6 unexpected gems that you can find on Netflix

Hey, we’re part of the #StreamTeam for Netflix and received compensation for this post. What to watch on Netflix that will shake your viewing comfort zone? We saw six things that we normally wouldn’t watch. They’re all documentaries, four with a historical perspective and two from the world of pop culture. The later two are ok for ages 8 and up from a content perspective, but they might be bored with their pacing. The first four films, either due to content or language are good for ages 12 and up.

City 40

Imagine a city that doesn’t exist, where top secret materials are produced and everyone there has no birth certificate. Now place that city in the U.S.S.R., near the end of WWII, imagine that the United States has a secret place just like it and let your mind wander. It’s all true and City 40 is about the city that until recently didn’t exist. This documentary offers a unique look into Russian life and a peek behind the curtain that super powers try to keep.

Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight For Freedom

This is a fascinating documentary for the fact that it has so much footage to cull from. It details the 93 day period in Maidan, Ukraine that started out as a student protest and became much more. It’s political, certainly has a point of view and will educate you about the events that happened there in 2013.

The Propaganda Game

Question everything. The Propaganda Game is a look inside North Korea that was filmed by Alvaro Longoria. It’s impossible to watch this film without knowing that there was a North Korean minder behind the camera at all times, just to ensure that they stayed where they should.

Nevertheless, it’s a fascinating film about the most secretive nation in the world. It shows lots of beauty and comfort that the North Korean government wants you to see and doesn’t shy away from the propaganda that they put forth.

Hiroshima: BBC History

Hiroshima: BBC History of WWII is a mixed production bag that starts off with the testing of the A-Bomb in New Mexico. From there we see historical films, re-enactments of 1940’s era Japan, some special effects and more to combine a documentary, but with elements that are feature film inspired. It’s all true, tragic and incredibly informative. This is also done by the BBC and their quality is always superior.

I Am Your Father

David Prowse is the actor who portrayed Darth Vader in the first three Star Wars movies. I Am Your Father is about the mythical scene (not the one you’re thinking of), the petty feud that George Lucas has with him and the legend of these films. It’s not a perfect documentary, but is lots of fun for Star Wars fans.

Back in Time

Back in  Time is a documentary for the fans of Back to the Future. Released in 2015 it catches up with the stars of the film, dishes some secrets about the script, stars and production. The first half is a fun, engaging love letter to a fabulous film. The second half is filler that only fans of the film will enjoy. Having said that, we’re fans of the film and liked the second half, but really loved the first half.