The most unexpectedly moving documentary I’ve watched in awhile is My Octopus Teacher.
It follows Craig Foster for close to a year as he free dives in the kelp forests off the coast of South Africa, befriending an octopus. The way this unexpected relationship helps him through his depression, as told by his own narrations, is so profound. You might even find yourself crying (I did.). 
I walked away from it with a deep respect for octopus (always thought they were, well, a little weird), and also for filmmakers like Craig whose commitment to their craft is unrelenting. Watch this film and then check out his nonprofit Sea Change Project.
P.S. If you’re wondering if it is kid-friendly, I’d say yes. There are a few suspenseful moments, but even my especially tender-hearted boy watched and enjoyed.
P.P.S. When you’re finished and you want to dig deeper (we did!), perhaps click over to Amazon and purchase Blue Planet or Blue Planet 2 (watch the Green Seas episode!). And then watch everything David Attenborough has ever narrated.
P.P.S.S. My last addendum but perhaps the most important of all — A Life on Our Planet is out today!
Oh, I read about this film on a blog a while ago! I definitely need to watch it! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I live in Cape Town where the Octopus film was shot and made. Craig Foster and his brother have been nominated for several awards for the movie. They have also won international awards for other work they have done. If you get a chance watch their documentary on the original bushmen (the San people) of South Africa. The Foster brothers lived in the Kalahari desert for 3 years to make their movie of the San (far away from home in Cape Town where our population is 5 million in this city). The movie is called The Great Dance – A Hunter’s Story, if you care to watch it. Definitely not for young children’s viewing in my opinion, just too realistic. In case you are interested here is a link to the one hour movie on you tube though there may be better copies online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UisnHp0Oqc4&feature=emb_share It does not focus on all aspects of the Khoi San peoples, but on their deep knowledge of tracking and survival which has been handed down and taught to them over generations.
Oh I will absolutely watch that one! When they referenced it in this film, I made a mental note. Thank you for the reminder!
Another really cool story about the octopus on Radiolab Kids (especially as a mom it is very powerful): https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab-kids/articles/radiolab-kids-octomom
thank you!
Its a real masperpiece. I cried too.