What’s the best documentary you’ve ever seen?

[LovelyQuiche]

Mine is is “The Rescue” about the Thai cave rescue where those young footballers were trapped. Totally enthralling, even though I knew the outcome already, and seeing what they had to deal with actually helped me mentally for giving birth a fortnight later. Like, if they can do that, then I can do what millions of other women do and give birth

what’s yours?

There was a documentary made by two French brothers who followed a rookie fireman in New york, the it aim was to show him grow from not to man. About two months into filming the date was 9/11 and made one of the most powerful documentaries I've seen

Ric Burns made a documentary about the history of New York City. I'm very interested in NYC history so I loved watching it. It's broken up into several episodes so the whole series is probably about 10 hours long.

Agree the 9/11 documentary is amazing. I remember watching it on the first anniversary I think, there was a follow up one a few years later which was so sad.

The Cove, a film about dolphin hunting in Japan.

Chernobyl

3 identical strangers fascinated me

The one that's stayed with me was about rats running riot a few feet away from any given point.

There were some using the old Victorian outhouse drains and pipes as an underground track, some popping up to say 'hi' through u-bends and - worst of all - the ones shown racing to the scene of a flush in a sewer to see what tasty titbits they could scavenge.

I know it's stupid but there is one that has changed the way I eat and that was "super size me"

Not exactly a very cultured one but I really really enjoyed dont f**k with cats!

The White Helmets on Netflix. It follows volunteer rescuers in Syria.

Years ago, I saw one called The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off (I think). It was about a young man called Johnny Kennedy who had a life limiting disease. His positivity was wonderful. I remember him choosing ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ as his funeral song…

Blackfish for me. I’ve made a lot of people watch it.

The Vow on HBO really gripped me.

Going back now to 1975 - yes i'm old! Think it was called Johnnie Come Home or something similar and started off filming kids arriving at Kings Cross to find the bright lights of London. Ended up following a couple of them and eventually one particular boy. It was both compelling and horrible to watch and I dont think it can even be seen nowadays, it was that shocking. Certainly changed my view of finding things greener on the other side.

I once watched one called “how to survive a plane crash” (or something). It was years ago so I’m no doubt misremembering some of the detail.

Apparently your chances of surviving the impact are often quite good, but you have only a matter of seconds to exit the plane before the fumes overwhelm you. You will be disoriented and not able to see clearly. Before setting off always count how many seats to the nearest emergency exit so you can feel yourself there (ideally no more than 5 to maximise your chances).

also people in their panic lose seconds trying to unstrap by pushing their buckle like you would do a car. Remind yourself during your scary descent of what you need to do.

there was more!

it fascinated me as I always assumed if your plane went down you were dead as soon as you hit the ground.

Tina . It was on sky arts I love her.

Also the 3 identical people blew my mind!

One I've watched a few times is Heroin: Cape Cod. Not your usual junkies from deprived areas, but 'normal' people from a fairly affluent area and the opioid epidemic in America as a result of prescription drugs like OxyContin being dished out like sweets for pain, due to the makers saying it wasn't addictive. Very sad and depressing.

Mommy Dead and Dearest had me opened mouthed. The Act was the drama of this.

Me too, made me rethink so many things.

In terms of a well-made documentary, I thought Senna was absolutely epic.

My octopus teacher and the biggest little Farm

Free Solo, about a climber who took on the apparently suicidal challenge of climbing El Capitan in Yosemite on his own & without ropes. One tiny slip would have resulted in certain death.

Unbefuckinglievable.

Searching for Sugarman.

I’ve watched it about 12 times and I weep with joy every time.

Inside the President's war room which is 9/11 told by George Bush and various other politicians, advisors on the inside that day. Absolutely gripping.

One in YouTube called 'Disastrous indifference: the sinking of the SS El Faro'.

I'm massively obsessed with this shipwreck and this documentary is probably the best thing I've found covering it.

@LostThePot Ah I keep meaning to watch this. Really recommend the R4 Mayday podcasts about the white helmets - it's wild!

This definitely!! Staggering.