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Monday, September 30, 2013

Some documentary suggestions

I love documentaries. So much that I couldn't even begin to tell you how many I watch/have watched. And I have no preference in the subject matter. If a documentary somehow looks interesting to me -- maybe the title grabs me, perhaps the poster looks good, someone recommended it, or I saw a trailer and it's filmed well, I'll watch it.

To me, documentaries are sort of like a mini-education and a fun way to learn a diverse range of subjects. A well-made doc can make even the most dreary subject interesting.

The fall is almost upon us and since it's nice to sometimes spend a cold evening in the warmth of our homes, I've put together a small list of documentaries you may think are worth watching.

I generally like to sip on a Chai tea while watching my movies/documentaries so before I give you my picks, I want to share something that happened to me the other day.

Seven in the morning and I'm standing in the line up at Starbucks when this really loud siren goes off, followed by official sounding words through a megaphone:

"Do not pick up your phone! The person who is calling is a cunt! If you pick up your phone, you will be talking to a cunt!"

Someone's cellphone. What kind of asshole has that for a ringtone, sets it on loud and goes out in public!

It took me a sec to figure out the asshole was me. The night before I was in bed making myself laugh listening to different ringtones and... well, I don't know. All I know is I woke up in the morning, went to Starbucks,  and my phone started screaming the dreaded c-word.

I was mortified! I'm not joking. I don't embarrass easily, but damn...! It was packed in there and everyone was looking at me, some in disgust, others hiding a smirk. If I didn't need a dose of caffeine so bad, I might have left. Instead, I just shut it off and hoped the red would leave my face soon.

The guy in front of me turned around, smiling, "I just have to ask. Who was that calling? Your boss?"

"Nope. My mother." (It really was)

The guy laughed so hard, he paid for my drink and thanked me for making his morning. Although my embarrassment came with a reward, I'm pretty sure I'm never going to that particular Starbucks again which totally sucks because it's the closest one to my house.

Without further delay, my pics of the month:

THE GATEKEEPERS

A documentary featuring interviews with all surviving former heads of Shin Bet, the Israeli security agency. 

THIEVES BY LAW

(aka Ganavim Ba Hok) An inside look at the Russian mafia.

MARK OF CAIN

Russian criminal tattoos and their meanings, filmed inside one of Russia's toughest prisons.

BURN

Detroit firefighters as they try to save a city that has lost all hope.
 
I AM

Director Tom Shadyac explores the way we live life through interviews with spiritual and intellectual leaders.

QUEEN OF THE SUN: WHAT ARE THE BEES TELLING US?
 
The title of this one is self-explanatory so I'll say nothing other than this -- I think the whole world should be made to watch this one!

Those are my picks for today -- short list but enough to get started on a doc watching marathon if you feel so inclined.

And now, I'm off to bed to settle in with a documentary!