Want some Netflix recommendations that will broaden your mind and perspective on the world? We have a list for you!
This pandemic has given us time to browse through Netflix to binge-watch movies and shows. Fictional shows like “Stranger Things” and “Umbrella Academy” are entertaining; however, there is an intriguing selection of documentaries for students to understand different perspectives and hardships from others.
First on the list is the academy nominee documentary film, “13th” (TV-MA). This film explores topics such as slavery, racial inequality, Jim Crow laws, the 13th amendment and African American history. Chloe Truong, a Ph.D. candidate at Arizona State University, said, “This documentary teaches the general public that not being aware of these realities about racial inequalities and not taking the time to educate ourselves on the justices, it will only make us a part of the issue.” Having the advantage of viewing the film on a global streaming platform will support watchers in understanding the hardships others go through. This documentary may contain violent content, view at your own discretion.
Another impactful documentary is “Miss Representation” (TV-MA). It is a film that touches on sensitive issues in modern society. Active History mentions, “Miss Representation (2011) challenges the limiting representations of women in American media, exploring how these impact girls’ and women’s sense of self-worth and emotional health, while contributing to the overall devaluation of women in contemporary culture.” This film features many strong and accomplished women from different walks of life. The purpose of the documentary is to encourage young girls to stay resilient and build a more equitable society in a world dominated by men. Warning, this film may contain abrasive content, view at your own discretion.
On a more light-hearted side, “The Kindness Diaries” (TV-PG) is a lifestyle documentary series that talks about the kindness of strangers. The show is about television host, Leon Logothetis, who travels the world with only a motorbike and the compassion from strangers. He receives help from them and learns their stories. “The Kindness Diaries” is an insightful show that looks at the world from a new angle. Becoming Busy, a therapeutic website said, "This show is about sharing everything that you have, even if you don’t have much."
“Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things” (TV-14) is another documentary film that challenges the norms. This documentary emphasizes the lifestyle of less is more. “Minimalism” opens a new door for people who want to escape the societal norm of over-consuming. This movie teaches the viewers to appreciate what they have and motivates us to reflect on what happiness is to you. The main idea of the film is to take charge of your life and leave what is holding you back.
The final recommendation to watch on Netflix is “Secret Love” (TV-14). It is a documentary that follows the love story of two women. This movie explores the struggle of keeping this secret love in the conservative 1950s and maintaining the relationship for over seventy years.
The film talks about how suppressed the couple felt when they could not show their love for each other due to old thinkings. “Secret Love” is a film to look at a different perspective on life. It demonstrates how one can surpass any adversaries if they have love, consideration, dedication and patience.
Documentaries, especially ones about people, are essential to watch. They teach the viewer about different battles people go through and open our world to the ones around us. Because of what we consume, it affects our viewpoints and can cause us to be sheltered. To prevent that, we should learn more about each other, which is ironically why we should watch these films.
Photo courtesy of Vy Truong