Senna[2011]

Senna is a 2011 documentary about the life of race car driver Ayrton Senna, one of the best and the most famous people in Formula 1 history.

The story follows the Brazilian from the beginning of his career to his tragic ending. The script takes you through all of the important steps who took in order to become the man he is known to be. From the race which he started in the 13th place, but finished in the 2nd one, to his first World Championship win in 1988, his controversy with Alain Prost in 1989, all the way through his last season at Williams, the company who was responsible for his tragic death during one of the races. Extra bit for Formula 1 lovers or, at least, for those who follow the sport from time to time: you do see the beginning of Rubens Barichello and Michael Schumacher's careers.

I must say I didn't knew too much about him beforehand, so I think the documentary showed a beautiful side of the driver and it all worked out well. Ayrton was a very strong, competitive man, but also, with a lot of faith in him. He once said "If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver" and he is right; plus, you can apply that saying in more then one context, can't you? He understood the sport, he loved it, he was the best at it and he fought for what he believed in. Anyone can appreciate that.

His unavoidable death was sad, but for me, personally, wasn't properly explained or expressed in the right way. You build up a movie like this one, you know everyone is expecting the shocking part, but when you get to it, you use 1 minute and then straight to the funeral; I was a little underwhelmed by it. The saddest moment was the funeral, when we get to see people from his life saying goodbye, his before and after relationships- it got to me.

Senna is probably one of the best documentaries I have seen. I absolutely loved the fact that they used ONLY footage of him and didn't add unnecessary shots, just background voices explaining the situation and how Senna reacted to it. The music suited the vibe perfectly and the editing was superb. I think that even for non-Formula 1 people, this can be entertaining.

Overall, it is a film worth seeing and you should watch it when you have the chance!

Life in a Day[2011]

Life in a Day is a wonderful documentary about humans, about life, about love and loss and fear. Youtube and the Scott brothers asked the world to document one day, the 24th of July 2010 and then send the videos. After 80.000 submissions, 4.500 hours of footage was obtained from 190 countries all around the world and made into a 90 minutes documentary.

It basically takes you through normal day to day activities and occurances: breakfast, work, babies, love, relationships and so on!

Random moments that I loved: "between 3 am and 4am the veil between the this world and the next is the thinnest"; people going to work before sunrise; "alpha male traped in"; the rooster singing; the cute wake-up faces; people peeing; first shave; babies; the man who travels around the world; the woman with the chicken bag and canadian flag; the guy with the Lamborgini; "But we are still alive"; the slaughtering; "I actually love my refrigerator, it's such a cool place"; 4 men on a bycicle; jumping in the pool; the woman flying etc etc.

Two special mentions: 1. there is a scene where a guy is in a subway and films a girl in the next compartment reading; she looks up, he shies away, with camera down- a lovely moment! 2. kid in the pool: "I fear growing up"- oh, you are so right, kiddo!

They end the documentary with a testimonial from a normal girl, with a normal life, who wants more, who wants to feel part of something! Don't we all want the same?

90 minutes of footage showing us life as it happens in every part of the world- same feelings, same relationships, same fears. What do we all have in common? We all try to live our lives the best way we can and survive another day! Wonderful!

Did you see it? Any other documentary recommendations for me? I am intrigued!