Life and Debt

2001
7.4| 1h26m| NA| en| More Info
Released: 28 February 2003 Released
Producted By: Tuff Gong Pictures
Country:
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://www.lifeanddebt.org/
Info

Life and Debt is a 2001 American documentary film that examines the economic and social situation in Jamaica, and specifically how the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank's structural adjustment policies have impacted the island.

Genre

Documentary

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Cast

Director

Stephanie Black

Production Companies

Tuff Gong Pictures

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Life and Debt Audience Reviews

TrueJoshNight Truly Dreadful Film
Laikals The greatest movie ever made..!
Hulkeasexo it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.
InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.
benluttrell As the gushing reviews on this site attest - this documentary panders to the anti- globalisation, protectionist conspiracy theorists, using emotionally-charged but intellectually challenged arguments that fits their narrow, misinformed view of the world.While the story of Jamaica is very sad, the argument that Jamaica's devalued currency and removal of tariffs and subsidies is the cause of its failed economy are not only absurd, but threatening in times of low global economic growth (look up the events of 1929, and see how this short-sighted economic policy resulted in a contagious disaster).If Jamaica wants to turn back time to the agricultural-age, well that's fine, but you can't moan in the same breath about a lack of health, education and basic infrastructure.In short this documentary completely misses the point. The key to Jamaica's economic prosperity is turning around its woeful productivity, encouraging foreign direct investment (and with it the innovation and technology that will modernise its industry) and committing to economic reform to liberalise its markets and promote fiscal responsibility. Without properly addressing the first point, however, this task will always be an enormous challenge.Instead, this documentary employs brooding voice-overs, montages of mcdonalds and taco- bell, fat US tourists trying to dance, and the views of who are essentially peasants to support its uneducated idea of appropriate economic policy.
elnara11 The movie makes you think and question the motives of rich and powerful organizations. If you care at least a little bit about what's happening in the world, you should definitely take the time to see this movie. It talks about the negative effects of globalization in developing countries. Perfect example of "the rich are getting richer because the poor are getting poorer." Shows the social implications of IMF policies and the human tragedy, Economic strangling of developing countries, total dominance over them financially, abuse of power, leaving no other choice but to agree to the terrible terms of big organizations. Many ordinary workers speak up. Great movie !
w00f For anyone who wonders "why they hate us," watch this documentary and the mystery will be solved. It thoroughly documents how the US, the WTO, and the IMF have systematically destroyed every aspect of Jamaican economic opportunity and culture.The US didn't abolish slavery in the 19th century; they simply outsourced it. Take a look inside the Kingston Free Zone and you'll see the slaves still at work. Visit a Jamaican banana plantation and learn about how the economy of a sovereign nation was subjugated in the name of "free trade."In short, fellow fat Americans, pull your heads out of your globalizing butts and watch this film, and then try -- for just a moment, at least -- to put yourself on the other side of the coin. Imagine how you would feel about a foreign agency that took away your livelihood, that treated you like chattel, that demanded you stop making a living so that a transnational corporation could capture the last 5% of a market share.Wouldn't you hate them, too?
grandenchilada And it's a pity because it deserves it. Have you ever wondered where your bananas come from? You may never feel snug and comfy buying your cheap GAP t-shirts ever again after watching this amazing film. This is a mordant and devastating documentary, beautifully shot, about the obscene unfairness of "free trade". Learn about the bully tactics that the US employs against underdeveloped countries to protect its interests. See how thousands of gallons of fresh milk have to be spilled into the Jamaican ground because of cheap powdered milk coming in from the States. See this movie and weep.