Plunder: The Crime of Our Time

Plunder: The Crime of Our Time is a striking 2009 documentary film that unmasks the grim reality of the financial crisis which embroiled the world during that time. This stirring exposé directed by Danny Schechter, incorporates several genres: true crime, investigation, and economic analysis, to narrate the ethical decay spinning around the financial meltdown. With appearances by Gary Ackerman, Jonathan Alpert, and Bill Bamber, the documentary unfolds a comprehensive and critical view of the crimes and corruption leading to the global economic crisis.

The movie’s title, “Plunder: The Crime of Our Time,” is a direct critique of the financial crimes that have transpired over recent years. The ‘Plunder’ in the title refers to the range of activities pursued by Wall Street bigwigs, politicians, and financial institutions that led to the loss of billions of dollars, wrecking havoc on the lives of ordinary people and worldwide economies.

The documentarian and investigative journalist, Danny Schechter, leads the viewers on a journey through the intricacies of the financial crisis. Famed for his insightful political and economic analysis, Schechter carefully picks apart the layers of fraud, greed, and corruption entangled within the financial disaster that shocked the world.

The film opens with the introduction of the primary characters features including Gary Ackerman, a U.S. Representative and a reputed member of the financial sector; Bill Bamber, a renowned expert in the financial field; and Jonathan Alpert, a notable financial consultant and respected voice on Wall Street. With their combined knowledge and experience, they lend credibility and authority to the narrative, filling the movie with informative perspectives and interpretations.

Plunder unwinds the complicity of Wall Street, revealing the behind-the-scenes maneuvers leading to a disastrous predicament in the property market and beyond. It explores sub-prime mortgages, financial instruments like derivatives, and the deliberate complication of the financial system to exploit the unsuspecting public. By covering these aspects, Schechter provides an in-depth understanding of how financial crimes were both carried out and permitted to flourish unpunished.

As the movie advances, Schechter effectively uses interviews, anecdotal pieces, and extensive research to highlight the way Wall Street exploits the financial system. He equates these actions to organized crimes, focusing on issues like fraud, insider trading, and Ponzi schemes. Characters like Ackerman, Alpert, and Bamber point out inconsistencies and contradictions within the system while shedding light on the deceptive practices that largely go unnoticed.

Furthermore, the film progresses to cement the argument that these financial crimes were not isolated misdemeanors but a part of an elaborate scheme masterminded by powerful financial institutions. There is a powerful narrative on how these 'crimes of our time' were orchestrated by influential players and condemns the lack of severe punishment or rightful justice for those that profiteered at the expense of others.

Aside from its thorough investigative stance, Plunder: The Crime of Our Time captures the human tragedies resulting from the financial crisis. It portrays the real stories of individuals and families who lost their homes and savings, reducing them to destitution. Here, the documentary takes a more empathetic approach to examine the social cost of this crisis and the real impact it had on people's lives.

Plunder: The Crime of Our Time serves as an indictment of Wall Street's unethical practices, laying bare the deeply-flawed financial system. It calls for accountability and responsibility on the part of financiers, while also urging public awareness and vigilance. Despite its complex subject matter, the film does an outstanding job of explaining the intricacies of financial crimes in an accessible and comprehensive manner. It draws attention to the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and structural reform in the financial world.

In the end, 'Plunder: The Crime of Our Time' remains a courageous exploration of a painful chapter in global economic history. It's a must-watch for anyone looking to grasp the true scale and severity of the financial crisis, its deep-seated causes, and its long-lasting effects on ordinary people. In this compelling documentary, Schechter presents a powerful critique against the financial elite and challenges the viewers to question established norms, fostering a desire for justice and change in the world of finance.