With just a DVD/VCR these days I’d like to catch up on some of the best of documentary film. I have a Blockbuster nearby and local library. Last night I watch F9/11 by M. Moore (which I found interesting).
Can you recommend your favorites of the past five years (they don’t have to be politically charged)?
Supersize Me
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more than 5 years old - but I like Hoop Dreams a lot.
If you like F9/11 then I assume you have an interest in political and\or foriegn policy documentaries. I would then HIGHLY reccomend you check out 'In the Face of Evil" About Reagan’s war against Communism. I found it to be pretty interesting and entertaining.
Control Room
Who Killed the Electric Car?
Grizzly Man was odd, slightly disturbing.
I think they are all more than 5 years old, but any of Ken Burns’ documentaries are well worthwhile. Particularly the ones on the US Civil War and the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
“The march of the penguins” was really cool and educational. Just make sure you watch it w/ a cup of coffee, as the narration by Morgan Freeman is very “relaxing” 
Also, I’m not that big a fan of Michael Moore, but “Bowling for Columbine” was pretty interesting. (Yes, I do realize he has a bias, blah blah blah) It’s done in a similar spirit as F9/11
“Emmanuel’s Gift” was very inspiring. It’s about a guy without a leg doing work to advance the cause of the disabled in africa. He rides a bike across his country, competes in a triathlon here in America, and does some other amazing feats. Also well done, and cool to watch.
“Hotel Rwanda” was amazing as well. It’s about the genocide that occured in the early 90’s (I think that’s the correct time period), and the plight of the persecuted there. It really makes you think, especially considering what’s going on in Darfur right now, and could potentially make you cry.
That’s all for now, enjoy.
I highly recommend “Go Further”: a documentary by Woddy Harrelson and crew. It changed the way I think about food and conservationism… also the way I view Woody, he’s not the flaky stoner I thought he was. A well done movie for sure.
A second vote for control room and also suggest the fog of war.
you will have to wait a few months, but that movie by a Kazak journalist should be good. I think it is called Borat…
; )
Mark
“The Smartest Guys in the Room” about the rise and fall of Enron. Excellent documentary: Very informative. Don’t think it won’t happen again.
Also “Startup.com”: It follows 3 guys in their 20s as their startup company goes from nothing to tens of millions back to nothing in about 2-3 years. Don’t think that stuff won’t happen again either 
Another is “The Corporation” I guess you can see my theme here … :-d
“Born into Brothels” is outstanding as well: You learn a lot about India.
I’ll second “Grizzly Man” too …
Man, nothing really recent I can think of though. All of these are at least a year old …
I heard “Darwin’s Nightmare” is excellent but I haven’t seen it yet. Its about the destruction of Lake Victoria (?) I think … Sorry most of these are downers.
Devils Playground. Amish kids dealing crank and pounding beers. Very interesting
Definitely non-political…
Dogtown and Z-Boys, history of skateboarding
Riding Giants, surfing big waves
Step into Liquid, another fab surfing movie
clm
When you say “Ken Burns” I think of his baseball history documentary … I think it is 8-10 DVD’s.
Tonight I rented and watched Control Room. Thank you to those who recommended this film.
I also rented The Fog of War and Go Farther. Please keep my knowledge of the world expanding with your recommendations for great Documentary Films.
I highly recommend “This is Spinal Tap”.
Wordplay. Just watched it last night and it was a fun movie if you’ve ever done a crossword.
Clm,
I have both Riding Giants and Stepping into Liquid on the “permanent” movie shelf. Excellent, almost spiritual the beauty of the surf and the images caught in these films.
I haven’t seen Dogtown and have no interest in skateboarding. Do you see a value in the film outside a history of skating?
I don’t skateboard, but I found Dogtown pretty interesting. Their form of skating actually came from surfing, which I had no idea.
clm