The Road We've Traveled (2012)

The Road We've Traveled
"The Road We've Traveled" is a 2012 American documentary about the very first term of President Barack Obama. The movie was directed by Academy Award winner Davis Guggenheim, known for his documentaries "An Inconvenient Truth" and "Waiting for Superman." The movie provides an introspective into the challenges Obama dealt with throughout his presidency and the critical decisions he made that specified his period in the White House.

Tackling the Recession
One of the focal point of the movie is Obama's handling of the financial recession. Guggenheim extensively narrates how Obama acquired the worst economic crisis because the Great Depression in 2009. He notes Obama's decisions like promoting a stimulus plan that, though unpopular with some sectors in the start, played a pivotal function in pulling America out from the depths of its financial recession.

Healthcare Reform
The documentary also highlights the Obama administration's significant accomplishment - the healthcare reform through the Affordable Care Act. Despite facing continuous resistance, this reform eventually resulted in countless uninsured Americans gaining access to health care coverage. The film underscores Obama's dedication to this overwhelming and ambitious effort, detailing the political risks involved but showcasing its long-term impact.

Car Industry Rescue
Another significant difficulty took on during Obama's first term was the treacherous state of the American automobile industry. The film showcases how Obama's decision to bail out the market possibly saved countless jobs. It also highlights that this choice, though criticized by some at the time, ultimately led to the American automobile market's revival.

Osama Bin Laden's Capture and Military Matters
The film does not shy away from talking about Obama's diplomacy choices. It strategizes the relentless pursuit and subsequent capture of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, a turning point in the war against fear. Guggenheim likewise exposes Obama's efforts to responsibly end the war in Iraq and his techniques to reduce the war's influence on American soldiers and their families.

The Narration and Form
Star Tom Hanks supplies a recording narration throughout, including a sense of gravitas to the movie. Guggenheim uses a mix of interviews, including those with Vice President Joe Biden and previous Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel as well as images and on-the-ground video footage to create a sense of realism and offer a peek into Obama's presidency.

The film provides a compelling case for Obama's first term, showcasing the significant obstacles he experienced and his efforts to conquer them with clear, tactical decisions. It highlights the challenging journey and the road traveled by President Obama in browsing America through what was unquestionably among the most turbulent phases in recent history.

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