Some good documentaries I’ve watched recently via Netflix (’cause they accept PayPal now). So far it has been well worth the $8 a month. Since most of the jewels hidden within the Netflix archives has been through word of mouth from or reading other blogger’s list of “stuff worth watching on Netflix” — I figured I would contribute my own list for others to find.
Note: The images link to the corresponding details page on Amazon.com for each film. But Netflix users can simply use the “search” function via the Netflix interface.
Surfwise – The Amazing True Odyssey of the Paskowitz Family.
Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz abandoned a successful medical practice to withdraw from mainstream American culture and live his own unique lifestyle. Paskowitz, his wife and nine children lived full-time in a 24-foot camper; with no school, no homebase, and very few possessions. They just surfed.
Driven by their ultra-controlling father, the children became excellent surfers but were un-prepared for “normal” adult life. The film explores the childrens’ one-of-a-kind upbringing — each of them evolving into successful and unique adults.
This is an awesome story…one of the best movies I’ve watched in a while…I find myself daydreaming about it a lot, and is the main reason I wanted to write this list. If you watch any of my film picks, choose this one first. Many thanks to Matthew for the recommendation.
Modify (2005)
This film is so graphic! Some of the body modifications they detail in the film are jaw-dropping, and many I had never seen or heard of before.
My girlfriend couldn’t watch some parts…especially the various plastic surgery footage where nothing is left to the imagination.
Weird. Cool. Gross. The one body mod I think is especially rad is the split-tongue — if it didn’t look so painful, I would do it.
Heavy Petting – A mash of historical sex ed videos mixed with celebrities such as David Byrne and William Burroughs talking about their first sexual experiences from the 50′s in 60′s.
Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus – Evolutionary biologist Randy Olson explains the debate over intelligent design in this in-depth but humorous documentary that examines how evolution is being taught in the United States.
Colosseum: A Gladiator’s Story – BBC documentary about Verus, a slave turned gladiator who rose to stardom. Think Russel Crowe in Gladiator…except far more interesting and historically accurate. I learned a lot of neat facts about Gladiators and Rome that I never knew before watching this film.
That’s all for now — please feel free to list your own recommendations for good documentaries to watch on Netflix in the comment box below. Thanks :)
(on Amazon.com)