Playing with FIRE: The Documentary (2019) User Reviews

Solid story of a couple

[captGregory · 8/10 · 2 July 2019]

This documentary follows the journey of a couple trying to achieve fire (financial independence, retire early) from nothing, while they upend their big-spending and relatively luxurious life to live a more simple life with hopes of saving up enough money to retire early. As someone that is aware of FIRE movement, I was a little worried that the documentary would focus more on the math and strategy of how to fire (which is a little boring to most people). It briefly touches on that, but the really interesting part is the psychological and emotional ramifications of switching from a high cost of living to low cost of living lifestyle, especially when maybe not everyone is 100% sold on the plan, and this documentary captured that very well. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Good Introduction to the FIRE movement

[jone-82606 · 8/10 · 14 September 2019]

This film is a solid introduction to the FIRE movement and many of the leading voices in the FIRE community. The film does a good job of explaining the key concepts of FIRE in an approachable, easy to understand manner. The strongest and weakest part of the film was following one family in the process of changing their lifestyle to persue FIRE. Each step of their journey is interesting. The glimpses into the family's life show as the FIRE concepts in practice. However, because the film show glimpses into their life the documentary can feel jolting at times. Overall, a good documentary worth watching.

Fun, lighthearted introduction to FIRE

[alephnull282 · 8/10 · 15 October 2019]

I enjoyed this movie. It was a fun introduction to FIRE, without being overly heavy or technical. This movie showcased the emotional side of going through the FIRE process.

Clearly outlines how to get out of the rat race sooner

[boblin2-1 · 10/10 · 5 November 2022]

I thoroughly enjoyed this real-life documentary about a middle-class, overworked, over indebted, fairly typical North American family, who are stuck in a world where buying stuff and keeping up with the Joneses is the norm.

We learn about the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) philosophy, and how changing our view of what's important in life can, with the right skill-set and determination, change our lives.

I particularly liked how when they made a change in their lives, the time to retire was displayed, easily conveying the concept of how making changes can help us escape the rat race sooner.

Overall well done!

[nredcay · 10/10 · 8 April 2020]

The entire movie is just perfectly made. You cannot afford not to watch this well constructed movie.

White privilege at its finest

[k0d3g3ar · 2/10 · 11 January 2021]

Not a fan here. Sorry. Movie was pretty poor and not realistic.