Citizenship 101
This is a list made up, primarily, of documentaries, but it also contains some fiction. The common thread of all of these films is that they invite the audience to think, and, in many cases, to act. Some are far better than others but they're all kind of, in their way, political, and I value them for that reason alone.
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11 titles
- DirectorRachel LearsStarsAlexandria Ocasio-CortezCori BushJoe CrowleyA look at the people involved with various political campaigns during the 2018 U.S. congressional election.Best thing: the filmmaker does not get in the way but lets the candidates, the events, and the related other folks do all the storytelling.
- CreatorCraig MazinStarsJessie BuckleyJared HarrisStellan SkarsgårdIn April 1986, the city of Chernobyl in the Soviet Union suffers one of the worst nuclear disasters in the history of mankind. Consequently, many heroes put their lives on the line in the following days, weeks and months.Imperfect but perfectly moving. Still controversial enough to earn the wrath of the Soviets. It was grueling but I couldn't stop watching.
- CreatorAva DuVernayStarsAsante BlackkCaleel HarrisEthan HerisseFive teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. Based on the true story.I barely knew who the kids featured in this movie were before watching it. It's a haunting historical and contemporary critique of many of the inconsistencies in our criminal justice system. As well a a highly personal look at family life in the face of incarceration.
- DirectorJeremy Kenyon Lockyer CorbellStarsBob LazarGeorge KnappJeremy Kenyon Lockyer CorbellIn 1989, physicist Bob Lazar broke the story of Area 51 and the US government's work on alien spacecrafts. He blew the whistle, shocked the world, then went silent - until now.It's flawed but fascinating; a candid look at the boy genius Bob Lazar and the controversy surrounding him, it's biggest selling point is just how down-to-earth this supposed fraudster seems to be.
- StarsSarah PaulsonSterling K. BrownNina JacobsonInside the series of the same name.A frank examination of just how twisted reality can be when fame and infamy cross paths. Great acting all around.
- DirectorKarim AmerJehane NoujaimStarsBrittany KaiserDavid CarrollPaul-Olivier DehayeThe Cambridge Analytica scandal is examined through the roles of several affected persons.More than you want to know about Cambridge Analytica, but should anyway.
- StarsJeff SharletJames CromwellDoug HamptonAn enigmatic Christian group known as The Family wields enormous influence in Washington, DC, in pursuit of its global ambitions.
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsGary OldmanAntonio BanderasAJ MeijerA widow investigates an insurance fraud, chasing leads to a pair of Panama City law partners exploiting the world's financial system.Strange take on the Panama Papers uproar, definitely interesting if a bit hard to follow at times. Good acting all around helps.
- DirectorScott Z. BurnsStarsAdam DriverAnnette BeningJon HammIdealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones, tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA's post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, uncovers shocking secrets.Adam Driver nails this one, and it's a story that all Americans need to know about so watch just for that if nothing else (although it's worth your time anyway).
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsJoaquin PhoenixRobert De NiroZazie BeetzDuring the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.Very dark film with a very potent message (and it's not what a lot of people expect it to be). Not fun but worthwhile for sure, and a great performance by Phoenix
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsMark RuffaloAnne HathawayTim RobbinsA corporate defense attorney takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution.