 2009
    The story goes after both parties Republicans and Democracts, this is a must see, its eye rasing that your employer will still make money off of you when youre dead, thanks Michael Moore.
  • October 4, 2009
    From a film making standpoint, Moore is one of the best. People attack him for bias and manipulation in his documentaries, but what they forget, or maybe just don't realize, is that every work of film, whether it's a hollywood production, or a history channel documentary, is fun...( read more)neled through someone's personal perspective. You can't have an unbiased work. It's not possible. Anyway, that's the whole joy of going to see movies. Seeing one of Moore's movies is always quite an experience for me. I leave the theater feeling, outraged, depressed, and hopeful, all at the same time. Capitalism was no exception.
  • October 4, 2009
    Whatever your opinion on Michael Moore, there is no doubt his newest documentary-Capitalism: A Love Story-shows signs he is maturing as a filmmaker. He largely leaves behind outlandish, buffoon behavior in favor of presenting useful information to the audience. That helps him pot...( read more)entially connect with the segment of the population who would never give him a second thought and firmly entrenches him as one of Hollywood's foremost documentary makers.

    Quite simple, what Moore does in Capitalism is examine the roots of the financial crisis in his own unique way, combining humor, tears, education and pointed jabs at those in charge. Neither party is spared from his spotlight and no company on Wall Street is safe, though Goldman Sachs and Bank of America take much of the brunt. The humor comes largely in the form of Moore himself and the way people react to him. For instance, as he tries to enter GM headquarters in Detroit, a security guard calls into his walkie talkie Michael Moore the filmmaker wants to talk to the chairman. There's a weary, "oh god, why me" tone in his voice, fully aware the footage will end up in a film and it won't treat him in a positive light. Capitalism also goes the opposite direction, calling President Bush "chicken little," insinuating he would do whatever his advisers-all with ties to Goldman Sachs-told him to do. Therein lies the problem. Certain elements of the audience will find this funny but others will find it unnecessary and even disrespectful. If Moore were to drop the sarcasm, he might stand a chance of being heard.

    Hand in hand with the humor, Moore undercuts it with tales of despair from the average joe. Starting in his hometown of Flint which, ironically, was home to a foreclosure letter mailing facility while the town itself in the middle of a desperate situation, he travels throughout the midwest to showcase how the need for greed affects people. Two stories in particular, those of insurance policies taken out by employers on their employees, are particularly wrenching. Without going into details and diminishing the punch, this is a prime example of the profit motive at work in America. The very same one which led to derivatives (which no one can explain, by the way) and subprime home loans. These anecdotes are sprinkled through the film, allowing the audience enough of a breather between sad stories to prepare for the next.

    It should be noted Capitalism isn't all about negativity. The story of the Republic Door and Window workers who staged a sit-down strike last year in an effort to shame Bank of America and their company to pay severance and vacations, among other grievances is heavily featured. And since their plight was known across the country, saying they ultimately prevail isn't a spoiler. What it does is provide a rallying cry for other employees (or the common citizen) who feel they are being treated illegally.

    A damning set of Citigroup internal memo's foretells a fear of the citizens rising up against a government for the wealthy. The fact Moore produces these documents-not to mention their very existence-makes this the shocker of the film. If this company could see a potential danger in the future yet continued down a path that would ultimately lead to danger, their leaders have to be brought into question, let alone the very reason for that behavior. Is profit really worth it? Especially at the cost of jobs used to keep a roof over the heads of hard working families?

    On that different form of government, Moore effectively argues we're already there, that the Constitution does not provide for a capitalistic society and everyone is to blame. What he doesn't do as effectively, though, is delve into subprime loans and credit cards. The collapse of the first led to the issues in mortgage backed securities while the second fed into the myth we can have anything we want.

    Capitalism may be the most effective when it takes on the job of educating the audience. While Moore layers in small pieces of information in the first hour, he begins to hammer them home in the second. The accusation is that one company-Goldman Sachs-is at the center of the entire financial mess. If he had stopped there, the charge of "conspiracy theorist" would have been true. Yet Moore takes the additional step of providing his evidence. Step by step, the narrative moves the audience methodically from point A to point B to point C. At the end, it seems quite simple, actually, and you can't help but wonder why it took this man to get to the bottom of the biggest news story of the last decade, if not longer.

    As already mentioned, no one is politically spared by Moore. He takes aim at Ronald Reagan, Hank Paulson, Tim Geithner, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Goldman Sachs, Chris Dodd...heck, he even pseudo-blames Franklin D. Roosevelt for dying before a second Bill of Rights can be adopted, ensuring healthcare, jobs and homes for all Americans. Even the Bible and Jesus are brought into the conversation in an effort to appeal to religious conservatives. Moore states Jesus advocated for the poor and capitalism is an evil. If so-and Moore doesn't make this connection-why are the devoutly religious not standing up to the corporations and lobbyists?

    Based on the strength and importance of this film, let's hope Moore's recent comments about quitting the documentary genre are just empty threats. He is at his best in presenting facts in an accessible fashion, melding disparate elements to create a complete narrative. Just tone down the sarcasm a little more. That will bring more people to the tent, so to speak.
  • October 3, 2009
    SUCKED... Kinda full of Crap
  • October 2, 2009
    I'm not American; this movie has nothing to do with Canada. Shove it somewhere.

Summary


Capitalism: A Love Story Summary