Well it's the latest from Moore. Before seeing the film I got the impression that this was intended as a "magnum opus," the culmination of 20 years of investigative documentaries on everything from depressed Rust Belt towns to America's foreign policy to health care. I was hoping for a serious, factual discussion of economics and the history of economic theory. Unfortunately, Moore decided to fall back on his tried-and-true knee jerk tactics, mainly non-sequiturs and tangential arguments. Kids watching this need to keep in mind that there is a definite ideological bent to the story, and that they should view this from an objective standpoint. It's actually quite a disappointment, mainly because a film about this topic could have been made so much better. You'd need to spend more time discussing background knowledge, the history of the American and world economy, and such. There's nothing particularly lewd or age-inappropriate here, but parents' concerns over the film's objectivity are very valid. If you are interested in a more rigorous and honest look at inequality and capitalist excesses, a good book to read would be Paul Krugman's THE CONSCIENCE OF A LIBERAL. He admits his views ahead of time and backs up his analysis with plenty of background info and statistical evidence. It's too bad that Krugman didn't turn his book into a movie, because it would have been just what the doctor ordered.
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Capitalism: A Love Story
(2009, Rated R, Documentary, Starring Michael Moore)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Docu on corporate misdeeds names names, makes mistakes.
Themes in this movie include: materialism
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Role models :
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Capitalism: A Love Story
Parents need to know that, like all of Michael Moore's documentaries, this film has a very definite point of view and blurs the line between factual analysis and opinion. There's some analysis and information here, but viewers will also be presented with unsupported contentions. The movie's R rating is for language (the worst of which is three uses of "f--k"); you can also expect frequent discussion of death, dying, and hard times. Many corporations are mentioned by name, usually in the context of calling out their misbehavior.
Read our full review by James Rocchi
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the essential issue raised by the film -- why is there such a gulf between "haves" and "have-nots" in America? Is the capitalist system irreparably broken?
- Is there such a thing as a truly objective documentary? Do you think Moore is more or less effective at making his arguments by having an obvious point of view?
- Is Michael Moore is one of the best-known documentary filmmakers in America because of the quality of his work or the press coverage he receives from enraging his enemies?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Well it's the latest from Moore. Before seeing the film I got the impression that this was intended as a "magnum opus," the culmination of 20 years of investigative documentaries on everything from depressed Rust Belt towns to America's foreign policy to health care. I was hoping for a serious, factual discussion of economics and the history of economic theory. Unfortunately, Moore decided to fall back on his tried-and-true knee jerk tactics, mainly non-sequiturs and tangential arguments. Kids watching this need to keep in mind that there is a definite ideological bent to the story, and that they should view this from an objective standpoint. It's actually quite a disappointment, mainly because a film about this topic could have been made so much better. You'd need to spend more time discussing background knowledge, the history of the American and world economy, and such. There's nothing particularly lewd or age-inappropriate here, but parents' concerns over the film's objectivity are very valid. If you are interested in a more rigorous and honest look at inequality and capitalist excesses, a good book to read would be Paul Krugman's THE CONSCIENCE OF A LIBERAL. He admits his views ahead of time and backs up his analysis with plenty of background info and statistical evidence. It's too bad that Krugman didn't turn his book into a movie, because it would have been just what the doctor ordered.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
I think it's easy to tell facts from opinions in this movie.
This may be Michael Moore's best and most objective film and brings up many issues our culture needs to face so we can move on and re-strengthen our nation. I think he provides a good role-model as seen above because he questions the motives of people in and around the government with detachment from any organization other than a citizen determined to make the best choice when voting. Really that's the responsibility of every American citizen: you get to control the government, but you need to know what you're doing. This movie also points out that the opportunity to become the ruling class should not outweigh the strength and unity of a group or nation working together to reach a common goal. Though some of his tactics (or stunts) can be crass from time to time he's only doing so to make a point. I would say that HE himself should be no one's guide to what they believe (I wish he would say that...). Everyone should come up with their own theories and decide on which ideas they support for themselves. But some of the facts he points out are nice to know on the journey to our own opinions. J. F. Kohler III
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
Educate yourself
The new media should not be your only sourse of information. I was moved by the movie enough to check out some of the information only to find it was true. A must see if you do not like the way our goverment is running.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Education is a good thing !
Everyone should hear all points of view. Truth is far better than politcal deceiving stratagies of men in powerful positions.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
I am republican. I dont like Moore. The movie is a must see. What he is presenting here is very valuable. Teenagers must see it.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
fascinating shocking doc is stndard micheal moore material
those familiar with micheal moore's films know what to expect here but even i was shocked by the carefull level of crafting that went into the movie and how they attacked both sides there are some relatively funny moments to go along with ths hocking moments such as the life insurance policies taken out on dead people.some of the funny bits include the part when he compares the coutrywide commercials with the prettylady as being quote " the same offer the mafia gives you" the film sometimes goes on with to much but all his films do that so grade A-
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Mature teens
I haven't seen this movie yet but really want too. I saw the commercial and thought it looked really interesting and funny.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
It is a fantastic movie but only for adults or some extremely mature teens.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 43% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 29% | of parents say there are good role models |
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