I’m naturally drawn to stories of pain, destruction, death and the ongoing tragedy of life.
The Cove, How to Die in Oregon, My Flesh and Blood, Dear Zachary, Capturing the Friedmans, Children of Leningradsky and The Bridge are all devastatingly sad in their own way.
I don’t know why I watch this sort of stuff, I honestly don’t. I defy anyone to watch these documentaries without completely breaking down emotionally. No Hollywood film, fiction or non-, can ever prepare you for the reality of what goes on in the real world. As depicted in most of the above films, human dignity in the face of the unspeakable really is so powerful, it seems to draw out your emotion from a place you never knew existed.
In short, if you want to be left feeling heartbroken and overwhelmed then go ahead and watch them.