Watch We're Not Broke
- NR
- 2012
- 1 hr 21 min
-
7.2 (550)
We're Not Broke is a 2012 documentary film directed by Karin Hayes and Victoria Bruce. The documentary is centered on the issue of corporate tax dodging and its adverse effects on the United States economy. The film features interviews with notable figures such as former US Senator Bernie Sanders, journalist James S. Henry, and inequality expert Chuck Collins, among others.
The documentary highlights how the US corporate tax system has become increasingly complex, enabling corporations to maximize profits by avoiding taxes. The film takes a critical look at some of the largest corporations in the US, including Google, Apple, and Microsoft, and reveals how they use offshore tax havens to shift profits, dodge taxes, and avoid paying their fair share.
One of the central themes of the documentary is the contrast between the current economic situation in the US and the apparent wealth of the corporations that are avoiding paying taxes. The filmmakers use various examples to demonstrate how major corporations are benefiting from a tax system that they have bought and paid for, while ordinary Americans continue to struggle with the effects of austerity, job losses, and an overall slow economy.
The film examines the history of tax law in the US, exploring how corporations have used lobbying and campaign contributions to shape tax legislation in their favor. The filmmakers also look at citizens' movements aimed at bringing attention to the issue of tax avoidance and corporate greed, such as the Occupy Wall Street and the Tax Justice Network.
We're Not Broke sheds light on the efforts of certain individuals and organizations that are pushing for change. One such person is Senator Sanders, who is shown in the film championing efforts to reform the tax system by closing loopholes and increasing transparency. The documentary also highlights the work of other activists and organizations such as the Patriotic Millionaires, who advocate for fair taxation as a solution to wealth inequality.
Throughout the documentary, viewers are presented with an array of facts and figures, including the estimated $21-33 trillion held in offshore tax havens, equivalent to the GDP of the US and Japan combined. The filmmakers also draw attention to the human cost of tax dodging, highlighting the impact that the loss of tax revenue has on public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Overall, We're Not Broke is a compelling and informative documentary that shines a light on the issue of corporate tax dodging and the impact it has on the US economy. The filmmakers' use of interviews, archival footage, and statistical evidence makes for a well-rounded look at the problems associated with an unfairly rigged tax system. The documentary invites viewers to consider why and how tax evasion is not only harmful but immoral, and encourages them to take action to change the system.
We're Not Broke is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.