I ADORE documentaries. If you follow my reviews, chances are you’ll see reviews on these pop up from time to time. One of the benefits of this job is that I get access to documentaries, and suggestions on social media and through friends. Here is a list of what got me through 2020.
Mucho Mucho Amor
As a kid growing up in the late 1980s and 90s, it was not uncommon to see Walter Mercado in his fabulous capes spouting astrology information on television in Spanish. This was particularly true when I went to friend’s houses in Southern California. This look at the life of Walter Mercado was charming, poignant, and emotional. From the highest highs, to a heartbreaking low, the life of Mercado was as outlandish as his costumes. One of the best parts of the film involved Lin-Manuel Miranda meeting Mercado. This is currently streaming on Netflix.
John Lewis: Good Trouble
John Lewis was an amazing statesman and Civil Rights leader that stood up for the Black experience in the United States. His battle cry was for people to get into “good trouble” and fight for their rights and the rights of others. This film came out just before John Lewis passed away this year. It is inspiring and a must watch for anyone interested in the history of Civil Rights or fighting for the rights of others today. When I watched this, it was streaming on Hulu, but at this time it is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.
The Fight
Whether you love or hate the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) you’ve got to admit they have been extremely active in the past few years. This amazing documentary profiles a group of ACLU attorneys as they fight on cases for rights for all. This one can be hard to watch, especially when the details of cases involving immigrant detention are discussed. This documentary also includes behind the scene looks at the office, volunteers, and sheer amount of hate mail and voicemails that these folks get on a regular basis. The Fight is currently streaming on Hulu.
Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins
Molly Ivins was not a hot house flower by any stretch of the imagination. As a hard drinking, hilarious political columnist she was not about to let anyone get away with their nonsense. This documentary follows her life, the trouble she got in for speaking her mind, and her eventual death. This is an uplifting, often hilarious, and occasionally heartbreaking documentary. For those who have never had the pleasure of reading a Molly Ivins book, are more on the liberal side of things, or just want to know about an amazing Texan this one is fun.
Bad Reputation
Joan Jett is a Badass, plain and simple. This documentary talks about her initial life in The Runaways, and creating a career on her own terms. The documentary also shows her close relationship with her manager and others who have been part of her career. Oh, and keep an eye out for Bikini Kill talking about Joan Jett helping them become Riot Grrrls. This documentary is currently streaming on Hulu.
RBG
This one is particularly hard to rewatch with the still fairly recent passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. From her childhood, to becoming one of the highest Justices in the land, RBG is inspiring and now a touch bittersweet. RBG is a great one to watch if you’re looking at the huge impact her career had. RBG is currently streaming on Hulu.
Between myself and my colleagues there was a lot in the realm of true crime. I mean, enough that I’m worried about our mental health. Look for that list coming soon.
What documentaries did you watch this year? Let us know in the comments.
