Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony

Unfortunately, this makes the civil rights struggle in the U.S. look mild in comparison. An absolute abomination is what took place in South Africa, apartheid being a protracted ghettoization of the black populace, with trains shipping out Africans like a Southern Holocaust. One part music, one part history, this document somehow breathes harmony and redemption into the destructively rascist legacy which is late 20th century South Africa.

The revolution against Apartheid, as seen through music. "Amandla" is simply wonderful, and strikingly important.

Amandla - A Revolution in Four Part Harmony - tells the story of four periods in the history of South Africa, from 1948 until today. From the beginning of legalized apartheid, through the oppression of the sixties, to the uprising of the late seveties and Mandela's release in the early 90's. Each period is presented through its Ngoma - the music that was an integral part of the political struggle. It is clear from watching the film the music was one of the weapons used to "engage the apartheid regime".
There are many emotional moments - moments of despair, moments of joy. People such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masakela and Abdullah Ibrahim speak candidly about their exile, and their love for their country. The songs, such as "What have we done ?" and the "Toy Toy" song and dance are also the heroes of this film, as well as a collection of freedom fighters who all speak with great eloquence and sincerity. (It should be noted that Jesse Jackson who is listed as one of the "stars" - is actually shown for no more than 5 seconds).
The film is an inspiration to any lover of freedom, in a period where despair may seem a reasonable conclusion. If you love freedom and you love music - get this DVD.

I really wished I had seen Amandla, but unfortunatly the RegionCode was not good. It would be interesting if you could do something about this problem. The nephew of my friend saw it via his computer (because he has a dvd-writer) and was very enthousiastic about the dvd. So let's say then 8/10

This movie is eye opening accurate experience into South Africa during Apartied. Th music is simply wonderful and will move you.

Buying it for a class but recommend for anyone interested in history, anthropology, music, sociology, etc.

I'd give it 6 stars but it won't let me