In the New Year, I like to make challenges for myself to grow as person. More than making a single “New Years Resolution”, I like to question my view of the world and look for ways to expand it. Because of this, I spent a good portion of my winter break consuming documentaries about health, materialism, and global perspectives on social issues. After delving into the documentary genre on Netflix, here are my top picks to watch:
1. The True Cost
This social documentary, rated close to five stars on Netflix, focuses on exposing the ugly side of fashion. In the era of massive consumption, it can be difficult for the Western world to understand that constantly buying cheap clothing is only possible through exploiting workers in developing countries. I found this impactful because it made me question my own, almost unconscientious, desire to buy more and more cheap clothing only for it to hang in my closet forgotten. After watching this documentary, it will be difficult to look at your collection from places like Forever 21 the same.
2. Food Choices
Food Choices, rated 4.5 stars on Netflix, argues for humanity to move towards a plant-based diet while analyzing popular misconceptions people have about this lifestyle. Although I have not completely cut out animal based food from my own diet, I was quite convinced to after watching this. I am sure that we can all agree on the ethical reasons for going vegan, but the health benefits of this choice are often overlooked or dismissed. If you are curious about learning why you should be eating less meat/dairy for health, this is a great movie to watch. Bonus: it debunks the popular myth that ALL carbs are bad for weight maintenance, so bring on the pasta!
3. Minimalism
Rated 4.5 stars on Netflix, Minimalism is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. The movie follows the journey of two young men that abandon their lives in the corporate world to seek happiness in the simple. The Minimalist movement is about challenging the Western societal norm that we need to have a good paying job to pay for our big house, great car, and assortment of nice things. This documentary proves that there are other ways of living, and that the aquisition of “stuff” will never fill your soul with true contentment.
4. Where to Invade Next
This Michael Moore documentary, rated 4.5 stars on Netflix, follows Moore as he “invades” countries outside of the USA to “claim” ideas that he thinks should be brought to the US. From universal health care and more paid vacation days to decriminalizing drugs and reforming the prison system, Moore covers a variety of areas and sees some very interesting things. I always enjoy Moore’s documentaries, but this one is particularly fascinating. As we all know, America claims to be “the greatest country” and a model other nations should aspire to. In this documentary, we are instead exposed to the flaws in the US and what we can gain from alternative perspectives. Canada is quite similar to the US, so many of the ideas that Moore explores would also benefit us (free post secondary tution anyone???).
Since it is safe to assume that you are already binge watching Netflix, I hope that you take the time to watch these documentaries. We will only grow as individuals, and as a society, if we open our minds to new perspectives and become more globally conscious, and these movies might just inspire that change.