Best of 2017: Documentary Films

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Some stories are so heartfelt, terrifying, educational, and angry, you couldn’t make them up. Stirring our emotions is what great documentaries are here to do. Whether it be the struggles or achievements in everyday life or all over the world, these films can change our perspective on what’s occurring all around us.

Reality hits us the hardest, and these nonfictional tales are humanity’s wake-up call. 

Here are the Best Documentaries of 2017 according to me.

Runners Up:


– Five Came Back
– California Typewriter
– Actors of Sound
– Born In China
– Unrest
– Jane
– Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Fold
– One Of Us
Gaga: Five Foot Two
– Chasing Coral
Get Me Roger Stone
– Casting JonBenet
– Quest

Before we get to my Top 5, I want to give a special shout out to I Am Not Your Negro. Whether you file it under 2016 or 2017, history is on repeat in this powerfully piercing documentary, supplied by James Baldwin’s crucial observations of race and oppression. His words are poetic, furious, and elegant, screaming for unity while asking pivotal questions we don’t want to answer.

TOP 5

FIVE:

STRONG ISLAND

A potent, demanding story of a senseless murder, and the devastation it leaves for others still here. Intimate and heart-wrenching, the Ford family represent families across this nation that are still trying to find the truth in order to heal.

FOUR:

NOBODY SPEAK: TRIALS OF THE FREE PRESS

Beyond a sex tape and privacy issues, this fascinating, alarming documentary is about our free speech trying to be distinguished by those who only like the sound of their own, greedy voices. A compelling warning of keeping our press free and the truth in focus.

THREE:

BACKPACK FULL OF CASH

An alarming, infuriating film about our public education disappearing with the kids being the ones left to suffer for it. Privatizing schools makes no sense and cheating any child out of the opportunity to learn is damn disgraceful.

TWO:

ICARUS

Doping in sports is put on show for all of the world to see with Russia’s Olympic scandal and director Bryan Fogel gets more than he could have ever wished for. His luck uncovers a thrilling documentary that’s timely and enthralling, never coming close to losing its sense of danger. A cosmically crucial look at cheating that fascinates just as much as it alarms.

ONE:

CITY OF GHOSTS

A riveting, absorbing documentary about citizens turned activists of Raqqa, Syria where ISIS is not only restricting life, they’re executing it. It won’t shy away from unbearable acts, and it’s a necessity when witnessing the unshakable courage of RBSS. Their fear and sacrifice is inconceivable; but free speech is at the forefront of this remarkable film where getting the truth out will be their greatest victory.

“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter@SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.

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