Parents' Guide to

Requiem for the American Dream

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Noam Chomsky's theories of inequality are important but dry.

Movie NR 2016 78 minutes
Requiem for the American Dream Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

Sen C.
Sen C. Adult
February 15, 2019
age 14+

Quality movie

Chomsky sheds light on the nefarious nexus between wealth and power.He cracks the veneer of democracy where the masters of mankind rob people through corporatism which he terms financialization of democracy.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

It's no secret that economic inequality is becoming more extreme, with an ever larger portion of the world's wealth concentrated in the hands of the extremely rich. It's less clear how that's happened, but in REQUIEM FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM, acclaimed intellectual Noam Chomsky lays it all out. In a series of vignettes illustrated with historical news footage, graphics, charts, and extensive interviews, Chomsky goes over some of his theories, detailing how the rich shape the government to stay rich and the powerful collude with the wealthy to stay powerful.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Chomsky is a compelling speaker and teacher, and with him at the center, Requiem is fascinating. But despite the film's interesting subject -- and the expert discussing it -- it's a lot to ask of an audience to sit through what essentially's a lecture. Some charts, news footage, and animation add texture -- and there's no question the message is powerful and thought-provoking. But entertainment? Not so much. A less-dry approach perhaps would have better served a film that deserves to be seen.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about inequality. What does that word mean to you? From what you see and hear in this film, do you agree with Chomsky's take on the subject?

  • Is inequality a natural part of the social order, or is it engineered by those who have (or want to have) more than others?

  • Is this documentary an effective platform to explain these complicated ideas?

  • How can regular people help combat inequality? See how our Kids Action advocates are addressing the issue.

Movie Details

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