Listmania!
Documentaries that matter - films about real people p.II
By an Amazon.com customer
The Sweetest SoundThe Sweetest Sound
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $11.84
Another exotic (and possibly silly) topic: a film about names. You should consider watching this. It is a very interesting reflection on identity.
Mr. Death: The Rise & Fall of Fred A. Leuchter Jr.Mr. Death: The Rise & Fall of Fred A. Leuchter Jr.
Buy used from: $3.93
If you want to get into documentaries you HAVE to catch the Errol Morris films. This is a particularly eerie but exquisite example of his craft.
The Errol Morris DVD Collection (Gates of Heaven/The Thin Blue Line/Vernon, Florida)The Errol Morris DVD Collection (Gates of Heaven/The Thin Blue Line/Vernon, Florida)
Buy used from: $24.95
This is a must-have. Three classics that can help you understand the power of documentary films.
The Fog of War - Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamaraThe Fog of War - Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara
Buy new: $9.49 / Used from: $3.95
Same as before. Morris just gets better by the minute.
PromisesPromises
Buy used from: $21.63
Nice documentary on the palestinian-israeli conflict, shown from a different perspective.
Born into BrothelsBorn into Brothels
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $3.90
Wonderful idea: why not use art as a means to escape social injustice?
Hearts and Minds - Criterion CollectionHearts and Minds - Criterion Collection
Buy new: $35.99 / Used from: $19.50
A very thorough study -the word fits- on the Vietnam War. (Beware: extremely graphic and heart-breaking).
The Sorrow and the PityThe Sorrow and the Pity
Buy new: $44.99 / Used from: $22.50
This is the movie that Woody Allen talks about in Annie Hall. Not hard to see why. A very serious doubt is cast on the french stance towards the the Nazi occupation during WWII.
The AristocratsThe Aristocrats
Buy new: $10.49 / Used from: $1.75
This documentary, about a dirty joke, is really about comedy. It might come across as banal next to WWII and Vietnam, but that does not mean it is not enjoyable. This is part of life too, you know.
Super Size MeSuper Size Me
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $2.65
This film focuses on food and how we relate to it in a society where "walking has become such a chore that we have machines that do it for us".
Genghis BluesGenghis Blues
Buy new: $13.49 / Used from: $11.99
A lonely bluesman learns to sing using ancient technique from Mongolia. He goes off to Tuva to a singing contest. Weird but fun.
Hoop Dreams - Criterion CollectionHoop Dreams - Criterion Collection
Buy new: $23.99 / Used from: $14.49
Story about two boys with basketball dreams. Plays like real life in fast forward.
Children UndergroundChildren Underground
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $26.23
The story of the children living in the subways of Romania. The images may be too strong for some...
My Flesh and BloodMy Flesh and Blood
Buy new: $24.49 / Used from: $5.47
Woman with 13 children, 4 home grown, 9 adopted. All of the latter have a special disability. What is important here is once you grow accostumed to the children you understand how normal they are.
Keep the River on Your Right - A Modern Cannibal TaleKeep the River on Your Right - A Modern Cannibal Tale
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $6.72
Sure, it tells the story of a cannibal -albeit an accidental one- but this is just a small chapter in a much more interesting reflection on culture and ideology.
Beyond The Mat - Director's CutBeyond The Mat - Director's Cut
Buy used from: $2.28
I truly don`t care for wrestling, but this documentary shows a) the lives of some of its growing and aging stars and b) less popular and glamarous circuits. Interesting ride.
Grizzly ManGrizzly Man
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $4.12
Great piece of work by Werner Herzog, director of fiction classics such as Nosferatu, Aguirre and Fitzcarraldo. Turns out he is a great documentary maker as well.
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the RoomEnron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $4.63
As appalling as this portrait of greed is, it is probably one of the most rigurous documentaries i've ever seen.
Touch the Sound - A Sound Journey With Evelyn GlennieTouch the Sound - A Sound Journey With Evelyn Glennie
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $6.95
Incredible visuals; moving story of one of the world's best percussionist (who also happens to be stone deaf).
Startup.comStartup.com
Buy used from: $4.98
Interesting story about a young entrepreneur, his dreams of corporative bliss and ".com" hell that ensues (this film will prove more valuable to those interested in entrepreneurship or business).
The CorporationThe Corporation
Buy new: $24.99 / Used from: $15.95
Essay-documentary on corporate crimes. Though might seem a bit slow in narrative terms it still packs great political punch (very useful in class discussions).
Touching the VoidTouching the Void
Buy new: $10.49 / Used from: $1.92
Unbelievable. It is a reconstruction of one of the most talked about stories in mountain climbing history.
American DreamAmerican Dream
Buy new: $9.49 / Used from: $4.39
Beautiful and heartbraking. I had heard and read so much about Barbara Kopple... does not do her justice, though. Left me speechless.
On the RopesOn the Ropes
Buy used from: $9.95
Has to do with boxing but on a different level. Very touching.
Southern ComfortSouthern Comfort
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $9.75
This is one of the most beautiful works of art I've seen. Stop reading this stupid list and go buy this documentay film. I MEAN IT.