/r/DocumentaryReviews
It's hard to know what documentaries are best and most accurate ones to watch. You can come here and we'll help you figure that out.
While historical analysis was the inspiration of this subreddit, it is not the only type of submission permissible. Any review that is accurate and sourced is accepted (nay, encouraged). My focus has always been history, and the genesis of this sub-reddit is found in /r/badhistory. However reviews of any kind of documentary are acceptable, as long as the reviews are accurate and sourced.
Some things to remember when submitting a review:
Reviews should be comprehensive. Don't review the first 10 minutes of a documentary and then stop. Tag your post as [Review] for ease in browsing.
Episodes of a multi-part documentary are considered to be separate documentaries for review purposes. If you choose to do a multi-part review of a documentary with multiple episodes please link back to the earlier reviews.
You don't have to be an academic to do reviews. The primary concern is that your review be comprehensive, accurate, and sourced.
Please give an overall rating (.e.g. While this documentary has a few points of historical inaccuracy it's not enough to detract from the overall and is still worth your time. 7/10)
Submissions are self-post only. Any links should be included in that self-post.
The primary intent of this sub-reddit is to review documentaries, not to share them.
If you would like to request a review tag your post as [Request]
/r/DocumentaryReviews
Is the 2024 Election a Distraction from America's REAL Problem? https://youtu.be/28ZgWuICkI8
This is an excellent documentary on third party presidential candidates in this current election. There was some great interviews with vermin supreme and Michael rectenwald and supporters of other candidates on why or why not to vote for third party candidates. This was well edited and shot, here is the link. https://youtu.be/-6DZOU5zzZc?si=uZe9B4amqE36mugV
Has anyone seen any of these, or others? Which do you recommend?
https://youtube.com/shorts/cpjFRUkU3IA?si=GR3WSaYKo4mTcQrw
Martha - 8/10. Its so strange seeing Martha, because I feel like I’ve known her career. My mom was a big Martha Stewart fan, and she would watch her show whenever I would come home from school for lunch or after school’s done. A lot of products at our house were Martha products. And then, the jail sentence happened. And then, the Bieber roast happened. And from that, the Martha renaissance began. I really love how she has just embraced and gone about the way in her career to now where she seems more focused on her own happiness and wants in terms of success. She’s not allowing others to dictate what she should do, and I think that’s why she became famous through her company in the first place. She’s such a fascinating and interesting individual. She’s had so much success, so much controversy, and has had multiple images that the public had been used to. But what I appreciate a lot about this doc is that Martha is unapologetically herself. She never seems to shy away from her frank nature and her ability to inspire people. She wants the best out of things and people, and though some people might misconstrue that as being bossy, I just view it as a person who is determined to make the most out of life and getting the most out of life for the average consumer so they can feel a part of her vision and wishes. This is a standard biopic documentary, and though it might follow the standard formula, it still offers up interesting tidbits and insight into herself and her career.
Original Video is in HINDI but ENGLISH SUBTITLES ARE AVAILABLE. ;]
This Is One of the Most Banned Videos on You tube https://youtu.be/KF5Hhct3bTw
https://youtu.be/ReSupTqZb-k?si=CTSihQwVIIrl3t0f
Just in time for the fall classic, this docuseries chronicling the leadup and actual comeback of the Red Sox is outstanding. Has it really been 20 years since this magical 3-0 comeback happened? Times does really fly! Even as a Jays fan, I can't help but root everytime I see a doc based around this series. And its always nice to see the Yankees lose!
This Is The Zodiac Speaking - 8/10. When the David Fincher film released in 2007, it began a fascination for me in terms of reading and researching about the Zodiac case. That Fincher film is super brilliant (in my opinion, the best work he has ever done in his career), and because of that film, I bought the two Graysmith novels, watched any and every doc, and read papers on the case. So when Netflix announced they were making a docuseries about the case, I got excited. But for me, as a person who has literally researched and thoroughly followed the case since 2007, this was a little bit disappointing. Its still super informative for a person who has no prior knowledge to the case, but for people that have some knowledge on it, its more of a refresher than anything. Some of the Seawater families revelations and answers were surprising and a bit shocking at times too. But like the film and the books, the main suspect here is the number #1 suspect in most people’s eyes: Arthur Leigh Allen. And this docuseries reveals more of his psychopathic and disturbing nature, regardless of his innocence or guilt. Whether or not he was Zodiac, you have to admit there was something really off about his fascination or circumstantial connection to the case. He will be forever tied to the case. I hope the police and FBI end up finally solving the case and finally putting a name to the perpetrator. Cause the thing is, Leigh and Zodiac’s wrath has been felt around the area and surprisingly in a wider landscape. Even today, the case is still super active and talked about. The fact that it took this long to solve some of the cryptic messages is terrifyingly disturbing. Regardless of what you to believe (maybe it was Leigh, or him in tandem with someone else, or another individual, or 2 people in tandem with one writing the letters and the other being the attacker, or maybe it was multiple people just using Zodiac as a monicker), the end result is is that this case just won’t go away. And also, the Seawaters’ mother really did damage to that family. If she knew all those things and brushed them to the side and allowed the kids to be affected by Leigh’s actions, then, I really don’t know what else to say. Good docuseries for people that have no idea about the case, and just an overall effective doc!
Help. I saw a documentary many years ago about a male musician whose adult child did not know that his father was actually a woman. The documentary was very well done. I cannot remember too many details other than it happened in the 50’s or 60’s. The mother was a dancer and might have been blackmailing the “dad”. If I remember correctly there were two adopted sons shared between the mother and father. One adult son was living with the dad until he died. I cannot remember the name of the documentary. Any documentary buffs know the name of this excellent documentary.
https://youtube.com/shorts/dFz13JbgeTU?si=V3WCr43pxwUWI32b By doing this in a Lego style, it offers a creative and visually captivating deviation which allows to see Pharrell Williams show his true vision! Good doc!
This is a short biography of American businessman Timothy Dexter, told through brief highlights of his life, showcasing his wit, eccentricity, and luck.
https://youtu.be/cBqbzNOS1tg?si=WpbVITYyIcPHekcU
Though I'm a Toronto sports fan through and through, I appreciated and liked this doc! Its important that we show love and love the things we love as well! There's always a light at the end of the tunnel, and its beautiful that something as simple as sports or baseball can bring unity and joy to people! Kinda wished this was longer though, but a small and poignant doc!
https://youtube.com/shorts/2Vw3YZ2Iqkw?si=w6YpRpBwNb99YapB
Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare - 8/10. I think its fairly easy to brush off this story and say “why didn’t the person clue in to the fact they never showed their face?” Or, “how could she have not known for nearly 10 years?” Or, “how can someone be so naive and oblivious to the signs?” To that I say: its easier said than done. I felt empathy for this person, and I know how the same internet that the catfisher used to play with her life, would be the same internet that might be critical of her story. After watching this doc, I felt sick to my stomach, and felt depressed. Its a tough story to share, and one that I’m glad that they shared. The idea of catfishing is a disturbing concept: why the hell would one do this action and deed? What is really the point? The sad thing is, the person preyed on this individual’s situation of wanting a partner, of finding love post a bad relationship. And for some people in love, they just want to feel being loved and being cared for. The sad thing is, it seems like this person brushed all of the red flags aside just to feel that happiness and love. And its unfortunate that the person lost a portion of their life due to this, but I’m glad that they have taken the situation and are doing things to right the wrongs that were done against her. Its disturbing what some might do to others, and I just hope that everyone finds peace and solace out of this situation. Good doc, but one that will make you feel perplexed and sad by the end.
These podcasts are so fire but everyone over looks them. People need to get hip. The stories and nuances in political issues are steez. Probably because they colonized the entire world so they have a guy everywhere who is willing to report but damn these shits overlooked. So fire. 🔥🔥🔥
The Invisible Front highlights the human connections and sacrifices that keep hope alive, offering a rare glimpse into the unseen efforts that are crucial in Ukraine’s struggle for survival.
Through the cooperation of two organisations, Progressive Ukraine and Norsk-Ukrainsk organisation, a small and novel filmteam follows a delivery of cars from Norway to kramatorsk.
Alternatively it could be a series of the episodes are satisfying to watch independent from each other. With light hearted I mean no topics like crime or war. Also no nature documentaries.
Any language is fine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL_l3nLE_NU
In 1975, the Rupert family was tragically torn apart when James Urban Rupert brutally murdered 11 of his family members on Easter Sunday. This horrific crime remains one of the largest family massacres in U.S. history. Learn more about the chilling details and motives behind this tragic event in a documentary now available on the True Detective Network YouTube channel.
I hated this documentary. I wanted to like it and I wanted to feel bad for these families. Maybe it's the film style but honestly, everything about it upset me. 1st and foremost the first mother allowed for her daughter to go through abuse by her brother. That poor girl- whether her brother is ill or not should never have to go through it. For Christ sake she could of easily asked her sister to take her daughter for some time and allow for the son to get better at home treatment or a plan. Especially knowing that he's held a gun to her and she has to give in to him out of safety. All she does is positively reinforce the behavior. Second, I get I'm in an area which is really positive in mental health and disability care. I have my background in ABA. I have my BCBA, but the fact that these states have limited access doesn't actually seem correct to me- I know space is limited but quite frankly I think these families don't want to go through a full behavior modification process. The son who they placed in care was the only family as an entity I found myself routing for as they did the proper procedures. But the fact they called cops over a behavior instead of just enforcing your choice and then saying "it's a behavioral symptom"... well no shit. But if these parents didn't want to feel like bad parents (NOT SAYING THEY ARE) they should really learn and enforce what works for their child in a modified setting. Third- why the HELL if these people are scared of their kids allowing them to have toy guns and or literal real guns in their house?! Like the hell!!!!
For a better look at the channels check the list out here
Appreciate any feedback on my first attempt at a dark business video essay!
Anyone wondering where Vanessa Bowman is now?
10 mind-blowing sci-fi stories that became real-life events in this captivating video. From futuristic technology to groundbreaking discoveries, these true stories will leave you in awe. Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of the intersection between science fiction and reality.
Hi, my team and I are in pre-production for an underwater documentary about a professional free diver. The film aims to showcase the wonders of the underwater world and raise awareness about the threats it faces due to climate change. We believe that firsthand experience is powerful, and by bringing this hidden world to light, we hope to inspire more people to experience this incredible place and get involved.
Please read more about it here, and consider helping reach out goal: https://www.gofundme.com/f/free-diver-an-underwater-short-documentary
looking for any good nature documentaries out there that aren’t sad or emotional at all. (which is proving impossible!) any recommendations are appreciated!
I'd really appreciate some insight from professional documentary filmmakers, even if you don't have time to check out my docuseries (@DoltonDocumentaries on youtube, example episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An8q8th322E )
How do you structure the script and animations of a documentary when the story jumps across multiple points in time?
What is the best video editing software to create documentaries? I'm ashamed to admit that I'm still using iMovie with screen-recorded animations that I laboriously put together in Keynote.
What is the best way to create animations of the type I'm using in my docuseries? If you page through the example I linked above, there are quite a few animations so you can see what I'm going for. I'd love to have a better way to show the interconnected web of corruption in the south suburbs of Chicago.