My wife and I don't get a chance to sit through very many movies all at once. Typically, it takes 2 or 
more evenings for us to get through a whole film, since our time is limited to the hour or two after all of our kids are asleep, assuming that we don't get interrupted by our newborn baby or toddler.
That being said, we watched a movie a couple of nights ago that was so interesting and well-made that we couldn't wait to finish it the next night. As with many of the things we watch, this was available via our Roku device, which streams movies from Netflix to our TV.
"Dear Zachary: A letter to a son about his father" is quite possibly the best and most memorable documentary that I have ever seen. We were intrigued because it is one of the few selections we have seen with a 5-star rating from other Netflix users. It turned out to be time well spent.
In a nutshell, "Dear Zachary" was made by an independent filmmaker, Kurt Kuenne, who wanted to provide a complete portrait of his murdered friend Andrew for Andrew's newborn son Zachary. He tirelessly travelled around the country, interviewing Andrew's friends and family, and he included a lot of footage from when they were kids growing up together.
If you commit to watching this movie, please be advised that it is somewhat emotionally draining, but it is an editing masterpiece, and the story is incredibly compelling. Be prepared to cry - maybe a lot. As you get to know the people who loved Andrew (including Kuenne himself), the emotions are palpable and raw.
I don't often give such a ringing endorsement, and this is certainly the type of movie that requires more attention and thought than average, but my wife and I have been talking about it for days. I think it's very worthy of more exposure and word-of-mouth.
It was released last year, and it has received a lot of attention from critics and film festival audiences alike, including being selected as one of the Top 5 Documentaries of 2008 by the National Board of Review.
If you have a chance, don't miss this one.
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As I don't get to see many movies while they are at the cinema. I'll look for this one. Thanks for the preview
I love movies that are intelligent and real. This sounds fantastic and I will definitely look for it. Thanks for recommendation.
Claude - I don't honestly remember the last movie I saw at the theater. :) This one is really well-crafted.
Todd - This one meets both of your criteria. I hope you like it.
Hi Jason! I love documentaries so, this is right up my alley--but, I'm going to have to schedule it just before I go to bed so that I can 'cry myself to sleep!'
Thanks for the review. I might want to add that to my list. The only thing that I wonder about is if I would do well in a documentary. I fall asleep so quick when watching TV, I normally dont do that.
"Emotionally draining" was enough to turn me away from this one. =/ I've never done the Netflix thing. Do you like it? I'm always on hulu.com. I think it's safe to say I'm addicted to it.
We still don't find much time for movies, Jason, so congratulations to you and your wife. Nothing like a little grown-up time together!
Jason - I'm going to my Netflix queue and move it up on my list. I added it to the list last week.
By the way, I watched "The Grocer's Son" last night and it was refreshingly low key with a gentle message about family and work.
Jason, I had heard that this was a good movie. Now I will have to pick it up.
I will definitely have to look this one up. Sounds like a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, Very cool. I have to see if it's in the Amazon Unbox so I can download it.
Thanks Jason - Lee and I are documentary/movie junkies! We'll definitely put this one on the list.
Dude...I'm always looking for a great flick. I watch 90% less than when we had kids, but I'll check on this. I know you Net Flixed it, I wonder if it's on Direct TV or at blockbuster.
Hmm.. I've never heard of this movie. Thanks for pointing it out. My wife and I will have to check it out.
I rent a lot of movies and will check on this one - definitely sound like I will have a box of kleenex handy - I always cry - Thanks for the recommendation. Sounds like a work of Love.