How to Change the World: In reference to Part I, “Beginning the list with this suggestion was by no means an accident. Simply put – a must watch.” While I’m positive this one won’t quite be as universally appreciated by all, this still is the ‘must watch’ of the list. An inspiring documentary that features insights from everyone involved – 40 years after the events transpire. Based in Vancouver during the 70s hippie movement, this story follows the beginnings of the Greenpeace organization and the lives of it’s founders thereafter. Watching heroic activism take place in the moment, and watching as Greenpeace evolves through time is one of the more inspiring things I’ve watched. If you like whales, seals, activism, and the environment – this movie is an absolute pleasure to view.
Food Inc.: The documentary in which I personally think most important for anyone reading to watch – I plead with you to please watch. Food Inc. is informative, well put together, and persuasive, however admittedly not as entertaining as could ideally be. This documentary aims to explain reasonings for going vegetarian, largely aiming to attack the corporations involved in modern day agricultural-business. Through investigative journalism this documentary attacks worker rights, animal rights, environmental issues, as well as issues relating to corrupt political, and corporate leaders. I know as a nation we love meat, and I am not personally attacking anybody who choses to not be vegetarian, but I at the least plead with you to not be ignorant in what goes on behind the scenes. Whether you go vegetarian, vegan, or not is not important to me, it is more important that ignorance on the issues behind modern animal agriculture disappears and some corruption is pushed out. Thank you for letting me spew my bias.
Restrepo: Restrepo hands down is one of the best modern war movies of the decade. Restrepo is a brave feat of journalism as two filmmakers go with a battalion of soldiers into one of the hotbeds of Afghanistan, the Korengal Valley. Infamous for being the most dangerous outpost, the soldiers and filmmakers from May to the following July are posted, and encounter many firefights in their time there. One of the few military documentaries with no political agenda, there is much to be said for a movie like this. They encompass the entire experience of what it is like to be a soldier in modern warfare. The boredom, the danger, the comradery, the bravery, the everyday heroics, and the fear. A spectacularly emotional film that forces you to invest your being into watching it, this movie does it all and without even having amazing cinematic shots most documentaries would use.
Cooked: Author of “The Omnivores Dilemma” and activist for ‘responsible food consumption’ Michael Pollan explores in a four part series different techniques of cooking, and offers criticisms for common customs of today. Pollan teaches you of past ways of cooking, and promotes a way to reconnect with our past traditions in order to eat healthier – both for mind and body. This series is an intriguing and informative way of discussing food, not at all promoting vegetarianism (don’t worry), but more seeking to educate and inspire new ‘old’ ways of cooking.
Winter on Fire: This movie is shocking to watch, it is hard to fathom things like this still happening in real life, especially in modern day Europe. This is the story of Ukraine, and the revolution they recently went through, and to be honest are still going through. The movie takes you through the 90 days or so of peaceful protest that turned into a not so peaceful protest. Ukraine’s government quickly escalates from a fake democracy, to a complete dictatorship, and then to a full democracy as their leader is forced to leave during the middle of the night in search of an asylum in Russia.
ESPN 30 for 30 – Trojan War: ESPN 30 for 30 films have become a somber reminder to the sports world of the realities that happen behind the shows we see. This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of USC in what became one of the most dominant teams in NCAA history. Director Aaron Rahsaan Thomas cleverly plays the entire debacle as a Hollywood story, with interviews not only from USC, Texas, and other players and team officials, but also from Hollywood Producers. Aiming to cover the Pete Carroll era, the documentary covers from the time the largely unsuccessful and underwhelming coach came in, until the Reggie Bush scandal and Carroll’s leave from USC. Living in Southern California and this Carroll era being one of the best eras of football in NCAA history, this documentary is a good and intriguing watch, keeping you involved the whole way through.
