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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. Parent Reviewer
    Kids ages: 6, 8, 11
    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
    Kids ages: 11, 14
    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 and give it .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 and give it .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 and give it 5.0

    Amazing

    A fantastic look into socialized medicine!

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