Whether you are just interested in getting a glimpse into a whole new world or are a passionate non-fiction fan, documentaries never fail to cast their spell. The variety in documentaries is in itself a mind-opening experience, brothels, spelling bees, migratory birds, corporations; the random list goes on and on. While the topics may not even be something you’ve ever given thought to know more about, the inherent drama and quirkiness of everyday life pervades all of the diverse topics, making them interesting and enlightening for all.
“In feature films the director is God, in documentary films God is the
director,” observed the classic film director Alfred Hitchcock. Because the
real-world dictates the events in the documentary film (or “God” as Hitchcock
puts it, rather than a mere mortal), these films contain emotions and
storylines that are often far more original and surprising than the average
feature film.
They certainly confirm that old saying real life is stranger than fiction
(check out Spellbound for an endearing spelling bee competitor who breaks out
into a spontaneous imitation of a musical robot). Each documentary on this list
may not be enthralling for everyone, but each one is a testimony to the incredible
amount of microcosms on our own tiny planet.
Winged Migration
Bird watching goes from a stuffy pastime to an exhilarating
roller-coaster-esque ride in this gorgeous film. Migratory birds of all types,
from the familiar Canada
geese to Japanese snow cranes make appearances with footage that will literally
take your breath away. Soaring shots of the treks these creatures make (some as
much as 1,000 miles!), capture the strength and desperation of the birds,
dispelling the delicate, effortless impression a bird in flight can give.
With little narration, the film allows the bird’s lives to speak for
themselves, and soon enough, the bird’s cacophonous squawks and random peeps
develop into a somewhat coherent language. You won’t just be watching endless shots
of birds in flight of course, flawless production weaves in storylines of
child-rearing, outside dangers, and domestication that will tug at heartstrings
and build veritable suspense.
Truly a film that brings the lives of the distant natural world within the
human grasp, a rare feat. If you have been turned off by the textbook-like air
of nature shows before, don’t dismiss this one as a chip off the old block. It
is a film about life, hardship, and destiny, the stars just happen to have
feathers. Critically acclaimed and highly decorated, it has the quality to
overcome the tiny genre of nature documentary to appeal to the thoughtful
masses. If you were charmed by March of the Penguins, this film will impress
you just as much (if not more).
98 minutes
Also try…March of the Penguins (currently in theatres)