“The Spiders Web: Britain’s Second Empire” is a documentary that sheds light on the transformation of the British Empire and its tactics for maintaining global power. In the aftermath of World War II, as Britain lost its colonies, it turned to other strategies to maintain its influence around the world. This documentary exposes the underbelly of the financial world, and how Britain has played a pivotal role in the creation of a web of offshore secrecy jurisdictions, which has helped the rich and powerful to hide their wealth, avoid taxes, and engage in corruption.

The film explores the history of Britain’s overseas territories and dependencies, which have become the backbone of the global offshore financial system. With expert interviews, historical context, and analysis of the current financial system, the film illustrates how Britain has created a network of tax havens that enables the world’s richest individuals and corporations to avoid paying taxes, contributing to global inequality and economic instability. It delves into the details of how these secretive jurisdictions operate, and the impacts they have on the global economy.

The documentary also examines the role of the City of London Corporation, an ancient and powerful entity that operates as a separate jurisdiction within the United Kingdom, with its own laws and regulations. The film reveals how the City of London has been instrumental in creating and maintaining the spider’s web of tax havens, and how it continues to exert influence over global finance. It highlights the intricate connections between the financial institutions, government officials, and corporations, and how they collude to maintain the status quo.

Furthermore, “The Spiders Web” explores the consequences of this offshore financial system on developing countries. It highlights how money that should be invested in public services and infrastructure is siphoned off by the wealthy, leading to poverty, inequality, and social unrest. The film also highlights the role of professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and bankers in facilitating this system, and how they are often complicit in the exploitation and corruption that it enables.

Finally, the documentary calls for reform and offers potential solutions to address the challenges posed by the offshore financial system. It argues for greater transparency, regulation, and international cooperation to tackle tax avoidance, money laundering, and corruption. It also highlights the efforts of activists, journalists, and policymakers who are working towards a fairer and more transparent global financial system.

The Spiders Web: Britain’s Second Empire, is a compelling and eye-opening documentary that exposes the dark side of global finance and the role of Britain in creating and maintaining a system that benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the rest of the world. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the global financial system and the challenges that need to be addressed to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

“The Corporation” is a Canadian documentary film released in 2003, directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott, and written by Joel Bakan. The film is based on Bakan’s book, “The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power”. It critically analyzes the modern-day corporation, its development, and its pervasive influence over society.

The documentary is structured around the idea of comparing corporations to a human being, using a diagnostic checklist from the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to assess the ‘personality’ of the corporate ‘person’. It concludes that, if the corporation were indeed a human, it would be considered a psychopath. The film delves into various aspects of corporate behavior, including its legal status as a person, its self-interest, its lack of concern for others, and its ability to manipulate and deceive.

The film features interviews with corporate insiders, critics, and thinkers, including Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, and Milton Friedman. It explores the history of the corporation, its rise to power, and the ways in which it has exploited both human and natural resources for profit. It also examines the impact of corporations on various aspects of society, including the environment, health, and democracy.

“The Corporation” also delves into the resistance against corporate power, highlighting various movements and campaigns that have sought to challenge and change corporate behavior. It ends on a somewhat hopeful note, suggesting that change is possible if enough people come together to demand it.

Overall, “The Corporation” is a thought-provoking and comprehensive examination of one of the most powerful and influential institutions of our time. It challenges the viewer to think critically about the role of corporations in our society and to consider the potential for change.

“Why We Fight” is a 2005 documentary film directed by Eugene Jarecki. The title of the film refers to the series of World War II propaganda films commissioned by the U.S. government and directed by Frank Capra. However, Jarecki’s film takes a critical look at the military-industrial complex and its influence on American foreign policy and warfare.

The film begins with the farewell address of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in which he famously warned against the undue influence of the military-industrial complex. This sets the stage for the central theme of the film: the ways in which the military-industrial complex has grown and evolved since World War II, and its impact on American society and foreign policy.

“Why We Fight” weaves together a variety of perspectives, including those of former soldiers, military officials, politicians, and academics. It explores the history of American military intervention, from World War II to the Iraq War, and examines the economic and political forces that have driven these interventions. The film also delves into the impact of war on individual soldiers and their families, as well as the broader societal consequences of a militarized culture.

The film suggests that the military-industrial complex has created a self-perpetuating cycle of war, in which the interests of powerful corporations and politicians often outweigh the interests of the American people. It argues that this cycle is not only costly in terms of lives and resources, but also undermines American democracy and the principles for which the country stands.

Ultimately, “Why We Fight” is a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the forces that drive American military intervention, and the consequences of this intervention for both the United States and the world. It challenges the viewer to question the motivations behind American foreign policy and to consider the true costs of war.