Favorite films (6)
Quite a bit of time ago, I created a list of my favorite films. Summaries are (mostly) from IMDB.
This first post lists my favorite documentaries, in alphabetical order.
NB: Please note that when no nationality(ies) is specified, the film is from the U.S.
Some comments/warnings regarding problematic content are in bold. (In other words, there may be additional such content which I have not marked, but I focused on warning about things the film and its description did not deal with well. An example of this would be 'Gone with the Wind', which is horribly racist as a film and which IMO requires a warning.)
Please note that some of these films are in my list because they were influential, not because I objectively think they were great. In some other cases, they are still in my lists (with warnings) to remind myself that I need to rethink some of my earlier opinions. :)
Documentaries
This first post lists my favorite documentaries, in alphabetical order.
NB: Please note that when no nationality(ies) is specified, the film is from the U.S.
Some comments/warnings regarding problematic content are in bold. (In other words, there may be additional such content which I have not marked, but I focused on warning about things the film and its description did not deal with well. An example of this would be 'Gone with the Wind', which is horribly racist as a film and which IMO requires a warning.)
Please note that some of these films are in my list because they were influential, not because I objectively think they were great. In some other cases, they are still in my lists (with warnings) to remind myself that I need to rethink some of my earlier opinions. :)
Documentaries
- Blackfish (2013): A documentary following the controversial captivity of killer whales, and its dangers for both humans and whales. (NB: I would rate this PG-13/R-ish?)
- Bowling for Columbine (2002): by Michael Moore. Filmmaker Michael Moore explores the roots of America's predilection for gun violence. (NB: I would rate this PG-13/R)
- Corporation, The (2003): directed by Jennifer Abbott and Mark Achbar. Documentary that looks at the concept of the corporation throughout recent history up to its present-day dominance. (NB: I would rate this PG)
- Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004): by Michael Moore. Michael Moore's view on what happened to the United States after September 11; and how the Bush Administration allegedly used the tragic event to push forward its agenda for unjust wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. (NB: Rated R.)
- Great Plague (Black Death documentary), The (year unknown): Details events of the great plague epidemic in London in 1665. (Comments: This was a real eye-opening look at the effects this epidemic had on the poor.) (NB: Rated R?)
- Hissène Habré: Trial of a dictator. This documentary deals with the crimes against humanity committed by Chad's former dictator (1982-1990). Habré was aided in his crimes by the governments of France and the United States. (NB: Rated PG-13?)
- Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home (2013, UK): Suzannah Lipscomb takes a tour of the Victorian home and unveils the hidden dangers that posed a deadly threat to Victorian life. (NB: Rated PG-ish?)
- Medieval apocalypse, the black death (year unknown): Deals with the pandemic of plague during the Middle Ages 1337-1351, which ravaged Europe. (Some estimate that roughly one third of Europe's population died of the disease, which also resulted in large societal changes. Another good reference is here.) (NB: Rated PG-13?)
- Sand Wars (2012): Discusses a new environmental emergency: sand. (Rated PG)
- Sicko (2007): by Michael Moore. A documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories. (NB: I would rate this PG-13)
- Supersize Me (2004): directed by Morgan Spurlock. While examining the influence of the fast food industry, Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month. (NB: I would rate this PG-13)