“In a way you’re on a serendipitous journey, a journey which is much more akin to the life experience. When you see somebody on the screen in a documentary, you’re really engaged with a person going through real life experiences. So for that period of time, as you watch the film, you are, in effect, in the shoes of another individual. What a privilege to have that experience.”
—Albert Maysles, documentary filmmaker
RUNNERS UP
– “Sr.”
– The Princess
– Moonage Daydream
– All That Breathes
– Sidney
– Girl in the Picture
– Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down
– Wildcat
– All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
– The Tinder Swindler
– Retrograde
– The Exiles
– Master of Light
– Boycott
– Mija
– Refuge
– Good Night Oppy
– Relative
– Carol & Johnny
BEST DOCUMENTARIES OF 2022
#5: FIRE OF LOVE
Katia and Maurice Krafft, two French scientists whose fears took a backseat to curiosity when endlessly exploring red and grey volcanoes, are the subjects of a sweltering love story that flourishes inside an eruption of breathtaking imagery. With excellent editing backing her up, director Sara Dosa employs astonishing archival footage from and of the Kraffts that make it effortless in becoming entirely enthralled in their passion, obsession, and no hesitation in flirting w/ the dangers of nature. This beautiful and beguiling documentary expresses a unique romance of an emboldened couple who would never leave each other’s side – spending the time they had together doing what filled them with absolute joy.
#4: HOLD YOUR FIRE
Fear, racism police violence, and the meaning of masculinity are enwrapped within this excellent, efficient and effective doc about the longest hostage siege in NYPD history – all the while becoming the origin of what we now recognize as hostage negotiation thanks to an insightful police psychologist. Writer/director Stefan Forbes does a sensational job remaining impartial, approaching this forgotten historical moment in 1972 Brooklyn from every side so we can decide for ourselves what went down inside those 47+ hours.
And Forbes’ focus isn’t solely on the cops and robbers, but on the hostages and their families as well who suffered because of a bad decision made by four young black Muslim men. It’s an intensely complicated situation that’s richly layered, raising issues that currently divide our country. The compelling footage, sounds, and conflicting perspectives from those who were there considerably create a truly fascinating and affecting watch that no one should miss out on.
#3: THE TERRITORY
Equally rousing and enraging, this incredibly vital documentary deals with the deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon and the perseverance of the Indigenous people who call it home. Their fighting spirit is inspiring as they take matters into their own hands, risking their lives to expose the truth of what’s happening to their protected land. Beauty and culture is decimated by the horrors of deprivation and destruction as director Alex Pritz presents this eye-opening thriller with the utmost urgency. With parts personally shot by the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau community, we’re immersed in an up-close and personal war that continues to rage on today with a feeling of hope still lingering.
#2: LAST FLIGHT HOME
I’m pretty sure I have no more tears to shed after watching such a profoundly personal documentary from Ondi Timoner about the final 2 weeks of her father’s life. Finding that peace of being ready to go on to the next adventure while able to say goodbye before you do is the greatest of gifts. This is an obviously tough though very eloquent affair in family, the measure of success, and legacy. But above all else, it’s about love. What an extraordinarily emotional journey.
#1: NAVALNY
Listen to “Ep. 103: The 2022 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Pt. 2” on Spreaker.Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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