Top five documentaries

I've been watching rather binging on documentaries lately since I haven't been watching many this past year. I love the quirkiness and realistic moments into the hearts of the subjects that scripts will never be able to capture. In many ways documentaries show the human drama with all of its flaws, pains, and likenesses that puts their value head and shoulders above your typical hollywood movie. These are five classic documentaries that you shouldn't hesitate to watch.
1. American Movie- The funniest documentary possibly movie I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. There are so many quotable lines in this movie. The movie is about an aspiring filmmaker, Mike Borchardt, who through many difficulties from martial problems to financial debts continues to finish his horror movie "Coven" so he can eventually create his full length feature"Northwestern." The movie is much more than that though as great documentaries always have a multifaceted story. Its about dysfunctions within his family, pursuing ambitions amidst monolithic challenges, midwestern culture, and the endearing quirkiness that these people convey. The movie is surreal in how these outrageous characters compliment the films appeal whether it be his elder uncle bill whose zest for life is nonexistent or Mike Schank his lovable burnout best friend whose mannerisms will have you doubled over in laughter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy4jdzVpCV4
2. Hoop Dreams-This movie was hailed by Roger Ebert saying "A film like "Hoop Dreams" is what the movies are for. It takes us, shakes us, and make us think in new ways about the world around us." It follows two talented inner city African American basketball players William Gates and Arthur Agee throughout their high school careers. Both have the dreams of one day reaching the NBA and this dream becomes their refuge from the poverty and family upheaval around them. Its three hours long but unless you have a short attention span you will be enthralled by this one.
3. Dark Days- Not a well known documentary, but while watching this I had no doubts that this was a classic documentary. Shot in a visceral black and white film it follows some of the homeless who live in the underground railway tunnels in Manhattan. The movie shows that sense of community these people share despite their desperation, and has an uplifting ending.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpXHCRYXP7s&feature=related
4. Touching the Void- Another fairly unrecognized yet brilliant film. A combination of emotional interviews and re-enactments of two British Alpine style climbers who embark on their most difficult climb located in the Peruvian Andes. There are many interesting aspects of this film beyond the life threatening climb as both are faced with decisions that test the foundation of our character, and remains testament to our will to survive in the grimmest of circumstances even if its simply the fear of death.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0slYY_YaCrY
5. Hearts and Minds- Almost forgot this gem that doubts the credibility of the Vietnam War, and also delves into the psyche of our tendency to view other cultures lesser beings. It gives a disturbing context into the war and the controversies surrounding our motivation for war. Its candid approach leaves the viewer horrified for the atrocity that was the Vietnam War. As Vietnam veteran interviewed said in summation "We've all tried very hard to escape what we have learned in Vietnam. I think Americans have worked extremely hard not to see the criminality that their officials and their policy makers exhibited."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcE6CdR60NY

Worth Mentioning
Bowling for Columbia-Possibly Michael Moore's best documentary although I'm reluctant to list him finding his work more inflammatory than useful but this is a great film. Its addressing the lack of gun control within the country and asks the important question of whether our culture is creating gun violence rather than preventing it. I feel impelled to list this because it is still a very pertinent issue within this country, and its excellent at portraying the insanity of our ideals. Its funny in a holy shit our society is crazy kind of way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cglnvXzitOQ
There are many more excellent documentaries that I've failed to mention or forgot but these have left an indelible impression on me