For any healthy person, America’s medical care providers probably seem more than adequate. However, for those dealing with serious medical conditions, receiving treatment can quickly become an insurance nightmare. Michael Moore is here to tell those stories in his latest film “Sicko.”
As far as content is concerned, this film is nearly devoid of anything offensive. Violence is minimal, mainly consisting of surgical procedures. Language is limited, with a few rude words and one or two harsh words. Sexual content consists of one comment made by George Bush, attempting to applaud OB/GYN’s for their services, in which he makes a remark that can easily be taken in more than one way. Nudity is limited to one extremely brief scene of partial nudity in which someone is about to receive a shot in their backside.
Artistically speaking, the film is nearly flawless. The documentary style is put to good use as Moore conducts interviews, explores other cultures, and performs his signature stunts. Documentaries are nearly never this engaging, as this style is used to create a film that feels more akin to an engrossing drama. The two hours passed by at a lightning pace for me, as I watched individuals from multiple cultures deal with health care and insurance. Much time is also spent educating viewers on the beginnings of American health care, those responsible for its current state, and those who have attempted to improve it.
“Sicko” is also entertaining. For those familiar with Moore’s previous films, this one may come as a surprise. It is a more good-natured and humorous film than his others, and is more focused on the actual subject matter. The mood is kept light by humorous content. While it would not seem that a film dealing with health care could really be that funny, I heard more laughter in my theater than I’ve heard during some regular comedies.
Aside from its humor, this movie is disturbing and shocking, but not in a graphic way. Watching a mother discuss the death of her 18-month child because of refused treatment, or hearing the story of how a woman's husband died, simply because his claim was denied on the grounds of his treatment being “experimental,” was truly unsettling. Watching 9/11 rescue workers be denied treatment because of their non-government status was also incredibly disturbing.
However shocking and disturbing the film can be, in the end it is inspirational. While relying on our heath care system in America is shown to be at times deadly, much of the film is devoted to showing truly caring and selfless individuals give help to those in need. Rather than simply complaining about American health care, Michael Moore goes on an international tour showing systems that work, and it’s amazing to see how far some countries have come in this area. The moral of the story presents an incredibly Christian worldview, that all people should be willing to help those in need, without motive or self-gain. This is a moral viewpoint more people need to accept in our increasingly selfish culture.
Provided all viewers are pre-teen and up, this movie provides a platform for families to discuss important issues, and have a good time doing it. “Sicko” is a celebration of true virtue, and preaches a message of giving to which one could hardly object. Everyone should see this remarkable film.
Violence: Mild / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Mild
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