REVIEW: ‘Capital in the Twenty-First Century’
Photo: Capital in the Twenty-First Century questions the wealth gap that separates so many people in the world. Photo courtesy of Kino Lorber / Provided by official site with permission.
Capital in the Twenty-First Century, the new Justin Pemberton documentary based on the best-selling book by economist Thomas Piketty, is a thoughtful and damning exposé of how capitalism has shaped the world’s history and what may be at stake if nothing changes in the 21st century. Detractors may decry the assertions as too left-leaning or socialist in nature, but honestly this engaging cinematic thesis is far beyond partisan politics and the bickering coming out of Wall Street and Washington, D.C. Ultimately, the film and the book it’s based on, is about humanity and a reexamination of what society terms progress and purpose. It’s a critical approach to wealth, wealth management, regulations and the enduring legacy of global poverty.
Pemberton has made a slick film that never dumbs down the subject matter, but, thanks to a series of talking heads, including Piketty himself, the lessons are learned in a digestible, thorough manner. Coupled with a complementary soundtrack and startling images of cultures throughout the world, the argument comes through loud and clear. It’s hard to walk away not engaged and worried.
There are many people who have been left behind — billions, in fact — and the select few who find themselves at the top of economic hierarchy are free from the daily realities of poverty and job insecurity. As the world’s population continues to grow, year after year, one would think that the gap between the well off and the desperately poor would lessen, eventually bringing resources and opportunity to the 99.9 percent who find themselves not sitting at the table of decision-makers. That simply is not happening. Wealth gaps are increasingly profound, and visible change to the status quo is seemingly glacial.
Capital in the Twenty-First Century asks difficult questions on how these divides still exist in 2020 and how some of these problems are ever-unsolved. Philanthropy and charity can only solve temporary problems of homelessness, poverty and hunger. The film asks whether larger, systemic changes are in fact needed to reevaluate the structures of society. The top, top, top percent of the economy have seemingly steered the world for far too long; maybe it’s time for the rest of the planet to chime in and stand with dignity.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2020). Directed by Justin Pemberton. Running time: 103 minutes. Rating: 
