My 2023 Diary of Films and Shows: Documentary Picks (3/3)
Part 3: My Documentary Picks
This is part 3 of my Screen Time Chronicles: My 2023 Diary of Films and Shows. Given the significant amount of content I’ve consumed, I divide my post into three summaries, categorizing them as narrative films, stand-up specials, and documentaries.
Both Netflix and HBOGo offer an exceptional array of engaging and educational documentaries. These platforms have become my go-to sources for enriching content. Netflix boasts a diverse library of thought-provoking documentaries spanning environmental issues, historical events, influential biographies, and gripping true crime stories. HBOGo, offers a curated collection of documentaries delving into complex and sensitive subjects. These emotionally charged films shed light on critical social issues, politics, and personal narratives. HBOGo’s in-depth storytelling and investigative journalism make it an invaluable resource for impactful, well-researched documentaries.
These documentaries underscore the pressing issue of climate change and its far-reaching consequences. ‘Kiss The Ground’ emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture and regenerative practices to combat climate change. ‘Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret’ sheds light on the livestock industry’s significant role in climate change, serving as a wake-up call. ‘Chasing Coral’ vividly portrays the devastating impact of coral bleaching caused by global warming, urging immediate action to address climate change. ‘Ice On Fire’ exposes fossil fuels’ contribution to climate change and offers potential solutions, encouraging active engagement in mitigation efforts. Lastly, ‘Pulau Plastik’ highlights the detrimental effects of microplastic pollution on oceans and the food chain, further emphasizing the urgency of tackling environmental challenges posed by climate change.
The theme of these documentaries centers around the critical issues of biodiversity conservation and the cruelty inflicted upon animals, which poses a significant threat to our natural world. In ‘David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet,’ he passionately advocates for renewable energy to combat global warming’s destructive impact on biodiversity, making it a must-watch for all. ‘Our Planet Behind The Scenes’ offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges filmmakers face in capturing the wonders of the natural world, taking them on an emotional rollercoaster ride. ‘Virunga’ bravely uncovers the perilous threats orphaned gorillas face in a conflict-ridden park, shedding light on the dangers that wildlife conservation efforts encounter. ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ presents a touching glimpse into the lives of a couple who raise baby elephants as their own, showcasing the importance of compassion for these majestic creatures. ‘An Apology to Elephant’ provides a heartbreaking examination of the suffering endured by captive elephants in the entertainment industry, highlighting the urgent need to address their inhumane conditions. These documentaries collectively emphasize the urgency of protecting biodiversity and the welfare of animals to preserve the delicate balance of nature.
These stories explore the profound value of life through different lenses. ‘One Child Nation’ delves into the devastating consequences of China’s population control policy, highlighting forced abortions and child trafficking as a dark chapter in history that underscores the importance of individual lives. ‘Foster’ offers a heartwarming and well-told glimpse into the world of foster care, where the experiences of children, foster parents, and system workers emphasize the significance of providing love and care to those in need. ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ presents Jonny Donahoe’s touching list of life’s wonders, serving as a beacon of hope and creating a beautiful and engaging drama that underscores the beauty of life. ‘Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now’ shares the emotional experiences of actors from ‘When They See Us’ and the Exonerated Five, highlighting the touching story of wrongful incarceration and the resilience of those whose lives were unjustly impacted, emphasizing the undeniable value of every individual’s life.
In ‘Return To Space,’ SpaceX’s mission to make humanity multi-planetary takes center stage, offering emotional insights into astronaut launches and returns. It is an excellent documentary emphasizing the ambition of exploring beyond our world. ‘Good Night Oppy’ chronicles the 15-year Mars mission of the Spirit and Opportunity rovers, showcasing the captivating human-robot connection that fueled their journey. Lastly, ‘Unknown Cosmic Time Machine’ takes viewers on the space journey of the James Webb Telescope and its exploration of galaxies, highlighting the incredible narrative that underscores the power of teamwork in unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. These documentaries emphasize the relentless quest for knowledge and discovery in space exploration.
These stories explore the thrilling adventure where the pursuit of dreams and the push for boundaries can lead to both inspiring feats and heartbreaking tragedies. In ‘The Deepest Breath,’ the risks and sacrifices of freediving are depicted in a tragic yet inspiring narrative, captured stunningly with remarkable cinematography and scoring. ‘The Alpinist’ chronicles Marc-André Leclerc’s daring solo rock climbs, ultimately leading to a poignant story that ends in tragedy. On an inspiring note, ‘Biking Borders’ documents the adventurous journey of friends who cycle 15,000 kilometers from Germany to China with the noble goal of building a school in Guatemala, revealing the struggles and sacrifices they encountered along the way.
In ‘At The Heart Of Gold Inside The USA Gymnastics Scandal,’ the devastating story of a gymnastics doctor’s abuse and the ordeal of the victims showcase the strength of survivors who refuse to be defined by their experiences, delivering powerful impact statements. ‘Rising Phoenix’ inspires with its portrayal of Paralympic athletes’ relentless pursuit of greatness and their unwavering human spirit, proving that determination knows no bounds. ‘The Redeem Team’ recounts US basketball’s triumphant Olympic comeback under Kobe Bryant’s leadership, celebrating fallen heroes who rise again, showing the indomitable spirit of athletes. ‘Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off’ traces the legendary skateboarder’s journey from youth to awe-inspiring tricks, showcasing Tony Hawk’s outstanding self-competition and his enduring passion for the sport. These stories highlight the resilience of human capability.
‘The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story Of Aaron Swartz’ chronicles the powerful journey of internet activist Aaron Swartz, from legal battles to his impact on legislative change, highlighting his unwavering dedication to principles of freedom and information. ‘King In The Wilderness’ offers an inspiring account of Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolent fight against racism, showcasing his courage and leadership in the face of adversity. ‘Navalny’ tells the brave and compelling story of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s journey, from surviving poisoning to his activism, exemplifying his determination to bring about change despite immense personal risks. These inspirations emphasize the enduring legacy of these leaders who sacrificed for the causes they believed in.
These stories provide insightful glimpses into the lives of inspiring people, shedding light on their journeys and legacies. ‘Tig’ portrays Tig Navaro’s transformation of her battle with cancer into iconic stand-up material, delivering a touching narrative. ‘Come Inside My Mind’ delves into the comedic genius of Robin Williams while also addressing his tragic end, resulting in a funny and moving documentary. ‘The Zen Diaries Of Garry Shandling’ explores Garry Shandling’s life, inspiring legendary comedians and concluding with a funny yet touching obituary. ‘Arthur Miller: Writer’ offers a comprehensive look at Arthur Miller’s life, told from the perspective of his daughter, providing valuable insights into the world of this renowned playwright. ‘Six By Sondheim’ delves into Stephen Sondheim’s personal stories, creative insights, and family, all narrated in his articulate voice.
‘Jane Fonda In Five Acts’ traces Jane Fonda’s captivating transformation from Hollywood royalty to activism, navigating a path of controversy and triumph. ‘Wishful Drinking’ delves into Carrie Fisher’s epic life, spanning from her iconic role as Princess Leia to her battles with bipolar disorder, all presented with her signature hilarious self-deprecation. ‘Sly’ reflects on Sylvester Stallone’s career, featuring iconic roles like Rocky and Rambo, while revealing the actor’s aspirations that underpin his success. ‘Wham!’ explores the rise and disbandment of the iconic band Wham!, providing an in-depth look at their journey. ‘Who You Gonna Call’ follows Ray Parker Jr.’s musical evolution from his teenage years to the fame he achieved with the Ghostbusters theme, delivering an entertaining narrative. Lastly, ‘Undisputed Truth’ recounts Mike Tyson’s life journey, from a troubled past to fame and incarceration, offering a heartfelt and impactful story of redemption.
‘Paper And Glue’ traces JR’s remarkable evolution from a graffiti artist to a passionate advocate for the voiceless, offering an inspiring narrative of transformation and activism. ‘Phil Tippett: Mad Dreams And Monsters’ explores the legendary designer Phil Tippett’s invaluable contributions to iconic films like Star Wars, Robocop, and Starship Troopers, making it a must-watch for fans of filmmaking and special effects. ‘Endangered’ follows the year-long journey of journalists facing threats from government and society, delivering a powerful and timely message about the importance of preserving journalistic integrity in the face of adversity.
These documentaries provide valuable insights into the world of investment and finance. ‘Icahn: The Restless Billionaire’ presents a humanist story of activist investor Carl Icahn, highlighting his successful endeavors such as the splitting of eBay and Paypal, as well as Apple’s share buyback, showcasing his impactful contributions to the financial world. ‘Becoming Warren Buffett’ takes viewers on the humble journey of Warren Buffett, the world’s top investor and philanthropist, offering lessons in his approach to investment and life. ‘Eat The Rich: The GameStop Saga’ unveils the fascinating GameStop stock rollercoaster, from its skyrocketing rise to the controversial halt by Robinhood, portraying a David vs. Goliath battle between retail investors and giant hedge funds, providing insights into the dynamics of modern financial markets.
Documentaries offer an engaging and enlightening approach to exploring new subjects. Through this medium, they entertain and provide us with fresh perspectives and profound insights. Whether it’s delving into the complexities of climate change, uncovering the remarkable lives of influential figures, or shedding light on critical societal issues, documentaries have the power to educate and inspire. They take us on a journey of discovery, expanding our horizons and encouraging us to view the world from different angles. So, the next time you’re looking for an entertaining way to learn and gain new insights, consider watching documentaries for an enriching experience.
Part 1: Exploring Narrative Cinema
Part 2: My Standup Specials
Part 3: My Documentary Picks
