I caught a documentary on Netflix this weekend entitled “The One Percent”. It was created by a young member of the Johnson & Johnson family fortune, Jamie Johnson. It was produced by Jamie Johnson and Nick Kurzon.
Review:
What is it?
It’s about the growing wealth gap between the have’s and the have not’s. And it presents the idea that the richest 1% of Americans own roughly half of the entire nations wealth. The film was made by a man who’s family is in the richest 1%. He’s in the film asking his dad why this wealth gap exists and why it doesn’t bother him.
Things I Like:
The film didn’t make apologies for the ultra rich. It was made more from the perspective of the rest of the 99% of us. The fact that ultra wealthy people buy votes by lobbying Congress is shown plainly. Some who favor that are candid about it in the film.
More than one wealthy person, when confronted by the young film maker, is visibly disturbed he’s making the documentary. They act as if he’s being a traitor or selling out and making wealthy people look bad in the process.
It’s obvious that very rich people pay advisors to help them manage wealth and pass it on to their heirs. I agree with them on that one.
Things I Would Change:
I can’t say I’d change how the film was made, since I don’t come from wealth.
The film makers own narration was weak and lacked conviction. His voice was flat and void of emotion. That made it a bit hard to connect with his side of the story. We never really get to know him as a person or hear his true feelings. His stance on the subject comes out in interviews with wealthy people, but he just seems on the fence and lacks conviction.
He weakly stands up to his father. The whole time you can’t help but think the film is a juvenile attempt at rebellion or unresolved guilt for being so wealthy. You see the father son drama and think, this kid isn’t going to really stand up to his dad. He might get disinherited.
Overall, it’s still an interesting film.
If you believe the rich are getting richer and the poor getting poorer, this film will definitely bring that idea to the forefront of your mind. However, it’s not a “Lifestyles of The Rich and Famous.”
Rating: 3
Highest rating will be 5 Stars.
To Your Financial Freedom
Greg Whitaker
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