In a hyphenated word, Sicko is eye-opening. It’s also depressing, infuriating, triumphant, emotional, funny, thought-provoking, and memorable. But mostly it’s eye-opening. The Michael Moore-produced documentary from 2007 takes a look at the United States healthcare system in a way few could imagine. Yes, it’s Michael Moore. Yes, it has an agenda. And yes, it’s one-sided. But it’s a side that’s definitely worth 123 minutes of your time–especially if you work in healthcare.

Rated PG-13 for some strong language, Sicko takes the audience around the world healthcare style. The movie compares the crippled U.S. healthcare system with the systems found in Canada, France, and even Cuba. Along with the unavoidable political messages, personal–often heart-wrenching–stories make up a good portion of the film. In particular, the plight of several 9/11 rescue workers who go to Cuba for some desperately needed care is highlighted. It all leads to one, quizzical climax by Moore: “Who are we?”

It takes mere seconds to get hooked on the movie, as Moore introduces viewers to ordinary Americans without healthcare. Stories of severed fingers (one worth $12,000 and another worth $60,000), respiratory problems, denied claims, and heartless HMOs flash across the screen. Life-changing injuries, avoidable deaths, and a few gruesome images work well to get Moore’s point across about the shattered system we call our own.

The movie takes an eye-opening turn when Moore sets off on his travels. He talks to Canadians about quick visits to waiting rooms, French women about time off after having a child, and Cuban pharmacists about medicine that costs a nickel. He asks confused foreign couples about the cost of having a baby, tough Canadians about the cost of reattaching fingers (it’s free, by the way), and helpful Brits about the purpose of the cashier in a particular hospital. (Patients often are reimbursed for travel costs to get to the hospital, in case you were wondering.)

Throw in a clever, appropriate soundtrack that includes “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” (from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) and “Street Fighting Man” by the Rolling Stones and you’ve got two-plus hours of captivating entertainment.

But what stands out, particularly for this viewer, is how the movie (click here for more about Moore’s proposal) stays with you after the final credits roll.

No matter how we live or who we are–a writer, a nurse, or the President of the United States–healthcare is part of our lives. We take medicine, vitamins, and get check-ups from physicians and dentists. We get sick. We endure surgery. We get sweaty palms in the waiting room. And we’re the lucky ones. As Moore’s film tells us, “There are nearly 50 million Americans without health insurance.”

So, plainly, what does it mean for the future? Will electing someone different to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue really have an influence on the future of our healthcare? Will anything? Or has it already gone too far? Will Americans, thought to be residents of the greatest country in the world, always look to Canada, France, and Cuba as healthcare heroes?

That thought is scary–and eye-opening.

Editor’s note: What’s your view on Sicko? We’d love to hear from you at mbriddon@hcpro.com.