Michael Moore’s new film, “Where to Invade Next”, is exactly what American’s need to see right now.
The provocative director travels to countries such as Italy, France, Norway, Tunisia and Finland, to ‘steal’ ideas these countries implement and bring them to America. One of the first ideas that Moore captures is the Italian treatment of workers. He learns that all Italian workers are given nearly 8-weeks of paid vacation, in order to relieve stress and remain healthy. When some of the Italian citizens were told American’s barely receive 2-weeks paid vacation, nearly all those interviewed were shocked.
Moore discovers that France has their school-children eat lunch for an hour everyday, in order to learn how to eat in a healthy manner, unlike children in America who are forced to eat within a 20-30 time period. French schools also have monthly meetings with the school chef, school board and members of the community government, to determine the menu for the month and make sure the meals are balanced and nourishing. Moore showed some students pictures of American lunches, and all of their reactions? “Ew.” “Is that food?” Moore also discovers that countries with more women in charge are thriving, that places such as Norway, with rehabilitation jails have less crime and schools that are free of tuition and refuse to give standardized tests are producing smarter and happier students. So why isn’t America doing these incredible acts?
“Where to Invade Next” asks my generation the question, “Well, what are you going to do now?” I was able to ask Mr. Moore if he thought my generation could change the world around us. His answer? “Your generation… I think it’s really one of the failures of my generation. That we allowed our kids to go to these institutions and end up in this debt prison… but there have to be death-strikes.”
Moore invites young adults to see this movie and fight back. Be angry and no longer be bystanders. “Where to Invade Next” opens in New York and L.A. in December, and nationwide in January.
The evening was hosted by Susan Sarandon, Heidi Ewing, and Julie Goldman.The screening was held at Bow Tie Cinemas and a dinner followed at Il Bastardo.