Becoming Warren Buffett (2017) User Reviews (22)

Should have been called 'Becoming Susan Buffett'

[Quietbyday-170-516684 · 7/10 · 16 February 2017]

If this movie had been called "Becoming Susan Buffet", it already would have been a lot more interesting.

The contrast/interplay/tension between Susan's philanthropy (working for others, not money) and Warren's sense of "utility" (accumulating with compound interest to have a greater impact later) provides more than enough material to make an documentary that is interesting while still including the full range of biographical material.

I would have liked the film makers to push more, for example to question Buffet on some of the ethical struggles he may have faced, and his thoughts on economic structures and the role they play in helping or hindering human development and improving quality of life. It also could have benefited from having more of a look toward the future (beyond Buffet contemplating his own death); after all, this documentary on Buffet rests on the assumption that he will be a big name in the history books.

Nevertheless, a documentary that was well worth the time spent watching it.

Highly recommend

[jennniindia · 8/10 · 12 February 2022]

This was very entertaining, engaging, educational, and thought-provoking.

I avoid idolizing any human being, but there are a lot to like/adore about Warren Buffet. His life was interesting and impressive- he literally made it out of nothing. And the way his values (e.g., the game of utilities, extreme focus) and Susan's (e.g., philanthropy,broad interests in humans) collide with and converge to a degree was cool. I didn't expect the documentary to touch upon the nonconventional love/friendship among Warren, Susan, and Astrid (Something I can't fully understand), but it did well.

One's success story may not fix lots of problems in our financial systems and societies, but this was, standalone, an encouraging and hopeful story.

I like this guy's laugh!

[MovieHoliks · 8/10 · 27 March 2017]

I saw the latest in the long line of amazing documentaries from HBO DocumentaryFilms over the weekend. This one profiles mega-billionaire, and one of the richest men in the world, Warren Buffett! It goes through his humble beginnings as a number-obsessed boy in Nebraska, to head of Berkshire-Hathaway! This movie was an awful lot of fun, and at the same time, be sure to have zem Kleenex nearby LOL. And I like this guy's laugh...LOL

It was enlightening to see the man behind the fame

[claudjak-864-699400 · 10/10 · 28 February 2017]

HBO: Becoming Warren Buffett. Highly recommend it.

What an amazing man, not because of his money but because he maintains his character regardless of the amount of money he has. If his portrayal in this documentary is accurate, which I believe it is, then the best part of this documentary was getting a glimpse to his philosophy of life and approach to businesses- just fascinating. He seems to be a man with great moral values, integrity, and extreme focus, which one needs to be the best at anything.

Plus, his respect for others, including his wife, game playing with numbers and an appreciation for Dale Carnegie is just awesome.

Maybe I loved it because it reminds me of my 8 yr old son that has read Dale Carnegie 2X and is always crunching math numbers in his head.

Excellent documentary!

[Speedysue2003 · 10/10 · 3 February 2017]

This documentary was not dull. It told the simple story of a simple man who likes what he does and does it well. The devotion that he and his first wife, Susie, had for each other is poignant and touched my heart. If a movie was going to be made about their love affair, it would have been as good as any major Hollywood love story. The very fact that he stayed married to Susie, even after she left and moved to California, shows his loyalty. His second wife was introduced and encouraged by Susie to take care of Buffet when she wasn't there.

What I found interesting is the total lack of any guile or deceit that usually comes from families that have money and cannot control it. The money controls them. Warren Buffet does not let money control him, he lives his life simply, without any covetous feelings. I suppose that is why he can give 99% of his money away. How refreshing.

A good watch. It should give us all pause to reflect on what is important in life.

Not suprised at haigogrpahic spin, very surprised some believe it.

[random-70778 · 12 October 2019]

This guy pays practically no taxes and his 'philanthropic efforts' are all about tax avoidance.

Squandered opportunity

[JamesD2 · 7/10 · 10 July 2023]

Probably about 60% of the way thru it was a 9. He had some decent tips. But way too much of this documentary centered on his wife. It is difficult to see what she did that Warrented such a huge part of this documentary.

One had the sense that this was done to take what probably would be a male dominated documentary and they tried to make it more accessible for females. Like how there will be a sci-fi movie with this artificially placed love story into the plot which doesn't move the plot forward much.

Then they got into his whole philanthropy. Yes he gave away a LOT of money. OK.

Probably most of the people that are watching this are interested in his investing secrets.

Less Susan Buffet and philanthropy and more stocks.

Excellent documentary on an investment and business genius

[grantss · 9/10 · 9 March 2017]

The life story of Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the wealthiest people in the world. Buffett made his fortune through canny, rational investment and is probably the greatest, most successful investor of all time. This documentary traces his history, from childhood to the present day and interviews not only himself, but many of his close family and business associates.

Very well made drama on a man with an incredible ability for investment and business management. Well researched, with some rare footage of Buffett. Interviewees are all relevant, and not simply Buffett fans singing his praises. The family interviews also show his personal side, including his flaws (many of which is happy to admit himself).

The documentary also covers his philanthropic deeds, the area that will ensure Buffett's legacy.

Simplistic and inspiring

[mandaharpold · 10/10 · 24 April 2017]

I am an avid documentary viewer. At first thought, it would be about just another wealthy business mogul. Despite that, I decided to have a go with it. Very interesting in a simple way. Light in nature and somewhat refreshing. By the end of the film, I was not only awestruck and inspired; I was left feeling broken, sobbing like a child. Like looking at stars through a telescope, only a fraction of his life can be seen. One can never truly know, nor have the time to display every aspect of ones life. The direction the film took, portrayed Buffet the husband, father, investor and philanthropist. As one viewer previously commented, it had a lot of Susan in the film. How could you portray the human side of this man without including the biggest part of his life? Amazing to me still, that despite everything, Buffet's marriage lasted 52 years. That warrants praise in itself. The love story touched my heart, and even opened my eyes to the things I personally take for granted. I commend Mr. Buffet's family and the Gates for their commitment to humanity. This film spoke to me on such a deep level, perhaps more than intended. To me, it is not just a documentary but a goal to which mankind could aspire to become. May the love of many grow the hearts of the few.

Inspiring, honest must see documentary.

[susanmnorth · 10/10 · 3 November 2019]

Told in his own words and the words of his family and colleagues, it is perfectly put together. There is no fanfare, bravado or glitz. It is 'story-telling' at it's finest. Beyond the production brilliance, the story is one that offers the viewer an opportunity to challenge one's own purpose. I highly recommend this documentary. It is the best of the best.

Am I the only one bothered by this?

[lakatosgaspar · 1/10 · 15 January 2018]

This film starts with Warren Buffet talking to some kids and saying (among other things): "...that is the only car you're going to get in your lifetime. Now what are you going to do, knowing that that's the only car you ever going to have and you love that car? You're going to take care of it, like you can not believe. Now what I'd like to suggest - You're not going to get only 1 car in your lifetime - but you're going to get one body and one mind. And that's all you're going to get, and that body and mind feels terrific now, but it has to last a lifetime."

Which in my opinion is a great start to the film, but then 19 seconds later he is seen explaining how he has been taking this same 5 min drive to work for years and he loves it because MCDONALDS.

1 hour into the film he is sipping COCACOLA from a cup saying "mmhhmmm that is really good"

No.. just, no.

inspiring documentary

[amampandit · 10/10 · 5 June 2021]

Becoming Warren Buffett' is a documentary based on the famous investor Warren Buffett. Documentary tells everything till which Warren Buffett has gone through from being an ordinary man to one the richest man. A man who used to just believe in compounding the money to become one of the biggest philanthropist in the World.

Everyone should watch this.

Professionalism combined with humanity

[uldovich · 10/10 · 20 September 2019]

Personally I find this documentary more than just a film about investing. It shows not only characteristics of professionalism such as leadership, focus and passion, but also humanity - sharing, living in good faith and enjoying the life with the people you like and trust.

Enjoyable documentary!

Fascinating

[courtneymccollum68 · 10/10 · 26 March 2018]

A man this smart and this rich, remains humble. He says his greatest desire is to teach. We need more people like him in the world. Interesting to see how he started it all

Inspiring

[jaimeriveroprado · 9/10 · 13 January 2020]

Inspiring! A good documentary of a wonderful human being and business person

I cried. This is beautiful.

[fenix-71878 · 10/10 · 20 December 2020]

This is the first review I make on this app because it is the first time I cry in front of a documentary. And the 3rd in front of a movie. I really love his story, and I am so sad for his wife. I think I will put this in my best movie list.

Buffett - very good man, very dull biography

[amexspam · 2/10 · 2 February 2017]

The problem is the Warren Buffett story is a very dull story. He likes to invest - that is his sole focus. He has used the same value investing principles his entire life. He never truly suffered, his childhood was pretty good and he has never been bad so there was no story of redemption to tell. All he really does is read, and 90 minutes of watching somebody read is dull. When he tells stories about himself to a group of students they are boring stories - the real stars of the bio were these students because they managed to stay mostly awake when the camera was on them. Because Buffett is so investing-absorbed we discover this hurt his family life, but even here no one seems to be that put off by it.

None of my comments are meant to disparage the man or what he has done.He's created a vast amount of wealth, ethically, and he is giving it away for the betterment of humankind. By all accounts and measurements, Warren Buffett is a successful, honorable man. The problem is a calm, steady life doesn't make for good television.

Very enjoyable

[mariorosas-23852 · 8/10 · 19 April 2019]

A fun and interesting look into his life and how he became the man he is today

Prodigy!!

[anubhavgoyal-39284 · 8/10 · 25 May 2019]

'Becoming Warren Buffett' is a documentary based on the famous investor Warren Buffett. Documentary tells everything till which Warren Buffett has gone through from being an ordinary man to one the richest man. A man who used to just believe in compounding the money to become one of the biggest philanthropist in the World. A must watch.

Fascinating

[arojasjr · 8/10 · 7 May 2020]

I love biographies and this is no exception! What a great story about who he is and how he became what he is.

Becoming bored

[TheOneThatYouWanted · 4/10 · 25 June 2022]

Not worth watching. I could not last 70 minutes into it. And Warren keeps everything so close to the vest, this document goes nothing into his investment strategies and is all about his boring life as a child and growing up. Just a waste of time.

Liberal nonsense

[jamesfcall · 1/10 · 29 June 2019]

Buffet profited and still profits from MAGA policies. Just because he gave away a large portion of his earnings (at a snapshot, he has easily tripled that) doesn't mean he's some communist, liberal savior that we should all look up to. Give away all your worth, then I'd be shocked.