Life + Debt (2001) Reviews

Life + Debt (2001)
Member Rating:  
In 1962, Jamaica won its independence from the United Kingdom, and the island nation, which had long struggled with poverty, attempted to use its agricultural resources in order to create a sound economic base. As Jamaica's financial problems grew more severe with time, prime minister Michael Manley struck a deal in 1977 with a consortium of economic institutions through the International Monetary Fund, who would loan money to the nation in exchange for removal of trade restrictions and subsidized exports. Twenty-five years later, most Jamaicans would agree that the deal drove a stake through the island's agricultural and industrial economy; imports from America have ruined the island's dairy industry, interference from growers and merchants in the United States and Latin America have effectively ended the growing of onions, bananas, carrots, and potatoes as cash crops, the value of the Jamaican dollar has plummeted, and the island is now seven billion dollars in debt to the IMF, with interest driving that figure higher each day. Filmmaker Stephanie Black examines the sad state of Jamaica's economy in the face of "free trade" in the global economy in the documentary Life + Debt, which includes interviews with Michael Manley and IMF director Stanley Fischer; the Jamaica Kincaid novel A Small Place provides some of the text for the film's narration. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Jamaica Kincaid
Director(s):
Stephanie Black
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(11 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Michelle J.

I think it's a bit ironic that Michael Manley, who is responsible for so many of Jamaica's problems, is the expert giving running commentary throughout this film. Despite this, however, it is the interviews of everyday people that go a long way to revealing how globalization and bodies like the IMF and World Bank have caused problems for small economies. There may be two sides to the issue, but sometimes a documentary can be very good simply because it articulates one side's argument very well. It inspired me to research the issues more than I had before, and that's a useful thing.

Yes   |   No


ANGELA W.

IT WASNT WHAT I EXPECTED BUT OVERALL IT WAS A GREAT DOCUMENTARY

Yes   |   No


Peter P.

This was one of the best contemporary documentaries I've seen in years. Outstanding editing, a great soundtrack, and truthful insight into a subject that should be required viewing for every American.

Yes   |   No


Cameron F.

This is a heartbreaking film that views Jamaican life from a unique perspective. This is a must see for any documentary lover.

Yes   |   No


Raymond R.

From what I've read, the US sold subsidized rice to Africa, putting the farmers out of business, and now the people can't feed themselves. Japan did the same thing to us with electronic gadgets. This movie is good, but needs subtitles.

Yes   |   No


Amy H.

This is an eye opener about what the IMF and NAFTA mean for the "world" economy. If you are human, you cannot watch this and not be affected.

Yes   |   No


William C.

I am not an economist but the film reveals the conundrum or double bind a poor country can get into involving itself with IMF. What angers me about the situation is how big corporations can turn the good intentions of an IMF plan into failure. It really is tragic for the people. I don't know the answer but there must be a better way. Greed is the culprit along with corporate ruthlessness leading the parade

Yes   |   No


Stephen E.

A good, but flawed view from the inside of how the rich devour the poor. The lack of subtitles is unfortunate, as many of the voices are unintelligible. Also, there is not enough explanation to connect the dots and give a cohesive picture. Even so, to those who already understand the basics, there is great factual evidence here to expose the frauds being done, in the name of aid to the poor.

Yes   |   No


Bradley S.

The film has very effectively used, music, editing, and the personal stories of displaced and unemployed Jamaicans to bring attention to the devestating effect of some of the policies of the Jamaican government. The film further goes on to blame the problems of the Jamaican people not on the government but on globalization and the International Monetary Fund. Government policy and the history of Jamaica after independence is not discussed but rather all the ills of the Jamaican people are laid at the feet of the IMF and globalization. Although there were clear consequences to accepting IMF money the bigger question is why was the Jamaican government in such bad financial shape? This question was never answered or even discussed and it should have been.

Yes   |   No


Craig B.

This is perhaps one of the most lopsided "documentaries" ever produced. Documentary by definition: Presenting facts objectively without editorializing or inserting fictional matter. This movie makes no attempt to uncover Jamaica's governmental shortcomings, its governing laws, it merely serves as a hit piece placing blame on any other country than itself for its financial irresponsiblity. Its flow is incoherent and contextually flawed.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (11)
     
    Michelle J.

    I think it's a bit ironic that Michael Manley, who is responsible for so many of Jamaica's problems, is the expert giving running commentary throughout this film. Despite this, however, it is the interviews of everyday people that go a long way to revealing how globalization and bodies like the IMF and World Bank have caused problems for small economies. There may be two sides to the issue, but sometimes a documentary can be very good simply because it articulates one side's argument very well. It inspired me to research the issues more than I had before, and that's a useful thing.

    Yes   |   No

     
    ANGELA W.

    IT WASNT WHAT I EXPECTED BUT OVERALL IT WAS A GREAT DOCUMENTARY

    Yes   |   No

     
    Peter P.

    This was one of the best contemporary documentaries I've seen in years. Outstanding editing, a great soundtrack, and truthful insight into a subject that should be required viewing for every American.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 11 Reviews
       

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