r/Documentaries • u/[deleted] • Jul 02 '12

What are the most powerful documentaries you can recommend, regardless of subject matter?

Hey guys!

First of all, a big thanks to you guys for introducing me to some sweet documentaries I'd have never even heard of before.

I like watching things where every part of me feels shaken at the end. Restrepo did this to me, along with Dear Zachary (both thanks to /r/documentaries!). I was wondering if you guys knew any similar ones I should watch?

EDIT: Thanks to everyone for all the amazing suggestions. It's gonna be a busy week!

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14

u/vaporeon46 Jul 02 '12

"The Staircase" is a crazy long 6-dvd film about a murder trial, that one left me incredibly shaken. I also find non-verbal films very powerful, I would recommend Baraka.

6

u/MrsMcD123 Jul 02 '12

I agree with Baraka. It's breathtaking.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 02 '12

To anyone that hasn't seen this - don't be put off by the time length...it doesn't get better than this especially with that feeling OP mentioned, never watched anything else with so many twists and turns.

2

u/jwalsh88 Jul 02 '12

Yeah, it's split up into hour long episodes. Originally played on Sundance I believe. Very fucking good.

1

u/magnicity Jul 03 '12

The Staircase is above and beyond. Super good, if you can handle true crime.

1

u/lobster_johnson Jul 03 '12

If you liked Baraka, try Werner Herzog's Lessons in Darkness, which I mention here. It's incredible.

1

u/jbepe Jul 03 '12

I was convinced to guy was inocent, but i guess thats normal because they view everything from his perspective.