Watch Hank: Five Years from the Brink

Hank: Five Years from the Brink is a documentary film that was released in 2013. It is directed by Joe Berlinger and features Henry Paulson, who was the Secretary of the Treasury during the financial crisis of 2008. The film opens with a statement from Paulson himself, saying that he never thought he would go into politics. He had been the CEO of Goldman Sachs for many years, and had been content with his life as a businessman. However, when he was asked by then-President George W. Bush to take on the role of Secretary of the Treasury, he felt he could not say no.

The documentary then takes us back in time to 2006, when Henry Paulson was not yet in politics. We see him walking through the streets of New York City, reflecting on his career and his life. He speaks candidly about the challenges facing the financial industry at that time, and how he felt that the regulatory system was not keeping up with the changes in the industry.

As we move forward in time to 2008, we see Paulson taking on the role of Secretary of the Treasury. He takes us through the early days of his tenure, when he was trying to get a handle on the enormity of the economic crisis that was unfolding. He describes the panic that was gripping the financial community, and the uncertainty that was spreading throughout the markets.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making process during this time. We see Paulson meeting with other government officials, and trying to come up with a plan of action. He talks about the challenge of trying to navigate through a complex web of competing interests, and the need to balance the needs of different stakeholders.

Throughout the film, we also get to know Henry Paulson on a personal level. He talks about his family, and the impact that the crisis had on him personally. He reflects on the lessons he learned from his time in politics, and the importance of staying focused on the big picture.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the idea of leadership in times of crisis. We see Paulson grappling with difficult decisions, and trying to stay true to his convictions even when it was not popular. He talks about the importance of communication, and how he tried to keep the public informed about what was happening, even when the news was not good.

Another key theme is the nature of power and influence in politics. We see Paulson trying to wield his influence to get things done, but also grappling with the limitations of his power. He talks about the importance of building relationships and trust, and the need to be consistent in his actions.

Overall, Hank: Five Years from the Brink is a compelling and insightful look at the financial crisis of 2008, as seen through the eyes of one of its key players. Henry Paulson comes across as an intelligent, thoughtful, and compassionate leader, who did his best to navigate a difficult and uncertain time. The film offers valuable insights into the nature of leadership, and the challenges facing those who are tasked with making tough decisions during times of crisis.

Hank: Five Years from the Brink is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 56.