Film Review: Sicko

Michael Moore has powerfully presented the horrors of the medical insurance system in the United States. This film can’t help but make an impact on the audience. He is a clever film maker using the power of humor while punching you in the gut. Whatever topic he tackles he makes a dramatic presentation. I think this film is a masterpiece. I always thought we had a medical problem living in Canada. I read about the shortage of doctors and the long waiting lists for surgery. I’m sure all this is true and is never mentioned in the film. Michael Moore uses Canada as a positive example of good health care insurance. In contrast the film clearly points out the terrible problem for our American neighbors. There are 50 million people in the United States without health insurance. He points out that the larger problem is with the 250 million who do have insurance. The large health insurance companies are making millions of dollars and are denying people their rightful claims. It was stated that every denial to a patient is a saving for the company. Many examples were given. One lady was refused payment for the ambulance because it had not been previously approved. She wants to know how she could have asked permission when she was unconscious at the time. One claimant was refused money for being too thin while another was declared too fat. One couple was forced to move into a storage room in their child’s house because they were bankrupt. Both had been high earners before losing everything due to health costs. It is frightening. The CEO’s of the insurance companies are fat cats that seem to have control over the US. Congress. Michael Moore compares the inadequacy and injustice of the American health system to other countries. The French and English health systems get very positive reports. He makes a dramatic presentation of the Cuban system. I have read that the American government is out to sue him for going illegally to Cuba. It is understandable that they are very annoyed with this film poking fun at the American system by praising the outstanding medical care in Cuba. The audience was laughing throughout the film because so many examples seem funny initially. It is not a funny issue when you realize how inept the system is for the average American.
The film is a little lengthy but it makes such an impact. You will be thinking about it for a long time. Michael Moore does appear in the film stating facts throughout. Many people find him offensive and declare that he does not give all the facts in his slanted presentation. True, he is not a handsome Hollywood idol. He does give one perspective only. At the same time he clearly makes an impact about a broken system in the U.S. I think this film is a must see. You will be entertained and you will certainly be educated.