Documentaries worth viewing

My long-held love of documentaries has been revived during this pandemic incarceration. One can only read so long, play online games so long, do home-improvement projects so long, or watch old movies so long with going brain dead. (OK, some readers would probably say - even more brain dead...) 

But I have been rediscovering the joy of documentaries, thanks in part to a clickbait article from Mashable "The 17 best documentaries on YouTube." I'm about half through the list and every film so far has been worth my time, but I will comment on a few.

• By far the best and most important, IMHO, is 13th, a compelling essay on the history and impact of systemic racism in the United States. This is a must-watch for every American.
• Based on the work of Noam Chomsky, Requium for the American Dream is stunning description of wealth concentration in the U.S. This economic inequity is directly tied to a lot of social problems.
• Put on a little weight over the pandemic? Then watch Fed Up which details how the sugar industry and its lobbying efforts have basically created today's obesity epidemic. You will never look at the supermarket shelves the same way again.
• Living on One Dollar tells the story of four U.S. college kids who move to a village in Guatemala and subsist on the average income. When you kid complains about not having the latest video game, show them this one.
• David Attenborough's Our Planet is a must watch for any nature lover. I am always astounded by the photography and this documentary adds persuasive information about environmental concerns.

I've also been looking back over my DVD collection and have lined these up to re-watch: 

• The Life of Birds (another David Attenborough)
• Sister Wendy's Story of Painting
• Walking with Dinosaurs (Grandsons' favorite for many years)

Why just be entertained when you can be both entertained and informed. Give documentaries a try.

Your favs?

Comments

[Carl W]

Thank you for bringing 13 to my attention.
Blue Planet II also by David Attenborough is a masterpiece and filmed wth digital state-of-the-art gear.