Sicko

Sicko is a thought-provoking documentary film from the acclaimed director Michael Moore, who is known for his social commentary on American society and politics. Featuring various individuals including Michael Moore himself, Tucker Albrizzi, and Tony Benn, the film takes us on a journey to explore and critique America’s healthcare system. Released in 2007, Sicko has remained relevant and resonant, proving to be one of the director's most daring and contentious works.

The film opens the door to a profound conversation about the complexities and controversies surrounding the American health care system. Rather than focusing on the importance of health insurance for the country's 45 million uninsured citizens, Sicko exposes the darker and sometimes shocking realities of insured America – where profit is put before care, and individuals who have insurance are frequently denied health services based on clauses in their contracts or bureaucratic technicalities.

Moore takes a closer look at the healthcare systems of other prosperous nations including Canada, France, UK, and Cuba, where healthcare is primarily a state-funded entity, comparing and contrasting their procedures and practices with those conducted in the U.S. These comparisons yield startling differences, delivering impactful messages about the fundamentally different values and systems employed by these countries compared to the United States.

The film also provides a compelling depiction of the role of lobbyists and the pharmaceutical industry's influence on lawmakers in Washington D.C. It attempts to break down the invisible walls that are constructed around this big business, often at the expense of ordinary citizens' health and wellbeing.

One of Sicko’s strong points is its use of personal stories documented from everyday Americans, furthering our understanding of how these issues permeate daily life. For example, the film presents narratives about people who have been denied treatments by insurance companies and those who have been forced into bankruptcy due to medical bills. These real-life narratives deliver a compelling emotional punch, opening audiences’ minds to the real-world implications of the healthcare crisis.

The documentary also touches upon the of significance of universal healthcare. Moore questions why, in contrast to other developed nations, a country as prosperous as the United States lacks a state-funded universal healthcare program that would provide basic coverage to all its citizens regardless of their job, income, or medical history.

It is worth noting that Tony Benn, former Member of the British Parliament, appears in the film, providing an international perspective on the U.S. health system. His insights are particularly insightful, contrasting American healthcare with that of other developed countries, especially the United Kingdom with its National Health Service. Moore also converses with American expatriates living in France and patients in the United Kingdom and Canada where, unlike the U.S., free medical care or socialized medicine is available.

Although laden with heavy social commentary, Sicko does not forego entertainment, blending humor with a poignant narrative approach that is typical to Moore's style. He uses humor and sarcasm as tools to invite the audience into the conversation, encouraging them to understand the scope of the issue while also keeping them engaged in the narrative.

In summary, Sicko is a powerful documentary that questions the American health care system's priorities and ethics. The film skillfully uses case studies, interviews, and foreign contrasts to highlight the failures and shortcomings of the American healthcare system. Throughout its runtime, it becomes evident that Sicko is more than just a review of the healthcare industry; it is a plea for a radical and necessary change. Regardless of political stance or personal views on the subject, Sicko offers a perspective that invites deep thought and encourages the audience to reflect on the system that holds significant influence over the health, wellbeing, and financial stability of millions of Americans.