Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony

Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony
by Lee Hirsch

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Movie Reviews of Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony

Movie Review: Amandla! A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony
Summary: 5 Stars

South Africa's acting Ambassador, Professsor Thandabantu Nhlapo delivered a brief but eloqent introduction, before Lee Hirsch took the microphone to give us a short perspective of the documentary.

AMANDLA! gives one an insight to the interplay and direct connectivity that music had with "The Struggle" - with musical giants - of Freedom Songs, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Abdullah Ibrahim delivering their prespectives - narratives and specific examples of how the struggle and music were indeed intertwined.

Though many (especially activists) were aware of this interplay between the struggle and music, it was nevertheless very moving to have it presented - layed out as Lee Hirsh's narrative desplayed, for he too became drawn into the very depths of this underlying current that swept through our people back home.

Music, song and dance were further avenues whereby those silenced - denied free speech, were able to use a medium known and loved by all. These somewhat unknown forms of protest; cries of agony were transmitted through music - to those who were able to understand, feel and empathise.

What was quite remarkable, was the absence of "in your face" depictions of the injustoices; Lee instead using the power of gentle persuasion to get bhis heartfelt message accross. The sharing of pain and anguish was evident by those who attended this intimate screening of AMANDLA!

After the screening, Lee Hirsch, availed himself to a informal social gathering of South Africans and friends - even participating in someToyi-toyi with Moroosi Mokoena, Thumwakhe Tombela and others. His affable - almost shy ersonality was more geared towards connecting with elements of the struggle, than participating in a media focus.

ABOUT THE FILM: AMANDLA! explores the crucial role played by black South African freedom songs in the long struggle against apartheid. Music is woven throughout the documentary, a double award winner at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, as the film illustrates how freedom songs changed and evolved in step with the fight for liberation.

World-renowned musicians, including trumpeter Hugh Masekela, singer Miriam Makeba, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, and guitarist Vusi Mahlasela, offer their candid personal recollections along the way. In the South African language Xhosa, amandla means "power," and the film lives up to its title.

ABOUT THE SOUNDTRACK: ATO Records is honored to release the soundtrack to Amandla!, which includes pre-recorded masterpieces from legendary South African musicians such as Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba, new voices from South Africa (including Vusi Mahlasela), as well as amazing never-before-heard field recordings and performances recorded exclusively for the movie. "This documentary is a marvel, an extraordinary achievement. While it is the story of South Africa, the message is universal. Not one person should miss this film. Not one," says Dave Matthews.

Summary of Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony