I love watching well done documentaries! I really don’t care what the subject matter is–if it’s informative and interestingly produced, odds are I will enjoy the experience. Below I have listed ten films that are among my favorite documentaries. Although at first glance the subject may not interest you, I suggest you give them a look. Unfortunately, if you do not have Netflix it might prove difficult to locate these gems. I will warn that some of these films deal with crimes of murder, and The Cove tackles a very disturbing issue. However, it is an absorbing eye opener. I also suggest that you read reviews on the selections before watching.
1.Young@Heart. Coldplay, the Clash and Jimi Hendrix will never sound the same once you’ve heard the Young@Heart chorus, a group of Massachusetts senior citizens who thrill audiences worldwide with their unusual and unusually poignant covers of rock songs. Stephen Walker’s humane and heartwarming documentary, which premiered at Sundance in 2008, follows the elderly ensemble as they prepare their latest show for public performances.
- The Conscientious Objector.In this feature-length documentary, filmmaker Terry Benedict relates the true story of Desmond Doss, a World War II soldier who refused to take up arms against others yet found himself wearing the Congressional Medal of Honor. Viewing his beliefs as those of a “conscientious cooperator” — and not an “objector” — the combat medic bravely rescued 75 wounded men from the front lines without any weapons to defend himself.
- Word Wars. In this character-driven documentary, filmmakers Eric Chaikin and Julian Petrillo follow four “word nerds” through their fastidious preparations and smaller tournaments that lead to the national championship Scrabble tournament in San Diego in 2002. Our favorite contender–Joel Sherman, a true dork with acid reflux (he constantly quaffs Maalox) and no other discernible job besides playing Scrabble.
- The Staircase. From award-winning documentary filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade comes this real-life, gripping courtroom drama that chronicles the case of author Michael Peterson, who stood trial in 2003 for the murder of his wife, Kathleen. With unprecedented access to Peterson’s lawyers, his family and others involved in the proceedings, de Lestrade offers viewers an intimate look at the judiciary process and the mystery surrounding this high-profile case.
- Searching for Sugar Man. Decades after Detroit singer-songwriter Rodriguez disappeared following the commercial failure of his two critically praised records in the 1970s, two fans from South Africa, where Rodriguez was a huge hit, try to track down their idol.
- The Cove. A group of activists and filmmakers travels to the small village of Taiji, Japan, to secretly obtain footage of a heavily guarded operation that captures and kills scores of dolphins to use as meat.
- Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse. It’s Francis Ford Coppola vs. natural catastrophe, crazy actors, the Philippine government and crushing self-doubt in this unbelievable account of the making of the 1979 classic Apocalypse Now. Behind-the-scenes location footage is combined with candid 1990 interviews of cast and crew members; the result is a fascinating portrait of a director plunged into the very obsession he sought to portray on film.
- Spellbound. This Oscar-nominated entry documents the intense experience of the National Spelling Bee as seen through the eyes of eight young spellers, with viewers glimpsing the kids’ private lives as they train for and compete in the ultimate cerebral showdown. While they try to keep their eyes on the $10,000 prize, their personal stories illuminate their quirks, their obsessive study habits and their alternately heartbreaking and inspiring family dynamics.
- Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory. This third installment in a series of films investigating the wrongful murder convictions of three teenagers known as the West Memphis 3 examines their 1993 arrests, the movement to free them, and new DNA evidence resulting in their 2011 release.
- Wordplay. From the masters who create the mind-bending diversions to the tense competition at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, Patrick Creadon’s documentary reveals a fascinating look at a decidedly addictive pastime. Creadon captures New York Times editor Will Shortz at work, talks to celebrity solvers — including Bill Clinton and Ken Burns — and presents an intimate look at the national tournament and its competitors.
Pete Whalon, author of “The Siagon Zoo” has called Southern California home since age five.