Some inspiring documentaries I’ve watched recently

I love a good documentary. A documentary that tells a compelling story, told in a compelling way. Here are some documentaries that have inspired me or “sucked me in” lately…

To The Limit / AM Limit (2007)

A German documentary chronicling two brothers quest to set a speed climbing record for The Nose (El Capitan). Amazing scenery, an inside look at the crazy world of speed climbing, and more importantly: reflections on how conquering inner fear can lead to freedom. I was as inspired/interested by the complexities of the brothers’ relationship as I was by the climbing.

Links: IMDB, Netflix

 Nova: The Crash of Flight 447 (2011)

This documentary tells the story of how investigators solved the mystery of the 2009 crash of Air France flight 447. A great science mystery, and at the very top of the heap in terms of visuals and production quality. If you are fascinated by air disasters and airliner safety, this is a must-watch.

Links: IMDBNetflix

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (2010)

Joe Cross (Australian) was fat, sick, and generally in need of a drastic lifestyle change. He didn’t feel well, and was suffering from a horrible skin condition, as well as diabetes. Joe decided to do something radical: fly to America, and eat nothing but fruits and vegetables for 60 days as he toured America to document the unhealthy American diet and lifestyle. Joe ended up meeting a truck driver whose health and life were falling apart. I don’t want to give away the ending, but let’s just say the movie takes turns that you don’t expect. This movie inspired me to change my diet (not what I eat, but portions, proportions, etc). My family has decided to start every day with a blended fruit/vegetable smoothie to start, followed-up with carbs, etc. I feel a lot better!

Links: IMDB, Netflix

When We Left Earth – the NASA Missions (2008)

*FEW* things will give me goosebumps faster than watching the original footage of one of the Saturn V rockets propelling astronauts towards the moon. The black smoke that initially goes up, and is then swepth down by the velocity of gasses propelled downward under the rocket… the ice cracking and falling from the liquid oxygen tank, and the letters U — S — A rolling by. A definite “proud to be an American” moment for me!

Covering the entire series of programs from NASA, this documentary is exciting, engaging, and inspiring for sure!

Links: IMDB, Netflix

Into The Wind : the Terry Fox Story (2010)

Having lost a leg to cancer, Canadian Terry Fox set out to run across Canada on one leg in 1980 in order to raise funds for cancer research. This is a truly great story, and the impact that Terry had on so many people should not be underestimated. Hint- if you watch this, be sure to go to the very end so that you can check out the “bonus feature”.

Links: IMDB, Netflix

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