Watch The Power of Choice: The Life and Ideas of Milton Friedman

The Power of Choice: The Life and Ideas of Milton Friedman is a biographical documentary film that examines the life, work, and ideas of Nobel Prize-winning economist and scholar, Milton Friedman. Released in 2007, the film recounts the journey of the iconic economist who rose to become a leading advocate for free-market capitalism and individual freedom.

The film features interviews with Milton Friedman himself, as well as those who knew him best, including Martin Anderson, Gary Becker, and Sean Byrne. The documentary takes the viewers through the key milestones in Friedman's life--including his time at the University of Chicago, his role as an economic adviser to presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, his work on "Monetary History of the United States," and his involvement in economic policies during the Reagan era.

The documentary is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Friedman's life and career. The first chapter, titled "The Education of Milton Friedman," explores his early years, his intellectual development, and his transformation from a Keynesian economist to a leading proponent of monetarism. The chapter argues that Friedman was not content with the academic status quo and that his thirst for knowledge helped him to develop a new perspective on economic theory.

The second chapter, "The Rise of the Chicago School," highlights the role of Friedman's colleagues at the University of Chicago in shaping his views on economics. The film demonstrates how the group's free-market philosophy and commitment to empirical research became the cornerstone of Friedman's economic beliefs.

In chapter three, "The Age of the Great Inflation," the film delves into Friedman's work on monetary policy and how his views on inflation helped to shape economic policies in the US during the '60s and '70s. The chapter also explores the controversy surrounding Friedman's theories on monetarism, which were hotly debated in academic and political circles.

Chapter four, "The Battle for the Free Market," recounts Friedman's efforts to promote the idea of free-market capitalism as a means to promote economic growth and personal freedom. The chapter highlights Friedman's role as a popularizer of economic ideas, his work as a commentator, and his participation in political debates over economic policy.

Finally, chapter five, "The Legacy of Milton Friedman," examines the impact of Friedman's ideas on global economic policy and culture. The film looks at how Friedman's work influenced the rise of neoliberalism, the fall of communism, and the development of globalization since the late 20th century.

Overall, The Power of Choice: The Life and Ideas of Milton Friedman presents a detailed and thoughtful perspective on the life, work, and ideas of one of the most eminent economists of the 20th century. The film provides a compelling portrait of a man who was not afraid to challenge established orthodoxies and who made significant contributions to our understanding of markets, money, and economic freedom. The documentary is sure to appeal to anyone interested in economics, political philosophy, and the history of ideas.

The Power of Choice: The Life and Ideas of Milton Friedman is a 2007 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.