For quite a bit of Where to Invade Next (2016, USA), documentarian Michael Moore gives a compelling case for change.

There were moments when I cringed, when Moore goes too far, but on issues such as education, workers, prisoners, and taxation, his case is convincing.

Moore puts up a case for change in America with the best of European ideas. He interviews Europeans, from policeman to politicians, in an ‘invasion’. Invasion not in the military sense, but in trying to take what’s working and bring it back home.

I didn’t embrace everything of what Europe has on offer.

But on some issues, this documentary is eye opening.

What student wouldn’t want free university education? In some countries, students are lapping up its benefits, without the noose of debt around their neck after they graduate.

What child would refuse a three or four course meal that’s tasty and healthy?

And instead of drinking soft drinks, drink water? According to this documentary, the children in France are sold.

Who wouldn’t want to have holidays for workers enshrined in law, as a given? Italy has that and more.  Workers are allowed two hours for lunch and less hours working and apparently are more productive and not stressed out.

Would treating prisoners with dignity actually work in better rehabilitating them? It seems to in Norway.

What if taxes went into actually helping people have a better life and everyone benefited?

Moore isn’t shining a light on European negatives though admits the negatives exist. He does not go into the ‘ins and outs’ and give a balanced report. He does not say what America is doing right.

The interviewees seem glad to see him, as he brings what they have to offer without criticizing it. Though we, the viewer, are aware of this, the argument for quite a few of their ideas are persuasive.

Though that may not change anything in America, it certainly makes compelling viewing, and for me, that was for about two-thirds of a movie.