Top Documentaries of 2015
A Definitive Ranking of the Year's Best Non-Fiction Films
The year 2015 brought a remarkable selection of documentaries to audiences worldwide. From intimate portraits of iconic musicians to thought-provoking explorations of social issues, these films captivated viewers and critics alike. Documentaries released in 2015 covered a wide range of subjects, offering unique perspectives on history, culture, politics, and the human experience.
Many of these documentaries received critical acclaim and recognition at prestigious film festivals. They employed various storytelling techniques, including archival footage, interviews, and observational filming, to create compelling narratives. Some focused on individual personalities, while others tackled broader societal themes, providing viewers with insightful and often eye-opening experiences.
1) The Look of Silence (2014)
The Look of Silence is a powerful documentary directed by Joshua Oppenheimer. It serves as a companion piece to his earlier film, The Act of Killing, exploring the aftermath of the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66.
The film follows Adi Rukun, a man whose brother was murdered during the genocide. Adi confronts the perpetrators responsible for his brother's death, seeking understanding and acknowledgment of their actions.
Oppenheimer's approach provides a unique perspective on the long-lasting effects of historical violence. The documentary presents intimate, tense encounters between Adi and the killers, revealing complex emotions and uncomfortable truths.
The Look of Silence received critical acclaim and numerous accolades. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and won the International Documentary Association's IDA Award for Best Documentary of 2015.
This haunting film offers a meditative exploration of memory, guilt, and reconciliation. It challenges viewers to consider the lasting impact of violence on both individuals and societies.
2) What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
Liz Garbus directed this compelling documentary about the life and career of Nina Simone. The film offers an intimate look at the legendary singer, pianist, and civil rights activist.
Using rare archival footage and never-before-heard recordings, the documentary paints a complex portrait of Simone. It explores her musical genius, her struggles with mental health, and her passionate involvement in the civil rights movement.
The film features interviews with those closest to Simone, including her daughter Lisa Simone Kelly. These personal accounts provide insight into the artist's tumultuous personal life and the challenges she faced throughout her career.
"What Happened, Miss Simone?" premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. It received critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 88th Academy Awards.
The documentary delves into Simone's abusive relationship with her husband and manager. It also examines how her activism impacted her music and career trajectory.
3) Amy (2015)
"Amy" offers an intimate portrait of the late singer Amy Winehouse. Directed by Asif Kapadia, this documentary showcases Winehouse's raw talent and troubled life through unseen footage and unheard tracks.
The film chronicles Winehouse's rise to fame and her struggles with substance abuse. It presents a candid look at the pressures of celebrity and the impact of media scrutiny on her personal life.
Kapadia's approach allows Winehouse to tell her own story, using a wealth of archival material. The documentary features interviews with friends, family, and collaborators, providing a multifaceted view of the artist.
"Amy" received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of Winehouse's life. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2016, cementing its place as one of the year's most impactful films.
The documentary serves as both a celebration of Winehouse's musical genius and a cautionary tale about fame's darker side. It offers viewers a poignant look at the person behind the public persona.
4) Cartel Land
Cartel Land (2015) offers a gripping look at vigilante groups fighting Mexican drug cartels. Directed by Matthew Heineman, this documentary explores the complex realities of the drug war on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The film follows two main subjects. Tim "Nailer" Foley leads Arizona Border Recon, a group aiming to stop drug traffickers from entering the United States. In Mexico, Dr. José Mireles heads the Autodefensas, civilians combating violent cartels in Michoacán.
Heineman's camera captures intense, dangerous situations. The filmmaker embeds himself with both groups, providing an intimate view of their operations and motivations. This approach yields raw, visceral footage of confrontations and their aftermath.
Cartel Land received critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of a complex issue. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature in 2016. The film raises thought-provoking questions about law, justice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in extreme circumstances.
More information on Cartel Land (IMDb)
5) Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (2015)
This documentary chronicles the Euromaidan protests in Ukraine from 2013 to 2014. Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, it captures the escalation from peaceful student demonstrations to a full-scale revolution.
The film provides an intimate look at the protesters, combining footage from the streets with interviews. It showcases the growing opposition to then-President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to suspend plans for signing an association agreement with the European Union.
Tensions rise as the government responds with increasing force. The documentary depicts clashes between protesters and riot police, highlighting the determination of Ukrainians fighting for their vision of the country's future.
Winter on Fire received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of civil unrest and political change. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
The film offers a gripping account of a pivotal moment in Ukraine's recent history, illustrating the power of collective action in the face of authoritarianism.
6) The Hunting Ground (2015)
"The Hunting Ground" is a powerful documentary that examines sexual assault on American college campuses. Directed by Kirby Dick and produced by Amy Ziering, the film premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
The documentary features interviews with survivors, activists, and experts. It sheds light on the prevalence of campus sexual assault and the institutional responses to these crimes.
"The Hunting Ground" received critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of a sensitive topic. It sparked nationwide discussions about campus safety and institutional accountability.
The film's release led to increased awareness and activism surrounding the issue of sexual assault in higher education. It has been screened at numerous colleges and universities across the United States.
While praised by many, the documentary also faced some criticism regarding its methodology and presentation of statistics. Despite this, it remains a significant work in the field of social issue documentaries.
7) 3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets (2015)
This powerful documentary examines the fatal shooting of Jordan Davis, an unarmed African American teenager, at a gas station in Florida. The film explores the incident's aftermath and the subsequent trial of Michael Dunn, the man who fired the shots.
Director Marc Silver presents a balanced view of the case, incorporating courtroom footage and interviews with Davis's parents and friends. The documentary delves into issues of racial profiling, gun violence, and the Stand Your Ground law in Florida.
3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets offers a thought-provoking look at the American justice system and race relations. It raises important questions about perception, prejudice, and the value placed on young black lives in contemporary society.
The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive handling of a complex and emotionally charged subject. It won the Special Jury Award for Social Impact at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
8) Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015)
This documentary directed by Alex Gibney explores the inner workings of the Church of Scientology. Based on Lawrence Wright's book of the same name, it delves into the organization's history and practices.
The film features interviews with former Scientology members who share their experiences within the church. It examines the controversial aspects of Scientology, including allegations of abuse and manipulation.
Going Clear provides insight into the life of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and the current leadership under David Miscavige. The documentary also explores the church's relationships with celebrity members.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for seven Emmy Awards. It sparked discussions about religious freedom and the nature of belief systems.
Going Clear offers a thought-provoking look at a controversial organization, presenting information for viewers to consider and evaluate.
9) Best of Enemies
Best of Enemies (2015) explores the televised debates between intellectuals Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr. during the 1968 U.S. presidential election. The documentary captures the intense rivalry between these two influential figures.
Directed by Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville, the film premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. It garnered critical acclaim for its engaging portrayal of the intellectual clash between Vidal and Buckley.
The documentary delves into the series of debates that took place during the Republican and Democratic conventions. These heated exchanges between the liberal Vidal and conservative Buckley became a cultural phenomenon.
Best of Enemies offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into the political landscape of the late 1960s. It showcases the power of televised debates in shaping public opinion and political discourse.
The film's success lies in its ability to present a balanced view of both participants. It highlights their wit, intellect, and the lasting impact of their confrontations on American media and politics.
More information on Best of Enemies
10) Listen to Me Marlon (2015)
Listen to Me Marlon offers a unique glimpse into the mind of legendary actor Marlon Brando. Directed by Stevan Riley, this documentary uses hundreds of hours of audio recordings made by Brando himself to narrate his own life story.
The film delves into Brando's tumultuous personal life, his approach to acting, and his thoughts on fame and Hollywood. It combines these audio recordings with archival footage and innovative visual techniques to create an intimate portrait of the iconic star.
Riley's documentary explores Brando's childhood, his rise to stardom, and his later years away from the spotlight. It touches on his most famous roles, including his performances in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Godfather."
The film received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling and its revealing insights into Brando's complex personality. It was nominated for several awards, including Best Documentary at the 2015 Detroit Film Critics Society Awards.
Listen to Me Marlon provides a raw and unfiltered look at one of cinema's most enigmatic figures, offering viewers a rare opportunity to hear Brando's story in his own words.
Cultural Impact of 2015 Documentaries
Several documentaries released in 2015 left a lasting impression on audiences and society at large. These films shed light on important issues and sparked conversations across various communities.
Influence on Society
"Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief" exposed controversial practices within the Church of Scientology, leading to increased public scrutiny of the organization. The film prompted former members to speak out and raised awareness about alleged abuses.
"The Hunting Ground" tackled the issue of sexual assault on college campuses, sparking nationwide discussions on campus safety and institutional responses to sexual violence. Many universities revised their policies as a result of the film's impact.
"Cartel Land" provided an intimate look at the Mexican drug war, bringing attention to the complex realities faced by communities affected by cartel violence. The documentary influenced public perception of border issues and drug policy debates.
Awards and Recognition
"Amy," the documentary about singer Amy Winehouse, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Its success highlighted the enduring fascination with troubled artists and the music industry's impact on vulnerable talents.
"The Look of Silence" received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film's exploration of the Indonesian genocide resonated with international audiences and human rights advocates.
"Best of Enemies" garnered praise for its examination of political discourse through the lens of the Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr. debates. It earned nominations at prestigious documentary awards, sparking discussions about the evolution of media and political commentary.
Themes Explored in 2015 Documentaries
The documentaries of 2015 tackled a diverse range of topics, with many focusing on pressing social issues and environmental concerns. These films provided in-depth looks at complex subjects through compelling storytelling and expert analysis.
Social Issues
Several notable 2015 documentaries examined societal challenges. "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief" explored the controversial religious organization, shedding light on its practices and alleged abuses. The film sparked discussions about religious freedom and manipulation.
"Amy" offered a poignant look at the life and career of singer Amy Winehouse, highlighting the devastating effects of fame and addiction. It raised important questions about mental health and the pressures faced by celebrities.
"Janis: Little Girl Blue" provided insight into the life of rock icon Janis Joplin, examining gender expectations in the music industry and the personal struggles behind her public persona.
Environmental Concerns
While less prominent in the top documentaries of 2015, environmental issues still featured in some notable films. These works aimed to raise awareness about ecological challenges and inspire action.
Some documentaries focused on climate change, presenting scientific evidence and exploring potential solutions. Others examined specific environmental threats, such as deforestation, ocean pollution, and endangered species.
These films often combined personal stories with broader environmental narratives, making complex issues more relatable to viewers. Through striking visuals and expert interviews, they sought to convey the urgency of addressing environmental problems.
