Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#191

Post by Dowwie » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 11:14 AM UTC

wj wrote: post #55

There was a documentary on the City of God DVD that was better than the film (and I thought it was an amazing film). A few from Netflix that I could find that I rated: Endless Summer Death in Gaza The Filth and the Fury Jiro Dreams of Sushi Baseball March of the Penguins The Art of the Steal Born Into Brothels The Aristocrats God Grew Tired of Us The Fog of War The Lost Wave The Last Waltz Festival Express

Forgot about March of the Penguins! Everything about that documentary was great, especially Freeman as narrator.

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#192

Post by Dowwie » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 11:15 AM UTC

bfdm wrote: post #116

I was surprised that nobody had yet suggest Ken Burns' The Dust Bowl. While not particularly exciting, to be honest, I found it incredibly moving and educational. The origins and extent of the plight and its ramifications across the whole country are nothing short of country-defining. That the solutions to come out of at are so far removed from where we are today and how the US seeks to solve similar wide-spread econ…

This documentary compelled me to study more about this calamity

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#193

Post by Dowwie » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 11:17 AM UTC

bartcobain wrote: post #59

lofo wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Another great Adam Curtis : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperNormalisation

Do you know any other documentary as good as this one? Any suggestion?

Requiem for the American Dream

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#194

Post by hackandtrip » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 12:12 PM UTC

drakonka wrote: post #99

I loved Icarus; it was just amazing how more and more off track the filmmaker's original plan went as he got entangled with this Russian doctor and found himself documenting a much more interesting story than the one he originally set out to do.

Agree, but to be honest it seems to me really weird that such type of evolvement etc wouldn't be pre-discussed. Also, about that amazing documentary: -I find it annoying that the involvement of other nations isn't dragged in more, leaving it all on Russia making it a little political oriented. -Its interesting how little is the dosage of testosterone taken by that guy, and that other molecules are not used + I don't really remember if they discussed about a PCT (you cant just take test and hope that your natural levels will re-establish again, it's like flipping a coin, specially considering how little research there is on those molecules).

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#195

Post by bklaasen » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 12:13 PM UTC

matdehaast wrote: post #88

anfractuosity wrote: post #2

I really loved 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi', showing how much care and effort he puts into making it: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772925/

Jiro is such a heartwarming story. The dedication to ones craft displayed is truly inspiring!

That's interesting. I was left with a sickening hollowness after watching it.

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#196

Post by lolive » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 1:23 PM UTC

Just saw Finding Vivial Maier, which gives details about the everyday life of the most underrated photographer ever. This shows a mix of both complex personality and pure talent. This was a very interesting show!

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#197

Post by snorberhuis » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 1:29 PM UTC

iaresee wrote: post #33

Grizzly Man: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427312/ -- the folly of humans when it comes to interacting with wild animals well illustrated The Fog of War: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317910/ -- whoa. Just: whoa. The Thin Blue Line: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thin_Blue_Line_(1988_film) -- when a conviction goes wrong. I guess I really like Errol Morris and Herzog? Probably.

I can recommend The Fog of War.

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#198

Post by yitchelle » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 1:55 PM UTC

drakonka wrote: post #99

I loved Icarus; it was just amazing how more and more off track the filmmaker's original plan went as he got entangled with this Russian doctor and found himself documenting a much more interesting story than the one he originally set out to do.

This is an engrossing documentary. While watching this documentary, the back story of the coach escaping to the US is also amazing. I wondered who played who in this documentary.

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#199

Post by collyw » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 2:04 PM UTC

oddsockmachine wrote: post #106

Samsara - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsara_(2011_film) A non-narrative film, with stunning visuals. I feel it shows some of the best and worst of humanity, but in a non-pushy or judgemental way. It just leaves you to make your own conclusions.

Was about to suggest that as well. Its a superb film.

Re: Ask HN: What are some of the best documentaries you've seen?

#200

Post by collyw » Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 2:21 PM UTC

dustinmr wrote: post #94

Touching the Void. Based on a book by Joe Simpson Amazing story and perspective.

The only thing that kept me going through that movie is the fact that he is there narrating it. The situation seems dire after around ten minutes or so into the film.