Review of America The Beautiful (2008) by Ricardo R — 08 Feb 2011

"America the Beautiful" does a good job giving a message about an epidemic that is taking place in the U.S. and in other parts of the world. It centers on a young girl aspiring to be a model, and who eventually does make it, focusing on the sacrifices and hardships she has to overcome as well as those around her. In the meantime, there are also interviews done with magazine writers and editors who advertise beauty products, fashion designers, psychologists, plastic surgeons, and other people that have something to do with the "beauty world." I like how they did this because it broadens the view on the topic and gives more insight and information; however, some of the opinions are too exaggerated or hard to agree with.

Technically, the documentary is not that great. I caught the boom mic on the camera once, some angles were just bad, and it seemed like sometimes some scenes were way brighter or darker than others. I understand it is a documentary and there are different environments involved, but this is essential and important as well to have a bigger and stronger impact.

The point is that more and more girls (and boys as well) feel pressured to look "perfect," often times endangering their health, relationships, sacrificing their youth, etc. It will be a battle to fight the media influencing them on doing this, but then again each person is responsible for their actions, so in my opinion, the media shouldn't be blamed. Each person has an option to be beautiful however they want; in the end, they know the risks and consequences. If you or anyone you know is suffering from anorexia, bulimia, or depression, seek help. You are beautiful.