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Sicko

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Michael Moore takes on the healthcare system.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The film casts the healthcare industry and the U.S. government in a negative light, using potentially upsetting scenes -- children crying as their father leaves for Iraq, a woman discussing her husband's death, a patient being cast into the street by a hospital worker, etc. -- to make its point.
  • Violence:

    Some brief grisly medical imagery (for example, a knee being stitched in the opening scenes); photo of severed finger; references to Iraq war and images of detainees at Guantanamo Bay (they play soccer, but they are in prison).
  • Sex:

    Jokey use of President Bush's famous malapropism ("Too many OB-GYNs are not able to practice their love with women all over this country").
  • Language:

    A brief shot of an anti-Michael Moore Web site shows the written phrase "f--k you." In terms of what's said out loud, it's mostly pretty mild, including "suck," "bitch," and "ass."
  • Consumerism:

    Medical insurance and drug companies are named (Aetna, Pharma, etc.).
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Medications are dispensed and discussed.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Sicko was written by Cynthia Fuchs

Parents need to know that this pointed documentary isn't meant for younger children -- not that they're likely to be interested in subject material like medical insurance companies, drug company lobbying, and government legislation regarding medical treatment anyway. That said, Moore makes the sometimes-difficult material understandable and frequently entertaining. Expect some very sad stories of things and people lost -- loved ones, property, and even hope -- as well as brief, potentially upsetting images (bloody injuries, a mentally troubled patient being turned out onto the street, etc). Language includes one pointed use of "bitch," by a tearful woman remembering her work as an insurance agent, and a written "f--k you" glimpsed on a Web site.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about Michael Moore's filmmaking style. He makes documentaries, but they're not always purely objective -- he sometimes presents information in a way that better makes his point. Is that OK? How does that affect the way you view his films? Do you have to agree with his views to enjoy his movies? How does he make viewers feel included in his journey in this movie? Does that make the topic more accessible, in spite of the complicated issues?
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More on Sicko

What’s the Story?

Like Michael Moore's previous documentaries, Sicko mounts a righteously angry, sentimental, blow-hardy, often-effective argument. Using mostly anecdotal evidence, the film shows how U.S. health insurance and drug companies make profits, owing to helpful legislation dating back to the Nixon years. The film takes aim at any number of legislative and executive figures who collude with the industry to maintain the status quo, while interviews with victims -- as well as former insurance company agents -- make the case that the system is broken and premised on fear, frustration, and greed. The film also presents alternative systems -- Cuban, Canadian, British, and French -- that offer "free" care and, according to the movie, unfailingly friendly caregivers. "It all began with democracy," beams former British Parliament member Tony Benn, which "gave the poor the vote" and "moved the power from the wallet to the ballot." A woman living in France observes that "The government is afraid of the people, they're afraid of protests ... whereas in the States, people are afraid of the government." Though Moore doesn't interview anyone who complains about the taxes that support socialized medicine, he does point out that the U.S. manages socialized schools, postal services, and fire departments.

Is It Any Good?

Apparently, the most effective strategy against the targeted companies is exposure. To prove that point, the film recounts the story of a man who was denied coverage for his daughter's treatment. He wrote Cigna ("without my permission," notes Moore), announcing that Michael Moore was making a movie about health care. Almost immediately, the company called to reverse the denial. If a movie that hadn't even been made yet had such effect, maybe now that it's out, Sicko will inspire other changes for the better.

Movie Details

Studio: Weinstein Co., Director: Michael Moore
Run time: 123 minutes
Theatrical release: 6/28/2007, DVD release: 11/6/2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    Seriously....

    This is just making Socialized Medicine look good, when in truth it's evil.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Perfect for Teens and Must Watch

    I have recently watched the movie and have also recently immigrated to an EU country with Socialized medicine -> despite what reviewer "knowspin" says the facts do add up. Do a google search on this movie and you will find the facts are all true and Mr. Moore could have even exposed more horrific facts along the way. Movie should be considered factual and not politically motivated to be in support of Liberalism or Conservatism. Actually, after living away from the U.S. the American political spectrum seems more like Vanilla and Vanilla Bean...can you taste the difference? Hats off to Mr. Moore for this movie which should be considered humanitarian.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 0.0

    horrible and pathetic

    Why in the world would you watch this guys garbage? He is an idiot. Do not watch this. Do not let your kids watch this. You don't want this mans extremely stupid liberalism tainting your kids minds.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 0.0

    The truth would help...

    Any way you slice it, on further rewiew the facts don't back up the garbage this sicko is pedaling. Once you understand his agenda and that he is not 100% honest, you might as well go watch cartoons.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Amazing

    A fantastic look into socialized medicine!

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    My favorite movie in years

    I loved this movie. I saw it with my teenager. The message was so inspiring, and noble and spiritual, I can't wait to take my younger kids to see it, too. I did not see it as depressing. I saw it as positive and upbeat. We have an opportunity to evolve as a nation to be caring, loving, responsible and noble by addressing very real concerns about health care industry. I loved the ending. Michael Moore really brought home the idea that in a country this great, we can do anything, and now is the time. I can't wait to see this movie again, this time with my children. God Bless You, Michael Moore!

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    great movie, informative and entertaining

    Sicko is really a good movie, and i feel that it's appropriate for kids about 12 and up. Younger kids may not find it as entertaining, but it's still appropriate and you shouldn't worry about taking your teen.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Interesting.

    I wonder why kids have'n't written a single review about this movie.It's very good and if you are at least a mature 10 year old you can watch it.Parents think this is too graphic to show kids...Well for under 9 it is.But these days parents will be surprised to know how much kids know about this stuff.If you're a parent who works in the medical field and have a tween at home,you two should watch it.You'll enjoy it!

  10. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    I loved this movie! I will see it again very soon.

    I can't remember the last time I was so moved by a movie. It was funny at times--very sad other times. I'm bringing my 12 year old next time I see it. To enjoy this movie, there are two prerequisites--you have to be capable of compassion and empathy.

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Finally! Someone Cares!~~~

    Michael Moore has outdone himself..."Sicko" should be seen by every American (and children 12 and over). This movie should have been made 10 or more years ago! As an R.N. with a masters degree and 17 years experience, I can assure you that "Sicko" is NOT "over-the-top"! It is right on the money...(emphasis on money!). Sadly, healthcare is now bad business. Patients, nurses, doctors and staff pale in comparison to the almighty dollar. There is a reason for our massive and growing nursing shortage crisis...America is also losing her best physicians (insurance costs, etc). The professionals who truly CARE seem to go first. They see the hypocrisy before others do... Our National HealthCare Plan today is, "Don't Get Sick!". And we lag behind 34 (not so great/wealthy) nations, in the quality of our Health Care System. Unfortunately, it's true that "the well-off live, the poor die" in every city of our beloved Country. My beautiful mother died at the age of 57.....She had worked in Northern Virginia and D.C. for all of her life, and knew everyone from Senators, to Redskins (Joe Theismann, Sonny Jergenson) to Elizabeth Taylor. Unfortunately, she lost her health insurance (which seems to be the norm now), and suddenly became very ill in eastern N.C. I can assure you that my mother's death certificate after less than one week at the aptly-named "Pitt Memorial", truthfully should have stated, "CAUSE OF DEATH: LACK OF INSURANCE!!!"

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 0.0

    Don't waste your money

    Just a bad bad movie. Such a waste of money and time. Michael Moore is not a talented person.

  13. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  14. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 0.0

    The title says it all

    I happened to see the movie when it was available online, something Mr. Moore once advocated but later rescinded. Regardless, the movie is well made, if politically skewed. Mr. Moore is entitled to make his movie, but to suggest that his view is the only view is narrow-minded. To present the view that a nation with the greatest health-care system in the world is completely flawed because that system is not without its bugs is foolhearty. Watch it and see for yourself; but then consider the fact that many Canadians, Britons and others travel to the US for their surgeries. Since their nations are held up as examples of how the US could do better, one has to wonder what we're doing so wrong.

  15. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Michael Moore's Best Yet

    While the subject is disturbing and distressing, Moore manages to bring humor and levity to the subject. Most importantly, one leaves the theatre inspired to DO something to address the deplorable problem of the uninsured in this country.

  16. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    a must see for those who want a better america

    i'm a michael moore fan and this movie does not disappoint. it is a must see for families who want thier children to grow up to share thier voice in America and to work for social change. i appreciate that Moore shares what the critics say about him--i think this reminds us to be brave in the face of criticism and to continue to do right by people--this is something kids should be seeing.

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