Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid educational content that does what it sets out to do: make global poverty tangible and uncomfortable for viewers who've never experienced it. The four filmmakers are earnest (maybe too earnest), and the Guatemalan families they befriend provide the real heart of the story.

That said, it's a 2013 indie doc shot on consumer cameras, and it shows. The production is rough, the pacing drags in spots, and by 2025 standards it feels a bit dated. More significantly, the whole 'poverty tourism' setup is ethically complicated—these guys chose this for two months and could bail anytime, which fundamentally changes the experience. Older kids should discuss this tension.

Still, for families looking to broaden their kids' worldview and spark conversations about inequality, this is a worthwhile 56 minutes (note: runtime varies by source, some list it as feature-length but most streams show ~56min version). Just don't expect slick Netflix documentary vibes. It's free on multiple platforms, so low barrier to entry.

Best used as a conversation starter rather than entertainment—watch it together and talk through the big questions it raises.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-17, especially middle schoolers learning about global issues or economics. The content is age-appropriate per Common Sense Media (10+), but younger kids may find the poverty and hunger distressing without context. Teens will appreciate the nuance and ethical questions. Adults may watch for educational purposes but it's clearly aimed at introducing younger viewers to these concepts.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Documentary follows four college students genuinely trying to understand poverty through immersive experience. Models empathy, humility, and cooperation as they struggle together. Tone is respectful toward Guatemalan families they meet. Some scenes of real hardship (hunger, illness) are emotionally heavy but handled sensitively without exploitation. Pacing is measured, not chaotic.

Imaginative

62

The premise itself is creative—voluntarily living on extreme poverty wages to understand global inequality—but execution is straightforward documentary filmmaking without much artistic flair. Invites viewers to imagine life in radically different circumstances and sparks curiosity about economic systems, but doesn't offer interactive elements or creative expression opportunities. More educational than imaginative.

Safe

82

Common Sense Media rates it for ages 10+. Documentary format means no graphic violence, gore, nudity, or sexual content. Does show real poverty, hunger, parasites (mentioned but not graphically shown), and financial stress which could be emotionally challenging but not traumatic. No jump scares or unexpected disturbing content. The hardship is the point and clearly telegraphed. Widely available on family-friendly platforms including Kanopy and Hoopla.

Enriching

85

Strong educational value about global poverty, economic inequality, and privilege. Builds empathy and perspective-taking as viewers see real families navigating extreme financial constraints. Sparks meaningful conversations about money, fairness, and systemic issues. IMDb 7.3, Letterboxd 3.4/5, RT audience 74% suggest solid impact. Offers concrete insights into microfinance, education barriers, and food insecurity. However, some critics note the 'poverty tourism' aspect—privileged Americans can leave anytime, which limits depth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely eye-opening for kids (and adults) who've never thought deeply about global poverty or what a dollar actually buys
Builds empathy and perspective without being preachy—you watch real people struggle with hunger, illness, and impossible choices
Sparks important conversations about privilege, systemic inequality, and why some people can't just 'work harder' to escape poverty
Features real Guatemalan families and their stories, not just the American filmmakers' experience
Accessible starting point for discussing economics, global development, and social justice with tweens and teens

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What to Watch For

Emotionally challenging scenes of hunger, sickness (parasites), and financial desperation that may upset sensitive kids under 10
The 'poverty tourism' elephant in the room—four privileged Americans can leave anytime, which some find ethically murky
2013 indie documentary production values mean it looks pretty rough by 2025 standards—think handheld camera, basic editing
May prompt tough questions about why your family has so much when others have so little (which is good, but be ready)

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you only had a dollar to spend today? What would you buy first?"
"Why do you think some countries are so much poorer than others? Is it fair?"
"The guys in the film could leave Guatemala whenever they wanted. How does that change the experiment?"
"What surprised you most about how the Guatemalan families lived? What did they have in common with us?"
"If you could help solve one problem the families faced (like clean water, school costs, or medical care), which would you pick?"

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