Hellen
I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much
Protraph
Lack of good storyline.
Bumpy Chip
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
Phillipa
Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
jenniness
It's very seductive to judge this documentary, based on what we think a 'moral documentary' should be look like.During the film I found myself to be distracted, and having trouble to sympathize AT ALL with the guys. There was no sense of emergency at all, it was an adventurous experiment within a time frame that was fixed, so no matter how much they would screw it, there was clearly a safe exit waiting for them after the two months.The moments that the film does reach its peaks is when they talk, interact with the people from the village. Those were the highlights of the film, able to pull me back into the film. The stories from Anthony, Rosa and Chino were eyeopening and humbling. They showed a community of generous people who you wish well and triggered an urge in me to help.I could not care more or less about the 4 students, because I know they will be fine, and after their adventurous experiment, they'll get back to their lavish lifestyles, and probably get an honorable remark for their work (which they did), get a good job and live a good life. So if you would judge it as a moral documentary, it has major flaws, evoking little sympathy, with a shallow plot. I also kept on wondering - will they donate some money after they have finished their project?But if you would judge it as it is, a student project, initiated by four college boys, who, I assume are no filmmakers, with the premise to 'live their hypothesis' as part of a school research, then I would take my hat off for their effort.
Bele Torso
You can take this for what it's worth. Some of the IMDb critics make good points, some just reveal their inner hang-ups. Yes, two college kids decide to "go for it" in a poor land. Good for them. Yes, they did not work but made a budget to simulate life in poverty on a buck a day. I also felt like they had a cushion called a bank account. They at least strove for integrity with the paper number each day.This did lack depth of character. They discussed these people had much more going than what the surface showed, but did not go there. Mistake. They are college kids, not Spielberg! If you take what they gave us, work with it. They at least did something and need credit for that! Bottom line is those in the States are like the frog in water. We are boiled to death in Western culture and those in "poverty" have far greater riches which should have been the focus.Relationships are more solid over there. Male-female roles not confusing. Walk by faith a daily occurrence. When you have little, people are what matters. We have lost most of this in the USA. People are so consumed in their own lives (technology has made life worse relationally) that they do not trust anyone and live shallow, desperate lives by being busy to drown out the loneliness. When life crashes in, who do you call? We call 9-11, they call each other. Don't get me wrong, we are blessed, but we don't need each other anymore like they do.So who truly is more rich?
aramii
I was impressed that these kids decided to do something that could have been dangerous, as one of them did get sick and needed medicine, and admitted that they were lucky enough to have emergency medicine to take care of it, while most of the people in Pena Blanca would not have had it.I liked that the people in Pena Blanca were open to speaking their own opinions and talked about what life is really like for them. There is a wonderful pride, and joy, in their lives while it is also a real struggle.I think that the negative reviews that this documentary has received are probably from a people that have never even tried to live on one dollar a day, or lived in a foreign culture, and just like to complain about people that do try to make a difference. These kids weren't out to change the world or lecture people on what they should do, they just wanted to show that they cared, their lives are much easier (as they mentioned a few times) and this is how a large amount of people in this world have to survive. I've lived in China, trust me, they are right. If people think these are just rich kids who are taking it easy, go and try it yourself. I have a feeling you'd be calling mommy in a week and crying to come home. I respect these 4 boys for sticking it out and learning how tough it can be to be poor and undernourished.
dawngian
I want to start off by saying that I don't know anything about film making as some of the other reviewers, BUT these 4 young men did a great job with this film. I did not lose interest once. I feel this is great documentary for all young teens and adults as well to watch. I feel that we as Americans get so caught up our daily activities and all of the opportunities that we get on a daily basis that we forget how the majority of this world really lives. I think that this movie was very inspiring and really motivated me to want to do more. I try already to help the needy, but I don't feel that I am ever doing enough. Thank you to the young men who made this, I am happy to share this with my children and other family members. We are so fortunate to live where we do and get the opportunities that we have. I also think that in making this documentary that these young men made more than a little difference in the lives that they filmed and the lives of those watching. It really does only take one to make a difference, no matter how small someone feels that difference was.