Documentaries That Define Character

Description: This documentary follows two African-American teenagers as they navigate the challenges of high school basketball, showcasing their character, dreams, and the harsh realities of their environment.

Fact: The film took over five years to make and was critically acclaimed for its raw portrayal of urban life and the American Dream.

Description: Featuring Robert S. McNamara, this film delves into the character of a man who was at the heart of some of the most pivotal moments in American history, offering insights into the complexities of leadership and decision-making.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and McNamara's reflections on the Vietnam War are both candid and controversial.

Description: This gripping tale of survival in the Peruvian Andes explores the character of two climbers pushed to their limits, revealing the true essence of human spirit and resilience.

Fact: The film uses dramatic reenactments to bring the harrowing story to life, and it was adapted into a stage play.

Description: This documentary captures the intense rivalry between two men vying for the world record in the arcade game Donkey Kong, showcasing their determination and the lengths they go to prove their character.

Fact: The film was shot over three years, and the rivalry between the two gamers was so intense that it led to real-life drama and legal disputes.

Description: This documentary follows activists risking their lives to expose the brutal dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan, showcasing their courage and moral conviction.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and its release led to significant international pressure to stop the dolphin slaughter.

Description: This documentary explores the character of Lance Armstrong, from his rise as a cycling legend to his fall after admitting to doping, offering a complex portrait of ambition, deceit, and redemption.

Fact: Director Alex Gibney had initially set out to make a film celebrating Armstrong's comeback, but the project evolved into an examination of his lies and the culture that enabled them.

Description: This documentary sheds light on the character of military personnel who have endured sexual assault, highlighting their courage to speak out and fight for justice.

Fact: The film led to significant policy changes within the U.S. military regarding sexual assault, and it won the Audience Award at Sundance.

Description: This film confronts the character of former Indonesian death squad leaders as they reenact their mass killings, offering a chilling insight into the human capacity for violence and denial.

Fact: The film was banned in Indonesia but won numerous international awards, including the BAFTA for Best Documentary.

Description: This film explores the character of a pastor who opens his church to homeless workers during an oil boom, revealing the complexities of compassion, community, and personal sacrifice.

Fact: The documentary was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival and sparked discussions on immigration and economic disparity.

Description: Philippe Petit's audacious act of tightrope walking between the Twin Towers in 1974 is not just a feat of physical prowess but a testament to his unwavering character and passion for art.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and Petit's story inspired the feature film "The Walk."