gemmarebeccafield I rented this film a few days ago, its not something I was looking forward to watching, as its a documentary, a genre I don't generally enjoy watching, but after I had actually tried to make an effort to learn about my countries history, I cant say I regretted it. Amandla! takes you through the lives of several people, black and white, and their different views of Apartheid, an Afrikaaner Separatist movement which started in 1948, and only ended in 1994. this film shows us the mistake humanity has made, and what it has done to those involved. The picture is considerably less than perfect, but as it is a documentary, such a fault can easily be overlooked, and often the interviewees are hard to understand and I must admit, it is not in the same league as some other South African films like "Yesterday" and the Oscar winning "Tsotsi", but nevertheless, it is still something one should watch if you've seen the other two.The interviews, however difficult to here, make their subject's opinions very clear, some of which are actually rather alarming. Yet, I feel obligated by a patriotic spirit buried deeply in my brain, so I will give this film 6/10

juan_dollapotz An excellent blend of archival footage/music and interviews to impart a powerful message and involving film. Lee Hirsch and his team have done an amazing job in cataloging the music and passion of the freedom movement in South Africa during apartheid. Whether one is a fan of music, a documentary enthusiast, has an interest in the anti-apartheid movement or in post colonial Africa, AMANDLA! is a must see piece of film making.

Swangirl "Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony" is a documentary that is riveting and educational, uplifting and heartbreaking. The contrasts are all laid bare in this project, making it a worthwhile film to watch.The focal point of the documentary is the role music played in the lives of South Africans as they endured and overcame the Apartheid movement. Director Leon Hirsch interviews a number of singers, composers, DJs and freedom fighters, young and old. He follows the history of Apartheid by tracing the music that came out of the struggle and what happened to those who created it.I think what grabbed me was how much of a role music plays in great periods of change. It was also a driving force of African-Americans in the U.S. who were fighting segregation during the 60s. The spirituals that buoyed them share a similar history to those songs sung in South Africa.The music chosen was a wonderful collection I want to hear again. I also enjoyed seeing the laughter of many of the singers as they looked at old photographs, remembering younger days.I also liked that Hirsch interviewed a white freedom fighter who was sent to Pretoria prison for several years. His interviews with the white Afrikkaners who formerly worked as riot police and jailers are chilling but necessary. My hope is that more Americans will see this film so they fully realize the scope of Apartheid in South Africa and what a triumph it was to see it overturned. Was it really 1994 when black South Africans were finally allowed to vote? It breaks my heart.As a teenager in the 80s, I knew hardly anything about Apartheid. This film did a good job in changing that.

dlfarthing The music of "Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony" is as powerful a force for the South African revolution, as Lucas would have us believe it is for the Jedi.For our time, it also provides a near view of slavery. Thus, this motion picture is a must see not only for people of color, it is such for all the people to see. DLF