In a world saturated with entertainment options, it can be easy to overlook the powerful medium of documentary filmmaking. Documentaries have the unique ability to uncover hidden stories, shed light on important issues, and challenge our perceptions of the world around us. Hulu, one of the leading streaming platforms, offers a wealth of compelling documentaries that deserve our attention.
One such documentary is “RBG,” which tells the story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The film chronicles Ginsburg’s groundbreaking legal career and her lifelong fight for gender equality. Through interviews with Ginsburg herself, as well as family, friends, and colleagues, “RBG” provides a glimpse into the life of a trailblazing woman who has paved the way for countless others.
Another must-watch documentary on Hulu is “Three Identical Strangers,” a jaw-dropping true story that explores the lives of triplets who were separated at birth and reunited by chance in their early twenties. As the brothers delve deeper into their shared past, they uncover a dark conspiracy that raises questions about ethics in scientific research and the nature of identity itself.
For those interested in the intersection of politics and media, “Weiner” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the scandal-plagued 2013 New York City mayoral campaign of Anthony Weiner. The film captures the highs and lows of Weiner’s political career, as well as the impact of his personal scandals on his family and legacy. “Weiner” is a fascinating exploration of the power of the media to shape public perception and the consequences of political hubris.
In “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” viewers are invited into the world of beloved television host Fred Rogers, whose iconic children’s program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” touched the lives of millions of viewers. Through interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage of Rogers himself, the film reveals the man behind the cardigan sweater and the enduring impact of his message of kindness and empathy.
In “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” director David Gelb explores the artistry and dedication of Jiro Ono, an acclaimed sushi chef in Tokyo. The film follows Jiro as he strives for perfection in his craft, passing on his knowledge and legacy to his sons who work alongside him in his Michelin-starred restaurant. “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a visually stunning ode to the pursuit of excellence and the importance of tradition in an ever-changing world.
“Free Solo,” directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to conquer El Capitan, a sheer granite rock face in Yosemite National Park, without the aid of ropes or safety equipment. The film captures the physical and mental challenges of free solo climbing, as well as the personal motivations that drive Honnold to push himself to the limits of human achievement.
“The Act of Killing” is a chilling exploration of the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66, in which millions of suspected communists were murdered by paramilitary groups. Director Joshua Oppenheimer invites former perpetrators of these atrocities to reenact their crimes on film, blurring the lines between reality and fiction and forcing viewers to confront the legacy of violence in a society still grappling with its past.
These are just a few of the compelling documentaries available on Hulu that offer a window into the hidden stories and untold truths of our world. Whether exploring the lives of extraordinary individuals, exposing societal injustices, or celebrating the triumph of the human spirit, these films remind us of the power of storytelling to connect us, challenge us, and inspire us to see the world in a new light. So next time you’re scrolling through your streaming queue, consider giving a documentary a chance – you never know what hidden stories you might uncover.