Watch Freakonomics

Freakonomics is a 2010 documentary film that takes an analytical approach to examining the issues of human behavior and economics. The documentary is based on the eponymous book by economist Steven Levitt and journalist Stephen Dubner. The film is divided into several segments, each exploring a different topic related to economics and human behavior. The segments cover subjects such as the impact of incentives, the power of information, and the effects of social norms.

One of the segments, titled "What Do Schoolteachers and Sumo Wrestlers Have in Common?", investigates the correlation between cheating and incentives. The film examines the case of a number of Sumo wrestlers in Japan who were found to have been fixing matches in order to stay in the top ranks of their sport. The film draws parallels between the Sumo scandal and similar incidents of cheating by schoolteachers in the United States, where incentives are used to motivate teachers to improve test scores.

Another segment, "The Death of the Bag Man", analyzes the game theory behind drug dealing. The film argues that drug dealers operate in a similar way to a corporation, with different players occupying different roles and using different strategies to maximize their profits. The segment explores the complexities of drug cartels and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in trying to disrupt their operations.

In "Pure Corruption", the film examines the relationship between money and politics. The segment explores the practice of "soft money" donations, where wealthy individuals and corporations make generous contributions to political campaigns in order to gain influence and favors. The film argues that the relationship between money and politics is inherently corrupting, and explores alternative methods of campaign finance that could reduce the influence of money on the political process.

The final segment of the film, "Can You Bribe a 9th Grader to Succeed?", focuses on the power of information and the effects of social norms. The segment examines the impact of incentives on schoolchildren, and explores the effectiveness of financial rewards in encouraging academic achievement. The film argues that the success of such incentives depends on the social norms that exist within a community, and explores the role of peer pressure in motivating students to succeed.

Throughout the film, various experts and celebrities offer their insights and opinions on the topics being explored. These include economist Austan Goolsbee, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, journalist Lawrence O'Donnell, and actress Wendi McLendon-Covey.

Overall, Freakonomics is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of economics and human behavior. The film provides a fresh perspective on a variety of topics, and offers insights that are both entertaining and informative.

Freakonomics is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 58.