10 Films That Shaped The Course Of History

Following the 9/11 attacks, as part of his War on Terror, President Bush announced plans to take out Iraq’s Saddam Hussein. Mass protests ensued worldwide against what they saw as a bizarre flat-earth-level conspiracy theory that Saddam had been involved in 9/11 and that he was armed with weapons of mass destruction.

Michael Moore’s documentary film obliterates the Bush administration, starting with its election in 2000 (which Bush won with less votes than his opponent), that segues into Bush’s war, part of which focuses on the disastrous impact on Iraqi civilians as a result of the 2003 invasion and the government’s unprecedented Stalinist-level fear-mongering promoted through the media to push further threats of terrorism and subsequent necessity for war.

The film provoked a storm of backlash, not least because it was released months before the next election, further polarising the country and drawing thick lines between political factions.

Although Bush won re-election, the film played a huge role in raising awareness of the devastating impact of the invasion on Iraq which until that point had been broadly unknown. It helped turn mass public opinion against it and was a howling success, making $222.4 million worldwide with a budget of just $6 million (In the end, 60% of earnings went to charity).

When first shown at the Cannes Film Festival, it received a standing ovation of 20 minutes!