The Big Short

One of the best business related movies and a good depiction of what happened to kick off the Great Recession 1.0.

Loved this movie. Diamond hands!

Great story, informative, creative, superlative acting, what is not to like. Takes a difficult subject and weaves a great movie.

Many of the main bullet points that led to the crisis were accurate in the telling of the story, if not a little short sided. One of the conclusions that they came to in the end was that the crisis was completely fueled by the banking and lending institutions, and that when the dust settled, immigrants and poor people would get the blame for the melt down. One idiot reviewer on this thread even bemoaned it as a failure of capitalism. First of all, yes, the banking and lending institutions were at fault, but they weren’t the only ones. It should be considered bad policy for governments to allow regulators to create regulations that force banks to issue toxic mortgages to people who couldn’t afford them. In truth, there was plenty of blame to go around. Also, when that many monolithic institutions, with the aid of the Fed no less, rig the system to insulate themselves from problems and make the public pay for it, that IS NOT capitalism. It is antithetical to capitalism and free markets. A truly free market should look like what we have just seen with the retail investors on Reddit. One where average people can play the game better and become billionaires in the process. THAT’S what truly free markets should be, and that what every knowledgeable true economist can get behind. All in all, while some of its ultimate conclusions didn’t entirely hit the mark, it made for good viewing. The acting was great, and it was interesting to remember what it felt like to remember that moment in history.

The whole thing is totally fascinating. A lot to be learned about human nature here.

This is a glorious masterpiece. Actually makes you understand Wall Street and what happened in an absolutely accessible way. Loved everyone in it.

Pure classic!

Do not watch it unless you understand bankers and stuff!!!

Writers learn we generally do not tell things in the first person. That's something that directors do and not because they want to, but because they have to; you're sitting right there listening to them and watching their story. But, this movie is told in more than one style. It is like reading Hemmingway, but watching it on the screen. Add to this factors like amazing, well known actors. A true (although adapted) story which affected everyone with a 401(k). A talented writer / director who is able to make one of the most complex industries in the world understandable to the public. Wow. This thing is real and if you miss it you will be missing something that could have provided a better understanding of the world you live in, not to mention an amazing and entertaining adventure into the human failing of avarice.

The cast is dazzling. Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, and Brad Pitt are the heavy hitters. There are also some delightful cameos. The Big Short deals with an odd and complicated subject with style. Director Adam Mckay is more popular for making comedies like Anchor Man and Step Brothers. He takes this dramatic subject and injects it with humor and flare. A real joy and a must-see.