User reviews

This documentary was made by clear passion.

Whittaker has taken a complex subject - the collapse of US crypto currency exchange FTX in November 2022, the charismatic/ headline distracting CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, the fraud charges he subsequently faced in court and then explains the business reasons as to why it failed/ what went wrong. He explains in a simple, digestible way that is reminiscent of a BBC documentary style (though obvious smaller budget!). If you're interested in investing, crypto currency, business then this film is for you. It is educational but also entertaining and I hope there will be more documentaries made in a similar style from the director in the future.

If you asked me a couple of years ago what all of this crypto stuff was about I would have probably said I was an expert. However with the crash of FTX and the other scandals that have hit every 5 minutes I now don't feel so sure.

Admittedly this film isn't a typical one on this subject, More of a hybrid between those video essays you see on Youtube and an educational film about how to check if investments are worth your while.

If you don't like films focused on finances or don't want to know how the rate investments the second half isn't really for you.

That being said I really appreciate the passion put into the film and might give it another watch soon!

Covers some complicated subjects and makes them accessible. I enjoyed it for what it was even if the second half wasn't as entertaining as the first half. It covered more academic stuff which isn't my cup of tea.

Really liked the voice over and the interviews, wanted more of them as it did spend a lot of time explaining points.

Richard making his own crypto currency was fun and I want some of the tokens he made. Admittedly I don't think he would want to push it too far due to how ironic it would be if his token became a pump and dump scheme.

Does feel original and I liked the approach even if the lack of budget was sometimes felt. Recommend to anyone wanting to find out more about what happened.

In a world where fortunes are promised and lost in the blink of an eye, "When Money Breaks: FTX" delves into the meteoric rise and catastrophic fall of one of cryptocurrency's biggest players. This gripping documentary meticulously unravels the intricate web of events leading up to FTX's collapse in November 2022, leaving the financial world in shock.

The film masterfully combines in-depth interviews, stunning visuals, and expert analysis to provide a comprehensive and compelling narrative. The pacing is perfect, steadily building tension as it explores the complex dynamics and high-stakes decisions that contributed to the downfall. Each revelation is more shocking than the last, painting a vivid picture of how ambition, innovation, and hubris can collide in the volatile world of cryptocurrency.

The filmmakers have done an exceptional job of breaking down complex financial concepts, making the story accessible to both crypto enthusiasts and general audiences. The personal stories of those affected add a poignant human element, reminding us of the real-world consequences of financial disasters.

"When Money Breaks: FTX" is not just a documentary; it's a cautionary tale and a thrilling exposé that will leave you questioning the foundations of modern finance. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the dramatic intersections of technology, money, and human ambition.

Found out about this documentary through the local paper. I wasn't expecting something this academic but it was a lot of fun to watch.

Have to admit that I would need to watch it again to really get the second half but I enjoyed it all the same.

Definitely watch it if you would like something a bit different, was clearly made on a low budget but the passion is definitely contagious and I didn't know so much stuff happened during the crash. Maybe the film could have been a bit less techy but the film wasn't fully made for me.

On the whole I would recommend it, especially if you like finance or are into crypto.

Before I saw "When Money Breaks: FTX" my best memory of FTX is the hysterically funny Larry David commercial. This film gives you an inside look at a lot more than just the scandal. Sam Bankman-Fried's story is a fascinating one: An MIT grad, Stanford-educated parents, a self-proclaimed ethical capitalist. Additionally, moving forward in an unpredictable crypto landscape, there's a great deal of practical information for any prospective crypto investor to glean from this documentary.

Cold wallets, hot wallets, whether it's an experiment, or a leap of faith, FTX made it all so much more palatable to investors.