Watch The Big One

The Big One is a documentary movie released in 1997 that examines American corporate culture in the midst of a globalized economy. The movie follows the director, Michael Moore, as he travels across the country, speaking to workers who have lost their jobs and examining the detrimental effects of corporate downsizing on the United States economy. The film focuses on the responsibility of the working class to organize and fight back against the injustices they face.

The movie starts with Michael Moore announcing to his audience that he is embarking on a 50-city promotional tour for his book, "Downsize This! Random Threats from an Unarmed American." The movie follows him on his tour as he meets with various workers who have lost their jobs in the wake of corporate downsizing. He aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact downsizing has on American workers and their communities.

Throughout the movie, Moore interviews disheartened and frustrated employees from companies such as Nike, Fruit of the Loom, and General Motors. He speaks to workers who have been forced into desperate situations such as relying on government assistance, sleeping in their cars or being forced to leave their communities in search of work elsewhere.

The biggest companies receive the most scrutiny as they had to let go of large numbers of employees at once. These companies threw away human beings as if they were disposable resources. In a particularly harrowing scene, Moore speaks to employees who formerly worked at a General Motors factory in Flint, Michigan, where many employees were laid off after the factory moved overseas. The workers describe the hardships they faced after losing their jobs without any severance, health insurance or other compensation.

Moore also exposes corporate greed through his confrontational interviews with executives from giant corporations. He ambushes Nike CEO Phil Knight during a book signing to confront him about the working conditions in the company’s overseas factories. He also confronts Hanes CEO Richard Noll about the company's decision to close a U.S. factory and move to Mexico. Moore uses his celebrity status and aggressiveness to hold these executives accountable and bring public attention to their wrongdoing.

Amid the bleakness of the stories featured in the movie, there are moments of comedic relief. Moore's approach can often be humorous, which helps disguise the tragedy that many of his subjects have faced. For example, he asks laid-off workers to create a "CEO farewell note" that he intends to deliver to company heads as a parting gift. This humorous approach was a signature trait in Moore’s directorial style, even as he tackled serious topics.

The Big One is a thought-provoking documentary that exposes the dark underbelly of American capitalism. Many of the issues raised by Moore almost 25 years ago, such as corporate greed and outsourcing, continue to plague the country today. The film is a reminder of the importance of collective action, and the responsibility we all have to stand up against injustice.

Overall, The Big One is a powerful documentary that tackles a critical issue that still persists to this day. It is a must-see for anyone interested in corporate culture, social justice, and the fight for workers' rights.

The Big One is a 1997 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.