Documentary AreaSimply the best Documentaries

The 1980s was a time when artists in both the UK and US were delivering powerful social commentary in their songs. Dylan Jones selects some of the finest alternative voices from this era. From The Cure on Top of the Pops at the beginning of the decade to The Stone Roses' debut TV performance in 1989, this episode takes a comprehensive look at the alternative music of an entire era. It also features powerful live performances from Billy Bragg, Tracy Chapman, Bronski Beat and The Selecter. In addition, there are archival gems from Pixies, The Smiths, Suzanne Vega, The Fall, REM and many more.

The 1980s was an era in which a fusillade of new genres emerged, and many are still with us today, such as hip-hop and house. Dylan Jones has mined the archives to select some of the most crucial tracks in the rise of these two genres.
From a young Kurtis Blow making his Top of the Pops debut to the sonic bombardment of Public Enemy and the sampling skills of Bomb the Bass, this episode showcases the evolution in rap and house music across the decade. There are rare archival interviews and stellar performances from Run-DMC, Salt 'N' Pepa, S'Express, Cookie Crew and Neneh Cherry, as well as iconic videos from Herbie Hancock, The Beastie Boys, M/A/R/R/S, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and many more.

The last chapter explains how the 2010s became another lost decade in the fight against climate change – as the move to natural gas delayed a transition to more renewable sources of energy.
Engineer Tony Ingraffea, in the 1980s, helped develop a new technique for extracting gas and oil from shale rock, which ultimately became known as 'Fracking'. It was to unleash vast new reserves of fossil fuels and was promoted as a cleaner energy source. But Ingraffea explains how he later came to regret his work when he realized that gas could be even worse for climate change than coal and oil.
Dar-Lon Chang, a former ExxonMobil engineer, speaks for the first time on camera alleging that as the company increased its natural gas operations, it was not sufficiently monitoring methane leaks that were contributing to climate change. Now, after a year of unprecedented wildfires, drought and other climate-related disasters, multiple lawsuits are being brought in US courts in efforts to hold Big Oil legally accountable for the climate crisis.

Step into the world of 1980s cinema with 'Brats,' a riveting documentary that delves into the iconic films starring the legendary 'Brat Pack.' Discover how movies like 'St. Elmo's Fire,' 'The Breakfast Club,' and 'Pretty in Pink' captured the raw essence of teenage angst and resonated with a generation like never before. These films didn't just become cult classics; they defined an era and left an indelible mark on pop culture. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, the 'Brat Pack' label brought unexpected challenges and lasting effects on the careers of its young stars. Explore the highs, the lows, and the enduring legacy of these unforgettable movies and the actors who brought them to life. This is a must-watch for any film enthusiast looking to understand the profound impact of the 1980s on Hollywood and beyond.

The story of how a group of working-class kids growing up in post-industrial Glasgow dared to dream. Those kids became Simple Minds, the most iconic and influential Scottish band in history.
The film is a captivating journey into the heart and soul of one of the most influential bands in rock history. From their humble beginnings in Glasgow to their meteoric rise on the world stage, this documentary unveils the untold stories behind Simple Minds' groundbreaking music and enduring legacy. Through rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and electrifying performances, discover how this iconic group defined an era, inspired generations, and proved that with passion and resilience, everything truly is possible. For fans and newcomers alike, this is more than a documentary—it's a celebration of the unyielding power of music to transform lives.