Watch Speaking Freely: John Perkins

Speaking Freely: John Perkins is a 2007 documentary film that features author and activist John Perkins as he discusses his experiences as an economic hit man and his efforts to promote social and environmental justice. The film is a candid exploration of Perkins' life and the events that led him to become a whistleblower about the destructive practices of the global economic system.

Throughout the film, Perkins shares his personal story and describes how he became involved in the world of international finance. He discusses his work as an economic hit man, a position he held in the 1970s, where he was tasked with convincing developing countries to take out large loans from the World Bank and other financial institutions. These loans were then used to fund infrastructure projects, many of which were not needed and were often designed to benefit multinational corporations.

Perkins explains how economic hit men used a variety of tactics, including bribery and coercion, to persuade government officials to take on these loans, even when it was not in the best interests of their countries. He also reveals how these corrupt practices led to a cycle of debt and poverty in many developing countries, which continues to this day.

The film also examines Perkins' personal journey and how he came to realize the impact of his actions. He describes how a chance encounter with an indigenous shaman in the Amazon rainforest transformed his worldview and enabled him to see the destructive nature of the economic system he was supporting. He also discusses his decision to become a whistleblower and go public with his experiences, despite the risks involved.

In addition to his personal story, the film also features interviews with other experts in the field of economics and globalization. These experts discuss the larger issues at play and the systemic problems with the current economic system. They offer insights into how we can create a more sustainable and equitable future, and what steps need to be taken to achieve this.

Overall, Speaking Freely: John Perkins is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the global economic system. Through Perkins' personal story, we see the devastating impact that unchecked capitalism can have on people and the planet. However, the film also offers a message of hope and highlights the work of those who are fighting for a better future. It is a must-see for anyone interested in economics, globalization, and social justice.

Speaking Freely: John Perkins is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.