Life And Debt (2001)

90% of critics liked it
(42 reviews)
88% of users liked it
(1,852 ratings)

In 1962, Jamaica won its independence from the United Kingdom, and the island nation, which had long struggled with poverty, attempted to use its agricultural resources in order to create a sound economic base. As Jamaica's financial problems grew more severe with time, prime minister Michael Manley… More In 1962, Jamaica won its independence from the United Kingdom, and the island nation, which had long struggled with poverty, attempted to use its agricultural resources in order to create a sound economic base. As Jamaica's financial problems grew more severe with time, prime minister Michael Manley struck a deal in 1977 with a consortium of economic institutions through the International Monetary Fund, who would loan money to the nation in exchange for removal of trade restrictions and subsidized exports. Twenty-five years later, most Jamaicans would agree that the deal drove a stake through the island's agricultural and industrial economy; imports from America have ruined the island's dairy industry, interference from growers and merchants in the United States and Latin America have effectively ended the growing of onions, bananas, carrots, and potatoes as cash crops, the value of the Jamaican dollar has plummeted, and the island is now seven billion dollars in debt to the IMF, with interest driving that figure higher each day. Filmmaker Stephanie Black examines the sad state of Jamaica's economy in the face of "free trade" in the global economy in the documentary Life + Debt, which includes interviews with Michael Manley and IMF director Stanley Fischer; the Jamaica Kincaid novel A Small Place provides some of the text for the film's narration. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Stephanie Black
Written By: Jamaica Kincaid
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: Sep 21, 2001 Limited
On DVD: Jun 24, 2003
Studio: Tuff Gong Pictures

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Powerfully illustrates what globalization has been doing to underdeveloped countries around the world.
Ed Rampell, Variety
This case study of globalization's effects on Jamaica is a timely, never dull piece of agitprop that comes off as a cross between Godard's social protest docs and The Harder They Come.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Fairly harsh, sobering stuff.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
It's mostly persuasive in the position it argues.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
The damning commentary and revelations about the perils of globalization, not just for Jamaica but developing countries the world over, do come across loud and clear.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
An intelligent movie about economics.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
It is an instructive story of exploitation.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Stephanie Black puts into context the differences between the Jamaica seen by tourists and the country inhabited by its oppressed people.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Talking heads are intercut to synthesise theory and practice, but as an economic diatribe this is a bit patronising and not wholly persuasive.
Andrew Rodgers, Zap2it.com
As documentaries about economics go, this one is way, way up at the top.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Its potent message deserves to be heard.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Try to imagine the most boring lecture you've ever sat through, and you might have a vague conception of what it's like watching Life and Debt.
Andrew Pulver, Guardian [UK]
Here is a documentary that should be mandatory viewing for anyone interested in globalisation that, war or no war, remains one of the most contentious issues of our times.
Joshua Tanzer, Offoffoff
Puts a human face - many human faces - on the debt crisis and the effects of open trade on a Third World country.
, FilmFour.com
A powerful, intelligently-assembled documentary from American director Stephanie Black, which explores the devastating impact of globalisation upon the Caribbean island of Jamaica.
Jamie Russell, BBC
As an expose of such international carpetbagging, Life + Debt is brilliant stuff.
Donald J. Levit, Film Threat
However attractive the axe to grind, the haphazard lacework of narration, filmed television screen, disconnected scenes and endless headshots do not make for cinema, documentary or otherwise.
Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan
A must-see for everyone who wants to understand the human cost of globalization.
Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review
It is provocative and highly resonant, and informative without being dry or terminally academic.
Blake French, NutzWorld
I found myself daydreaming, looking at my watch, dozing off.