Watch Bitcoin: The End Of Money As We Know It
- NR
- 2015
- 1 hr
-
6.9 (1,306)
Bitcoin: The End Of Money As We Know It is a documentary film that examines the concept and consequences of Bitcoin, the world's first decentralized digital currency. The movie, which was released in 2015, is directed by Torsten Hoffmann and co-written by him along with Michael Watchulonis. The documentary takes the viewer on a journey through the history of money, monetary systems and how Bitcoin is a game-changer in the revolution of currency. The narrative begins with footage of the Great Recession of 2008, when banks were bailed out with taxpayers' money, and introduces the idea of central banks and their monopoly on money supply. Central banking has been in practice for centuries and relies on the trust we have in its institutions. Instead of relying on central banks, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network, with no need for central authority or intermediaries.
The film interviews various experts in the field- financial analysts, economists, academics, aunderground techies, and futurists- to understand the implications of this new currency with a worldwide appeal. The most notable personalities in this documentary are the Bitcoin gurus Andreas M. Antonopoulos and Jeffrey A. Tucker, both advocates for Bitcoin and its disruptive potential.
Antonopoulos's presence in the film is crucial, as he simplifies complex Bitcoin theories for the everyday person. He talks about the role of Bitcoin as a facilitator for global finance, giving access to banking services to people who are unbanked, how it empowers people and removes the need for intermediaries. He outlines how Bitcoin can revolutionize remittances, improving economic opportunities for overseas workers, while saving them huge fees paid to intermediaries like Western Union.
Jeffrey A. Tucker talks about the ideology that Bitcoin represents, an ideology in contrast to the current banking system. Tucker explains how Bitcoin is a voluntary exchange between two parties, compared to central banking, which is non-voluntary, with a coercive oppressive system of laws and regulations.
The documentary also emphasizes Bitcoin's potential use cases beyond just as a currency, such as smart-contracts, digital voting, and supply chain management. One of the most notable use cases of Bitcoin is the blockchain technology behind it, which allows for transparency, verifiability, and immutability of data.
The film also tackles the controversial aspects of Bitcoin, such as its use in illicit activities such as the Silk Road, Darkweb marketplace for illegal goods and services. Bitcoin is often portrayed as taboo, and its negative association is explored in the documentary. They attempt to upend the perception that Bitcoin is only used for nefarious activities by emphasizing that similarly, paper money has also been used for illegal activities for centuries.
Bitcoin: The End Of Money As We Know It is not just for Bitcoin advocates but is also for the people who don't understand what Bitcoin is and how it works. The documentary tries to explain Bitcoin in an easily understandable style without being too complex, providing visuals, explainer graphics, and interviews with experts. The movie's production is of high quality, and the content is mostly informative, although some parts appear to be repetitive.
In conclusion, Bitcoin: The End Of Money As We Know It is an excellent starting point for people who want to understand the concept of Bitcoin and realize its potential to revolutionize finance. It provides insight into both the bright and dark sides of Bitcoin, making for a well-rounded and informative film. For Bitcoin aficionados, the film can help them articulate their ideas better to others and convince skeptics of Bitcoin's usefulness.
Bitcoin: The End Of Money As We Know It is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.