Review

  • I saw this for the first time at a Sundance screening, and was amazed at how expertly Karin Hayes and Victoria Bruce presented this film's message. We're Not Broke shows how we actually have more money in our pockets than billion-dollar corporations like Wells Fargo, Verizon, ExxonMobil, Chevron and Bank of America all paid in taxes last year, combined. The film delves into how the government has helped oversee the writing of our tax code by corporate lobbyists and campaign contributions to chairmen and ranking members of certain Congressional committees. In between commentary by experts on offshore tax shelters and high finance, Hayes and Bruce weave in the story of a group of activists who created a movement called US Uncut, meant to expose the system and fight it through nonviolent, creative direct action in the streets and in front of these corporations' bank branches and office buildings. We then watch as US Uncut activists become heavily involved in the Occupy Wall Street movement and influence the national conversation in taxes and budget. The best part? Unlike other documentaries like "The Corporation," you leave the film feeling hopeful and energized, rather than depressed and defeated. Audience members at the screening I attended said they immediately felt angry and inspired, and were ready to take action. If anyone is curious about why people are occupying, or how prevalent corporate greed is in government and society, this is a must-see film.