Amandla!

During the oppression of apartheid, freedom could not be found by taking up arms against the government nor could the people's voices be heard in the political area via debate or representation. The only weapon the people had was the power of music and song. Lyrics had the power to influence change and unite a people in non-violent protest that would drive them on to their goal of a free South Africa.

The documentary film is becoming a powerful tool of education and entertainment. Amandla! is another fine example of this.

A film that took over nine years to complete, director Lee Hirsch reveals how the power of song can fuel the struggle for freedom. He takes us on a journey through apartheid from its beginnings in 1948 to its end with the first non-racial elections in 1994, accompanied by the songs that drove the people on during these oppressive times.

Skilfully combining archive footage with interviews with musicians, DJs, freedom fighters and political activists, the documentary reveals the power of song as a protest tool. Charting the growth of this non-violent movement and how the government reacted to the most influential people behind it is completely fascinating. It reveals how poets and songwriters were seen as political terrorists that were jailed or even sentenced to death for sharing their opinions through song.

Scenes of death and struggle are shown along side moments of joy and achievement as the filmmakers expertly show all sides of South African history. As well as interviews with the activists against apartheid, the film also talks to the people who enforced it such as ex-riot police officers and Death Row prison guards. These are powerful scenes that reveal the struggle from both perspectives, giving balance to the content of the film.

It is the music that speaks to you however. The film shows what a powerful medium the art of song can be and I defy anyone not to be in awe of the footage of thousands of native South Africa singing in protest as they move towards the riot police.

Amandla! is what documentary filmmaking is all about. It is both informative and entertaining, sticking in your mind for a very long time afterwards. It shows how a simple thing such as music can change a country's future for the better.

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the quality is extremely good. Remembering that the movie is a collection of archive footage from over the 50+ years, the picture quality is very good. The sound is also of a high standard, as it needs to be as music is the star of the piece.

BONUS MATERIAL

Commentary from director Lee Hirsch and producer Sherry Simpson
This very informative and fun conversational commentary gives you a fascinating insight into making of the movie. The pair talks passionately about the subject matter and about their nine-year journey to bring the film to the screen. They reveal interesting facts about the footage like the fact that the opening sequence of the man dancing was an act of defiance to the old regime as he was dancing on top of the old Police headquarters in Johannesburg. The commentary also gives you an insight into how privileged they felt having permission to film the 1995 celebration of Nelson Mandela becoming president of South Africa.

Q&A with director Lee Hirsch, producer Sherry Simpson and musician Vusi Mahlasela (20.34 mins)
The three talk about the reasons behind the project, the nine years it took to make and their experiences making the movie. They also give you an insight into how the movie was received around the world and in South Africa itself.

Vusi at Joe's Pub (13.36 mins)
A live performance by Vusi Mahlasela. He performs three songs, When you come back, Red Song and Silang Mabele.

Interview with Dave Matthews (14.14 mins)
South African songwriter and musician Dave Matthews talks about the soundtrack of the movie. He talks about how the South African protest song has become the country's folk music as well as the strongest weapon in the struggle again oppression. He also talks about what it was like to grow up in South Africa during apartheid.

Deleted scenes (45.27 mins)
Nineteen deleted scenes, which include more insights into the times and even more songs. The highlight is more appearances from the excellent Vusi Mahlasela. The scenes act more as an encore than pieces deemed not strong enough to make the final cut, as they are just as informative and enjoyable as the main feature.

Sing-a-long
Your chance to watch and listen to songs from the movie, with the bonus of subtitles to allow you to sing-a-long. The songs included are Nkosi sikelel, Thina, Magoliwe and Usi. Productions notes Text covering the film's synopsis, director's statement, the filmmaker's awards and cast and crew credits.

Trailers
Previews of other Metrodome movies Spellbound, My Life without me, Last Party 2000, Valentin and Northfork.

OVERALL

This is an excellent documentary with is backed up by a fantastic set of extras. The deleted scenes act more as an encore to the film and the informative and fun commentary only adds to the value of the DVD. Add to this the extra footage of the amazing Vusi Mahlasela and the sing-a-long musical interludes this makes Amandla! a must see movie that is both educational and entertaining.

DVD

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2003