Documentaries and Non-Fiction Films – November 2008

China from the Inside

A series of four PBS documentaries that survey China through Chinese eyes to see how history has shaped them, and where the present is taking them. Deals with the governance of China; talks about the past and future for Chinese women; looks at China’s environmental challenges; explores China’s conflict between personal freedom and governance.

Why Shakespeare?

A documentary film from the National Endowment for the Arts that examines the contemporary relevance of Shakespeare’s plays and the importance of live theater. Performers include: Christina Applegate, Ben Donenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dana Giola, Tom Hanks, Bill Pullman, Michael Richards, William Shatner, Martin Sheen, Julie Taymore, Michael York. Not Rated