Watch Owned: A Tale of Two Americas

Owned: A Tale of Two Americas is a thought-provoking documentary film that highlights the growing wealth gap in the United States. The film is directed by Giorgio Angelini and produced by Giorgio Angelini and Kai Carlson-Wee. Made in 2018, this movie couldn't have been a better fit as the concept of income inequality has never been more relevant.

The documentary takes us on a tour through the streets of America, showcasing the beauty, hope, and the desperation of the people who live there. The movie mainly focuses on how the government policies tend to have unfair biases towards the wealthy and corporations, and how it affects the rest of the population.

The film features interviews with economists, social workers, politicians, and ordinary people who have all been affected by the unequal distribution of wealth across the American society. The film starts with a demonstration in Chicago where people are protesting against the unfair practices of city officials who let corporations reap benefits while the public is left in despair.

The documentary also presents a stark contrast between the two Americas: one is a land of privilege, wealth, and opportunity, while the other is marked with poverty, unemployment, and no safety net. The film's director Angelini, through vivid imagery, shows us how corrupt politics, unaffordable healthcare, and justice systems, combined with predatory business practices, contribute to the divide that exists in the country.

The documentary presents several intriguing cases to support its claim. For instance, it depicts a poor neighborhood in New York City that has to deal with high crime rates, poor schools, and a lack of affordable housing. This is in contrast to nearby neighborhoods where people flaunt their wealth by shopping at Gucci and Hermes stores.

Another example presented is that of a small community in Minnesota that is fighting to stop a mining company from damaging the environment and their community. The documentary also explores how the government policies heavily influence the way corporations operate within the country. They further elaborate on how the tax system is often skewed in favor of the wealthy individuals and corporations, who can afford expensive tax attorneys, and how they exploit the loopholes present in the system to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

The documentary also camouflages the past with the present and shows us how the rise of capitalism and globalization has led to economic instability worldwide. They explain how a lack of job security and decent wages led to the financial crisis of 2008, which had a ripple effect across the world. The movie shows how the wealthy banks and financial institutions were bailed out by the government while ordinary people had to bear the brunt of their wrongdoing.

The film's depiction is not entirely pessimistic, which is what makes it more humanistic. It also highlights the heroic efforts of people who have chosen to fight against the injustices they face. For instance, the documentary tells the story of a woman who helps domestic violence victims get back on their feet. This movie shows a glimpse of hope amidst a depressing theme.

Owned: A Tale of Two Americas is an impactful and thought-provoking documentary that discusses the inequality present in America. It may not offer a solution, but it presents the problem in an engaging and empathetic manner. It is an insightful and inspiring film that will make you think deeply about the world you live in. Therefore, if you are into insightful documentaries that confront society's issues, Owned: A Tale of Two Americas won't disappoint.

Owned: A Tale of Two Americas is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.