Cape Blue

I noticed we had a couple of Michael Moore threads but they were both pre-film. Has anyone now seen the movie?

As you'd expect, he bigs-up the British, French, Canadian and Cuban systems, whilst finding the worst of the US. Entertaining to see the segment on the UK.

He does a good job of focussing on the woes of "decent hardworking families" and 9/11 heroes with insurance, rather than spending a lot of time on the uninsured (who are clearly feckless scroungers and layabouts and who wouldn't generate the same recognition factor with a widespread audience)

Elvira - you must have seen it, what did you think of the bit where he bashed Hillary. He built her up for 5+ minutes and then whack! That got a bit of a reaction in a San Francisco audience.

Tony Benn seemed off his rocker.

Not sure it will tell the BE crew anything they don't already know, it was interesting listening to the audience on the way out, clearly some had fallen for the US bull on how bad socialised medicine was and had now seen something to challenge that view.

Worth a look just for the Brit section, although the Cuban one was quite amusing and indeed the French, especially the bit where the French gov pays for someone to do the baby's laundry for a new kid, Michael loved that one.

snowbunny

Me!

The theatre were collectively gasping at the benefits available in other countries. Say what you will about the NHS, most people in that theatre were shaking their heads and wishing we had a universal health care system.

The part that gets me is why don't we kick the pols in the balls and riot in the streets? One day off work protest.... or are we really too scared or too skint to do that?

TouristTrap

I'd say balls. I really want to to see it this week if I can catch it somewhere around here. Been looking forward to it for ages. Will report back on audience reactions.

another bloody yank

I haven't seen it and I won't. I'm in the camp that thinks MM is a rich, fat, jackass in the same class as Rosie O'Donnel. I predict that anyone who willingly goes to see it will love it. The masses will be thrilled with the thought of "free" medical for all and MM will figure out some other social evil to whine about.


Also, the thought of a government run universal healthcare system makes my stomach tie itself in a knot with worry. The expense will go way up, the quality of care will go way down. This isn't the U.K.

snowbunny

So.... a government-INSURED Medicare system isn't good enough for the old folk? Do we hate our elderly that much? Or is it.... okay?

Cape Blue

You seem to be attacking the messanger there ABY. Why not see what he has to say and then attack (or not) the message. I thought it was already fairly well known that the cost of health care in the US was higher (per capita) than most other places, but the coverage was generally lower.

MM was quoting some stats on child mortality and average lifespan that seem to indicate that countries with lower amounts spent in socialised medicine gave an overall better health service.

rincewind

Latest word was all the stats in the film are accurate.

Me, I can't wait to see it. I own all his movies and happy with contributing to making MM a "rich, fat, jackass."

Sally

I think he is great at drawing attention to issues which badly need to be addressed. In a way I don't want to see the film, because I want to believe I have moved to a highly advanced country.

snowbunny

Then don't see it, because I walked out even more demoralised on the subject than when I went in.

ABY -- if people who oppose universal health care are still getting their way in twelve or so years, I'm outta here.

britvic

I'll wait till it come's out on DVD but by that time I'll be in the UK and doubt very much if I'll care either way.

Cape Blue

Its more entertaining watching it in a cinema in the US - the reactions of the rest of the audience (gasps etc) added to the atmosphere.

britvic

May be so, but I'd have to sit in there with a gas mask on because I cant stand the over powering smell of Pop Corn
< this is my sick face.

Cape Blue

That is true, or the noise of the cell phone going off, and the owner actually answering it and have a loud 15 seconds telling the caller that they were in the cinema. Priceless.

britvic

not funny though is it.

Elvira

I haven't seen it yet and probably won't in the near future as I am currently working around the clock. I have this immovable deadline at the end of the month - off to London for my annual summer treat...

My views on this issue are well known...