American Made Movie

American Made Movie is an enlightening 2013 documentary that stars Mark Andol, Merrie Buchsbaum, and Robert DeMartini. This thought-provoking movie, directed by Nathaniel Thomas McGill and Vincent Vittorio, amplifies a valuable conversation about the changes in America’s manufacturing industry and its global implications. The film borrows lived experiences from ordinary American workers and businessmen to narrate a compelling story about the growth, fall, and hoped-for renaissance of the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Special focus is given to Mark Andol, the founder and owner of General Welding and Fabricating, who becomes the embodiment of the American dream that progressively turns into a nightmare of economic realities. Alongside Andol is Merrie Buchsbaum, an American craftswoman that owns a small manufacturing company, struggling to gain position in a globalized market dominated by powerful foreign entities. Robert DeMartini, President and CEO of New Balance Athletic Shoe, adds a significant perspective, illustrating the struggle and resilience needed to keep production domestic in the face of overwhelming financial incentives to outsource.

The film is truly immersive, going beyond the headlines and political rhetoric to explore the lives of those directly affected by the shifting economic landscape. The directors artfully manage to humanize the often faceless and abstract narratives of economic shift, making it a story of real people trying to survive and thrive against the odds. The movie skillfully combines personal narratives, gripping archive footage, and in-depth interviews with industry analysts, economists, and sociologists, to provide a well-rounded perspective.

The American Made Movie shines a light on the impacts of globalization, examining the benefits, consequences, and the overall complexity of the issue. The film finely navigates the relationship between manufacturing, economic sustainability, and the livelihood of people and communities. On a larger scale, it discusses the downsides of outsourcing, the devastating consequences of the decline in American manufacturing, and paints a troubling picture of the loss of American jobs to overseas markets. However, it does not dwell entirely on the negative. In showcasing the efforts of individuals and businesses to keep manufacturing in America, the movie offers a glimmer of hope, spotlighting individuals and organizations that choose to keep their manufacturing operations domestic, in spite of challenges.

American Made Movie also highlights the importance of consumer choices and the role those choices play in the economy and job market. It provides viewers a fresh perspective on the significance of "Made in the USA" label, highlighting the difference every consumer can make by supporting local manufacturing industries. As the phrase goes, every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of world we want, and the film does a compelling job of driving this message home.

The documentary is honest, compelling, and does not shy away from the hard truths, making no bones about the struggles of those affected by the decline of American manufacturing. It canvasses a wide range of opinions and keeps the narrative balanced, refusing to paint the landscape with one broad brush stroke. Yet, amid the demonstrations of challenges and hard realities, the film fundamentally remains optimistic, shining a spotlight on the opportunity for change, the potential for revival, and the spirit of American innovation and resilience.

American Made Movie provides a poignant and occasionally heart-wrenching journey that takes viewers through the highs and lows of American manufacturing. Its exploration of the fight, struggle, and triumph of these everyday heroes is bound to evoke a sense of Nationalism in the viewers. Even if one does not fully agree with all the points made in the movie, one cannot help but admire the dedication and struggle of those trying to keep American made industries alive.

In conclusion, American Made Movie leaves no stone unturned in unraveling the complexities of American manufacturing and global economy. Its unique blend of storytelling, historical analysis, and personal narrative, coupled with the passion and resilience of its chosen subjects, makes it an enlightening watch. It is not just a film about manufacturing, but also a story of American spirit, industry, resilience, and the pursuit of the American dream in the face of changing times. It's a must-see for anyone wishing to understand the pulse of American manufacturing, its past, its present, and its possible future.