Top 10 Inspirational Documentaries

22 March 2017

To celebrate the release of the critically acclaimed Gleason, we at Female First decided to take a look at 10 Inspirational Documentaries which make a deeper impact in order to change lives. These films showcase stories of strength, resilience and hope despite terrible odds or unimaginable obstacles.

Gleason

Gleason (2017)

Former NFL player Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS shortly before discovering his wife was pregnant with their first child. He began a video diary for his unborn son while he, his wife, friends and family worked to raise money and awareness of the rare disease while it slowly robbed him of motor function.

Notes on Blindness (2016)

In 1983, days before the birth of his son, author and academic John Hull went blind. In order to make sense of the upheaval of his life, he began to make an audio cassette diary, a first-hand view into his struggle to adapt to a new life.

I Am Breathing (2013)

After his diagnosis with MND, the story of Neil Platt is a testament to human human courage and resilience. As his condition deteriorates, Neil displays great humour and develops a profound wisdom which makes us question aspects of ourselves. Despite having only months to live, I Am Breathing shows what it mean to be alive.

Touching The Void (2003)

Directed by the critically acclaimed Kevin MacDonald, Touching The Void is the phenomenal story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates who ascended the Peruvian mountain Siula Grande. After completing their climb, Joe breaks his leg during a storm and what follows is an extraordinary tale of survival in the face of extreme odds. After the accident, Simon must begin lowering Joe down the mountain with ropes, all while the storm rages around him.

Be Here Now (2015)

Andy Whitfield had just become a star, appearing in the TV series “Spartacus” as he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is his story as he, his wife and children commit to curing him, living life fully and providing an inspiring story of courage, love and resilience.

Seven Songs for a Long Life (2016)

The intimate story behind our changing relationship with death. A terminal diagnosis used to mean death within months, modern medicine allows patients to live on for years. A passionate and touching film about the uncertainty of the future that faces all of us, following five patients who choose to sing their way through life.

My Beautiful Broken Brain (2013)

Lotje Sodderland was 34 when she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that initially left her unable to read, write or speak coherently. This is her life in the year that followed, the progress and setbacks from Lotje’s point of view in a voyage of hope, transformation and the limitless power of the human mind.

Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet (2012)

Doctors diagnosed Jason with Lou Gehrig’s Disease when he was 19 years old, they believed he would never play music again or even live to see his 25th birthday. 22 years later, without the ability to move or to speak, against the odds Jason is alive and making music with his eyes.

Into the Wind (2010)

Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 18, the cancer took over his right leg which had to be amputated above the knee. Three years later, he set out to raise funds for cancer research and awareness by running 30 miles a day from Newfoundland to British Columbia, covering over 4,000 miles in this inspiring story of determination.

The Boy Who Sees Without Eyes (2007)

Despite losing his sight from the age of three after retinal cancer, this hasn’t stopped teenager Ben Underwood from playing basketball and skateboarding like his friends. By making sharp clicks with his mouth, Ben is able to use Echo-location, much like bats and dolphins, to move around without hitting objects. This phenomenal story is a testament that you should never be labelled by society and to let nothing stop you from your goals.