Small Fortunes: Microcredit and the Future of Poverty (2005 TV Movie) User Reviews

Powerful message respectfully and subtly told

[harv_cahoon · 9/10 · 27 October 2005]

It comes as a shock to this average American that such small amounts of money, loaned carefully, can be so empowering. Without preaching, the message is also clear that empowered women can make huge changes in their societies.

The personal stories are powerfully told. The individual interviews are replete with detail and compelling emotion. Time and again, these women left me astonished at their business skill, drive to succeed, and care for their children. Perhaps it should not be such a surprise that a poor woman in Bangladesh has the same love and aspirations for her children as I for mine. Few documentaries have left me with such a clear impression of the common bond of all humanity. The message is strongly conveyed that these are real people whose lives are dramatically and irrevocably changed.

Skillfully shot, narrated, and edited. This is a first class documentary.

If there is something to criticize it might be that the sales pitch for donations or funding is almost transparent. However, it would be a hard heart that is not softened to action.

A wonderful introduction to microcredit

[daviddstoker · 10/10 · 20 November 2006]

In light of Muhammad Yunus winning the Nobel Peace Prize and the increased attention microcredit is currently receiving, I think this film will be a great tool to educate those who are just learning about the movement of microfinance.

The film is well shot and edited, the concept of microfinance is thoroughly and logically covered, and the stories are completely inspiring.

I would only add that I think the proposed call to action of action groups, although wonderful, will not catch on in a serious way among Americans. However, since the release of this film Kiva.org has come on the scene and I think it is a mechanism that is covenient, simple, yet personal enough that it will be a more successful way of getting the average American to become involved with microlending.