A Review of Sicko - a Theatrical Indictment of the U.S. Health Care System

Ever since his initial efforts in the film Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore has earned a reputation as an individual who has no qualms about exposing flaws present in our government in society. His last effort, Fahrenheit 9/11, was an interesting analysis of the governments actions (or inactions, if you prefer) that occurred during the September 11 terrorist attacks. While the methodology used to gather information for the movie has caused controversy, the film has succeeded in causing the American citizenry to question the government's 'role' in terrorism.

Fahrenheit 9/11 would achieve critical and commercial success, prompting Michael Moore to continue investigating questionable aspects of our government. He has since found a new target in the U.S. health care system, and thus documented his findings in the movie Sicko.

The majority of the film chronicles Michael Moore's travels around the world, from the northern United States, to Canada, and even to certain parts of Europe. What make these travails interesting are the individuals that he meets along the way. Early in the film, we are introduced to Rick, who accidentally sawed off two of his fingers. Since, he was not covered by health insurance, he was offered a choice of which finger to restore, either his ring finger for $12,000 or his middle finger for $60,000. He chose the less-expensive alternative, with his other finger wasting away in a landfill. He also meets Larry and Donna, whose rising health care costs and deductible forced them to live in their daughter's basement. Michael Moore uses these experiences to highlight some early facts about U.S. health-care: 50 million Americans have no health insurance and 18,000 Americans will die due to lack of insurance; fortunately, 250 million Americans are insured to some degree.