Movies similar to The Retreat (2021), The Weather Underground, King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis (2024)

The documentary "One Survivor Remembers" tells the harrowing account of Gerda Weissmann, a Holocaust survivor, as she recounts her personal experiences during the six years of unrelenting tragedy that began when the Germans invaded her hometown of Bielsko, Poland on September 3, 1939. At fifteen years old, Gerda Weissmann was a Jewish girl who...

"Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser" is a thought-provoking and insightful documentary that delves into the life of jazz piano legend, composer, and bandleader Thelonious Sphere Monk (born October 10, 1917, died February 17, 1982). The film is a compelling exploration of Monk's unique musical genius, complex personality, and lasting influence...

Title: Changing Our Minds: A Documentary on Dr. Evelyn Hooker's Pioneering Work in Human Sexuality Plot Summary: Dr. Evelyn Hooker (1907-1996) was a trailblazing psychologist who dedicated her professional life to challenging societal prejudices and scientific misconceptions regarding hom*osexuality. Born during an era when women faced significant...

In the mid-20th century, America was grappling with various societal issues, chief among them being the Great Depression and the subsequent New Deal policies under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This period was marked by widespread labor strikes and unrest. Against this backdrop, in 1938, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was...

The Statue of Liberty documentary by Ken Burns is an enlightening hour-long journey into the rich history and cultural significance of the iconic green-skinned woman standing tall in New York Harbor. The film opens with a contemplative prologue where various scholars ponder over the essence of liberty. Following this introduction, the narrative...

Title: Untitled (A Documentary on Suzanne Browning's Struggle with Heroin Addiction and Child Abuse) Plot Summary: The 26-minute documentary short film, "Suzanne," directed by Camille Billops and James Hatch, offers an intimate portrayal of Suzanne Browning, Billops's niece, who grapples with her addiction to heroin and the root causes behind...

Title: Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt Genre: Documentary, Drama Plot: Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that explores the lives of five individuals whose stories are forever etched on the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, this film offers an intimate...

Title: N/A Genre: Documentary, History "Brooklyn Bridge," directed by Ken Burns, is a captivating 58-minute documentary that delves deep into the rich history of New York City's iconic suspension bridge. Constructed over half a century between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, this engineering marvel has linked Manhattan and Brooklyn since...

The year was 1972 when the Olympic Games were held in Munich, West Germany. It was an event filled with excitement and anticipation, bringing together athletes from various countries to compete in different sports. However, the games were marred by an unprecedented act of terrorism that left an indelible mark on history. A Palestinian terrorist...

The year is 1945, and the horrors of the Holocaust have come to an end with the defeat of Nazi Germany. However, for the hundreds of thousands of surviving Jewish prisoners in concentration camps, the nightmare is far from over. As they begin to be liberated, they face an uncertain future as they discover that their homes in Eastern Europe are no...

The documentary, titled "Anne Frank Remembered," delves into the life story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who gained worldwide recognition as the author of "The Diary of a Young Girl." The film follows a chronological order, starting with the background of Anne's parents, Otto Frank and Edith Hollander. Otto Frank served in the German army...

"For All Mankind" is a groundbreaking documentary directed by Al Reinert that offers an unique and immersive exploration into the historic Apollo missions to the moon, specifically focusing on Apollo 8 through 17. This film departs significantly from conventional documentary formats, abandoning talking heads or extensive narration. Instead, it...

"We're Alive" is a thought-provoking and poignant 1974 documentary film directed by Michie Gleason, Christine Lesiak, and Kathy Levitt. The film offers a raw and unfiltered look into the daily lives of women housed in the California Institute for Women (CIW), located in Chino, California. The student filmmakers spent six months dedicating their...

In "More About Nostradamus," a ten-minute short film directed by David Miller, released in 1941, the focus is on the enigmatic figure of Michel de Nostradamus, the alleged 16th century psychic and seer. The movie begins with an extravagant prologue set in France during the 17th century. A French count opens the tomb of Nostradamus, only to...

The Last Men in Aleppo is a deeply moving and harrowing documentary film that offers an unflinching look at the human cost of the Syrian Civil War, specifically focusing on the prolonged siege of Aleppo between 2012 and 2016. Directed by Feras Fayyad, this powerful work chronicles the daily struggles of the White Helmets, a volunteer civil...

"Inside Job," directed by Charles Ferguson, is a thought-provoking and investigative documentary released in 2010, shedding light on the series of events leading up to the 2008 global financial crisis, considered the most severe disruption to the international economy since the Great Depression. The film presents an argument that the American...

"The Invisible War" is a thought-provoking and disturbing 2012 documentary directed and co-written by Kirby Dick. The film delves into the prevalent issue of rape and sexual assault within the United States military, featuring firsthand accounts from survivors, primarily women but also men, who have experienced such attacks. The documentary...

"Fire at Sea" is a thought-provoking and poignant documentary film directed by Italian director Gianfranco Rosi. The movie was primarily shot on Lampedusa Island, a small Italian territory located in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 113 km off the north African coast, specifically Tunisia. This remote yet significant location serves as a...

"RBG" is a thought-provoking and inspiring documentary that delves into the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an influential figure who defied odds and made history as a crusading lawyer, a trailblazing judge, and a revered Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The film, primarily falling under the genres of biography and...

The year was 1938 when the political climate in Europe began to take a dark turn, leading to one of the most significant humanitarian efforts of the twentieth century - the Kindertransport. This little-known chapter of history is the focus of the 2000 documentary "Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport," directed by Mark...

"Dawson City: Frozen Time" is a captivating 2016 documentary feature directed by Bill Morrison. The film delves into the intriguing story of the Dawson Film Find, an extraordinary event that occurred when hundreds of reels of old silent films were discovered in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada. In the early days of cinema, Dawson City served...

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is a thought-provoking and deeply moving documentary directed by Laura Poitras. The film delves into the life of renowned photographer and artist Nan Goldin, exploring her personal journey and her activism against the Sackler family, notorious billionaires linked to the Opioid addiction crisis through their...

In the early hours of December 4, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, the life of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton was tragically cut short. At the time, Hampton was just 21 years old and had gained notoriety for his passionate speeches advocating for civil rights, community improvement, and the release of fellow Black Panther leader Bobby Seale...

Title: Contraband (1980) Genre: Poliziottesco, Crime Thriller "Contraband," also known as "Luca il contrabbandiere" during its early stages of production, is a 1980 Italian neo-realistic crime thriller directed by Lucio Fulci. The film stars Fabio Testi as Luca Di Angelo, Marcel Bozzuffi as Inspector Betti, and Ivana Monti as Anna. Set against...

Title: Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers Genre: Documentary, Food "Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers" is an intriguing and delightful 1980 documentary film directed by Les Blank. This captivating piece explores the deep connection and appreciation for garlic held by individuals around the world. The title itself reflects the strong belief in the...

"Night and Fog" is a thought-provoking and harrowing 32-minute documentary film directed by Alain Resnais, released in France in 1956. This groundbreaking work focuses on the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, particularly within Nazi Germany's concentration camps. The film commences with striking color footage from the mid-1950s...

Title: Untitled (For the sake of this response, I will refer to this documentary as "London Can Take It!"). Genre: Propaganda, Documentary. "London Can Take It!" is a compelling 10-minute British documentary short film produced during World War II, showcasing the resilience and spirit of Londoners amidst the relentless German night bombing...

Title: REPORT (Bruce Conner, 1967) is a thought-provoking, 13-minute long impressionistic documentary exploring the assassination of President John F. Kennedy through the use of found footage. The film comprises two distinct parts, each presenting a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in American history. In the opening segment, Conner...

"Betty Tells Her Story" is a 1972 minimalist documentary short film directed by Liane Brandon. The movie runs for approximately 19 minutes and follows a woman named Betty, who shares an amusing anecdote about her experience attending the Governor's Ball in Connecticut. The film opens with Betty, a schoolteacher, seated comfortably in a chair...

Title: Untitled (A Detailed Exploration of the Criminal Justice System's Historical Role in Oppressing Black Americans as Depicted in Ava DuVernay's 2016 Documentary "13th") Genre: History, Social Issues, Documentary In her groundbreaking 2016 documentary, "13th," acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay delves into the intricate and often disturbing...

Title: Untitled High School Documentary (1968) Genre: Educational, Social Documentary, Drama In this thought-provoking and insightful documentary, director Frederick Wiseman offers an unflinching look at the daily workings of a typical American high school through his film "High School." The setting for this exploration is Northeast High School...

The year was 1975, and the Vietnam War was coming to an unexpectedly rapid end. The Communist forces of North Vietnam were advancing towards the capital city of Saigon, surprising even the American authorities stationed there. Ambassador Graham Martin and his team refused to acknowledge the imminence of defeat, leading to a chaotic and...

"If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front" is a 2011 documentary film directed by Marshall Curry. The movie provides an in-depth look at the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), focusing on one of its members, Daniel McGowan. Daniel McGowan, a native New Yorker from Queens, embarks on a journey westward driven by his strong convictions...

The Tokyo Olympiad is a groundbreaking and visually stunning documentary film that captures the essence of the 1964 Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan. Directed by the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Kon Ichikawa and featuring a hauntingly beautiful score by composer Toshiro Mayuzumi, the film offers a unique perspective on the global athletic event...

Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny is a prominent Russian opposition leader who gained international attention following an attempted assassination attempt against him in 2020. "Navalny," a 2022 documentary film directed by Daniel Roher and produced in part by CNN, chronicles Navalny's life leading up to this event. The film begins in 2021, with Navalny...

Title: Tongues Untied (A Documentary Exploring the Black Gay Experience in America) Plot Summary: Tongues Untied is an influential and groundbreaking 1989 American documentary film directed by Marlon Riggs. The film offers a profound exploration into the complexities and challenges faced by black gay men in the United States, particularly during...

Title: Before Stonewall - A Documentary Chronicle of Gay Life in Pre-Stonewall America Plot Summary: Before Stonewall is a groundbreaking and informative documentary that delves deep into the world of gay and lesbian life in the United States during the 20th century, primarily focusing on the period preceding the iconic 1969 Stonewall Riots. The...

Title: N/A (Documentary Feature) Plot: The Summer of Soul (or After the Woodstock Music & Art Fair), as documented in Amir "Questlove" Thompson's 2021 film, is an intriguing exploration into one of the most significant yet largely forgotten events in American music history – the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. This groundbreaking six-weekend...

In the spring of 1969, in Charleston, South Carolina, a significant labor dispute unfolded at the Medical College Hospital. The striking parties consisted primarily of nurses' aides and other low-wage hospital workers, most of whom were black women. They walked off their jobs in March, spurred by a combination of grievances: poverty-level wages...

"Butterflies Do Not Live Here" is a poignant and thought-provoking 14-minute documentary short film directed by Miro Bernat. The film delves into the lesser-known story of Theresienstadt, a Nazi concentration camp located in what is now the Czech Republic. Theresienstadt was unique among concentration camps as it was presented by the Nazis as a...

The Pete Smith Specialties are a collection of over 150 comedic short subject films produced by Pete Smith for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) between the 1930s and the 1950s. These entertaining vignettes showcased an eclectic range of subjects, providing viewers with a diverse mix of comedy and education. The Pete Smith Specialties encompassed...

Title: Untitled Summary of "4 Little Girls" (1997) - A Documentary on the 16th Street Church Bombing and Its Aftermath in Birmingham, Alabama In the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, on a fateful day in September 1963, an unspeakable act of terror unfolded that would forever change the course of American history. This chilling tale is chronicled in...

"The Book Thief" is a novel written by German-American author Markus Zusak, published in 2005. The story is set during Adolf Hitler's reign in Nazi Germany between 1938 and 1943. It follows the life of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl who is taken in by the Hubermann family in Molching, Bavaria. Liesel, an illiterate nine-year-old, arrives...

Title: A Meticulous Exploration of the Holocaust: Claude Lanzmann's Shoah (Sans Genre) Claude Lanzmann's groundbreaking documentary, Shoah, released in 1985, offers an unflinching and intimate portrayal of the systematic annihilation of European Jewry during World War II. Spanning over nine hours, this profound work marks a significant milestone...

Title: Untitled (Action Comedy Film, 1989) In the intricately woven world of "Untitled" (released in 1989), we follow the grizzled yet determined bounty hunter, Brennan (portrayed by Clint Eastwood). This seasoned tracker has been tasked with apprehending a fugitive named Lana Condor (Bernadette Peters), who has eluded law enforcement for her...

Title: Tree Man - A Heartwarming Documentary About the Tradition of Selling Christmas Trees in New York City Genre: Documentary, Human Interest Synopsis: "Tree Man" is an engaging and heartwarming documentary directed by Brad Rothschild and Jon Reiner that sheds light on an unusual yet enduring tradition in New York City during the holiday...

Title: Revolution (1968) - An In-depth Exploration of the Hippie Culture During the Summer of Love in San Francisco In the late 1960s, as the counterculture movement began to gain momentum in America, the city of San Francisco became a hub for young people seeking freedom, self-expression, and communal living. This was particularly evident during...

"The Line King: The Al Hirschfeld Story" is a meticulously crafted biographical documentary film directed and written by Susan Warms Dryfoos. The movie delves into the life of Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003), a renowned caricaturist who dedicated over seven decades to creating distinctive celebrity portraits for The New York Times. Born in St. Louis...