zBoneman.com -- Home Movie Reviews

Born Rich (2003)

Born Rich
Rich people toasting the announcement of the sequel to the Paris Hilton movie.

Starring:

Documentary

Released In:

2003

Reviewed By:

Adam Mast

Grade:

B+

zBoneman on Rotten Tomatoes

You'd think it would be really hard to feel bad for a kid that's born into wealth, but the insightful documentary Born Rich attempts to show that money isn't everything.

Making this movie all the more intriguing is it's director, Jamie Johnson. He is one of the young people that the film is essentially about. As one of the heirs of the famed Johnson and Johnson company, Johnson tries to make sense out of what it's like to be young and born into wealth.

As the movie clearly states, there are certainly perks to being part of a wealthy lifestyle, but there are also pressures, and Born Rich displays, quite candidly, what it's like to have money.

Through interviews with various wealthy young men and woman (who have last names like Bloomberg and Trump), Johnson poses many questions about the pros and cons of wealth, and even talks to his own father about such matters in front of the camera.

Born Rich is extremely interesting, and while there are certainly egos and and holier than thou attitudes on display in this picture, there are also those who are humble and have the good sense to know that money can't buy you everything.

I applaud Johnson for pursuing some kind of a creative outlet even though he certainly has enough money to sit around and do nothing for the rest of his life. Hell, he could have afforded to go out and make a big budget Jerry Bruckheimer style flick, but he chose something far more intimate and informative.

I thought going into this picture, that I might not be able to identify with it. While I'm not wealthy, I have dreamt of wealth. After watching Born Rich, I can honestly say that having money is something that definitely appeals to me, but I'd much rather build a fortune from scratch, that way I always have a past to keep me grounded. The subjects in Born Rich don't really have that luxury, and while it's easy to say you don't feel sorry someone who has lot's of money, this insightful documentary might change your opinion a little bit.

:: zBoneman.com Reader Comments ::

Holli

Holli

I found the film very insightful into the type of lifestyle I've never known...The technical aspects of the film were a little bit choppy--trying to be MTV like, but not polished enough. However, I think the rawness of the actual footage added to the credibility and believability of the investigation by Jamie. I really liked seeing these rich kids as they are without super makeup jobs and prepping. Yes, the girls were wearing makeup, but their hair wasn't perfect and the guys showed all their flaws from blemishes to thick eyebrows.

Overall, I'd say this is one of my favorite documentaries based solely on the topic, and partly on the style.

Claudia Silva

Claudia Silva

Please can you tell me how, if living in syd, aust, can i see or get a copy of this movie. Is it on video or being distributed at all?

Adam

Adam

Claudia,

Hi there. I just noticed your post. Not sure how long ago you put it up. It's been a strange ride for Born Rich. I saw it at The Sundance Film Festival a couple of years ago. It never really did get a theatrical release, but I do believe it aired on HBO. As of now, there is no DVD or video release scheduled. I'll keep you posted if I hear anything.

Add your own comment here and see it posted immediately!
Name: e-Mail:
Comment:
Spam Prevention Check:
Please enter the following code in the box below.
Security Image