Watch 97% Owned

In 97% Owned, the viewer is taken on a journey to explore the current state of the banking industry and its impact on society. The documentary, which was released in 2012, examines eight years of history and research into the UK banking system, with the aim of revealing why 97% of money in circulation is created by banks. The film starts by highlighting the history of the way money has been created and circulated within societies. It goes on to state that in the modern era, banks have taken over the role of governments in creating and controlling the money supply. The documentary lays bare the system of money creation, revealing a veil of secrecy and complexity that's hard for the average citizen to fully comprehend.

The documentary explores the evolution of the financial system, from the Bretton Woods negotiations to the deregulation of banks in the 1980s. The emphasis is on the challenges faced by the banking system, from its beginnings in the 17th century to the present-day global market system.

97% Owned also examines the role of banks in creating debt through lending. The documentary highlights the impact of debt on British households and the economy. The film argues that banks are creating a debt trap for families, and that they profit from this, relying on high levels of debt to make money for themselves. The documentary also looks at the role of securitisation in banking, with a focus on the 2008 financial crisis and how it continues to shape the banking system.

Alongside this, 97% Owned explores the idea of the widening wealth-gap that's occurring in society. The film argues that banks are contributing to this by extracting wealth and profit from individuals and businesses, and placing it in the hands of a small elite. The film offers an explanation of how banks work and how they make money, putting it into context with the reality of banks' effects on society.

97% Owned offers the viewer a unique glimpse into the inner workings of banks, and the complex web they weave in creating money and credits. The documentary aims to dispel misconceptions and misunderstandings about the financial system and provide viewers with the opportunity to become more informed about the way banks operate.

Throughout the film, we meet a range of people who have been impacted by the banking system, from entrepreneurs to mortgage holders, as they share their insights into how banks have affected their lives. The documentary also features interviews with experts in the field of finance and banking, delving deep into the technical aspects of the banking system.

The documentary is effective in providing facts and statistics that show the impact of the banking system on British society. Some of these statistics are staggering; for example, the UK banking sector is roughly five times the size of the country's GDP, and in 2011, the UK was the second-most indebted country in the world (behind Japan).

Overall, 97% Owned is a thought-provoking and eye-opening documentary, that will leave viewers questioning the role and power of banks in our society. It's a film that deserves to be watched by anyone who's interested in the economy, politics or understanding the mechanisms behind the financial system.

97% Owned is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.