Four Horsemen

The 2012 release, Four Horsemen, is a rousing British documentary film that bravely tackles and demystifies the walls of misconceptions associated with economics, world systems, and capitalism. Directed by Ross Ashcroft, the movie is more than just a cold analysis of global economics; it's a veracious eye-opener, a wake-up call to the society challenging archaic financial systems, their oppressiveness, and initiatives that can be taken to reform them. The film stars Dominic Frisby, Gillian Tett, and Lawrence Wilkerson.

Four Horsemen does not just point out the apparent problems of the modern economy but also examines its history, the system as a whole, drawing parallels to the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation. The four modern apocalypse horsemen are identified as a rapacious financial system, escalating organized violence, abject poverty for billions, and exhaustion of the earth's resources. Through detailed analysis, real-life facts, and expert insights, the documentary builds a solid case around these four pivotal issues that need an urgent address.

Dominic Frisby, a familiar face in the world of finance, appearing as a presenter on numerous shows and podcasts, graces this documentary. Guiding viewers through this expedition into the socio-economic abyss, Frisby leverages his sharp, analytical mindset and pop culture insight to highlight crucial aspects of the modern financial system and its societal effects.

Journalist and author Gillian Tett, renowned for her coverage of the financial sector, especially her early warning about the financial crisis of 2008, also contributes significantly to this documentary. Tett's keen perception into the mechanisms of the world's financial systems adds depth and credibility to the film's narrative.

Lastly, no one talks about political economy and global security like retired United States Army Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson. Leveraging years of experience from his military service and stint as former Secretary of State Colin Powell's Chief of Staff, Wilkerson brings a unique perspective to the discussions on escalating organized violence, its links to capitalism, and the dominance of military-industrial complexes.

The filmmakers went out of their way to gather insights from twenty-three leading thinkers, confronting the conventional wisdom of the mainstream media. The participants include economists, authors, academics, and philosophers who dispel myths that uphold the incumbent system. They decode the complex language of economists to deliver a clear, comprehendible analysis, making it accessible for viewers of all backgrounds.

However, Four Horsemen is not all doom and reflecting on the problems. Ashcroft's film also meticulously assembles a narrative around the solutions -alternative ways to organize societies, economies, and resources. It features the likes of Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of Kids Company, who provides insights into developing a more empathetic society, and Mark Braund, author and contributor at The Guardian, who proposes alternative economic models and re-defining societal measures of success.

The film takes us on a journey not just about the current conditions but also about the roots of our problems. It digs deep to examine the capitalist system, attempting to answer why a system originally designed to meet the needs of society become dysfunctional and ultimately self-destructive. It’s an exploration of the previous missteps and potential steps forward.

While being a film about profound issues, the presentation style maintains attention and is far from dull. The film balances intense conversations with refreshing visualizations that help viewers to understand easily and keep them engaged. Moreover, the film doesn't mince words. It shows the unequivocal reality of our society, in all its rawness, forcing the viewers to confront the truth and think independently.

Four Horsemen is a radical wake-up call that cuts deeply into the fabric of modern society. It's not merely a film but rather a testament to the transformation world systems need to undergo for the betterment of humankind. It strips away the complexities of economic language, focusing on real-life consequences and solutions, making it highly relevant and urgent for viewers, regardless of their background or knowledge level.

A must-watch for anyone curious about the economic world order, concerned about global issues, or craving for a thought-provoking viewing experience, Four Horsemen equips the viewer with a new perspective, fresh insights, and a better understanding of the real landscape.