Money & Life is an evocative, impactful documentary film which premiered in 2013. Directed and written by Katie Teague, the movie features thoughtful insights from a diverse range of individuals including businesswoman Marga Laube, global activist Vandana Shiva, and life success coach Lynne Twist. This fascinating film utilizes an exploration of the role and impact of money in our lives as a means to inspire introspection, conversation, and potential change among viewers.

The movie does not merely account for the effect of money on an individual level, but takes a sweeping look at its multidimensional influence on society, the environment, and the world. The critical theme that permeates through the film is the notion of our relationship with money and how it defines our experiences, decisions, and connections with others. It furthers this concept by raising the question of whether our current uses and understandings of money are sustainable or conducive to a harmonious existence.

Money & Life begins by tracing the history of money back to its earliest origins, grounding the audience in an appreciation for what money initially represented: an exchange of value. As the film progresses, it scrutinizes how this exchange has changed over time, morphing from being purely transactional to becoming a measure of personal worth and success. Teague employs several powerful metaphors and documentary techniques to make her point lucid, compelling the audience to re-evaluate their perspectives about monetary wealth.

The audience is offered racing insights into the world of economics thanks to a hand-picked pool of commentators including writer David Korten, economist Hazel Henderson, and Buddhist and deep ecologist Joanna Macy. Marga Laube, Lynne Twist, and Vandana Shiva - the protagonists - present their views and experiences, suggesting alternate ways of understanding the economy outside the mainstream.

Risk-taking entrepreneur Marga Laube’s role is to provide the viewers with the business perspective on money, where it oftentimes is seen as the ultimate yardstick of achievement, but can also catalyze innovation and societal growth. Her pragmatic viewpoints lend a balanced approach to the oftentimes philosophical discourse of the film.

Lynne Twist, who has been educating people on money, prosperity, and success, brings in an inspiring endeavour of looking at the world through the lens of sufficiency, not scarcity. Her perspectives on how the current economic structure fosters a pervasive mindset of "never enough" is illuminating and thought-provoking.

Vandana Shiva, a world-renowned environmental activist and physicist, offers her take on how financial systems and policies impact natural resources and biodiversity. She asserts that monetary wealth should not come at the cost of our planet, advocating for an economy that protects the planet and the species that inhabit it.

The documentary serves as a wake-up call for viewers, challenging them to question their own relationship with money and encouraging them to consider how this relationship impacts not only their personal lives, but also the world at large. It touches upon subjects like debt, financial instability, wealth inequality, consumerism, environmental degradation, and more - all linked to the discourse of money in our society.

The film does not simply criticize the existing system or propose a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it invites the audience to join in a pivotal conversation and reconsider deeply engrained notions about finance. It challenges us to transition from viewing money as a "master" directing our lives to an "instrument" that serves humanity and the planet.

Teague’s Money & Life is a compelling and insightful documentary that, despite its daunting and pervasive subject matter, finds a way to be hopeful and transformative. With its provocative and thoughtful narrative, the film has the power to spark necessary discussions around money and life, urging us to reconsider and reshape our financial system for a more sustainable, equitable, and fulfilling future. It is a must-watch for those looking to be challenged and inspired.