War Dance

Name: War Dance
Genre: War, Music, Documentary
Released: November 9, 2007
Rating: 68

2007

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Ratings

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7.0

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7.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Ratings

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War/Dance

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Movie Details & Credits

THINKFilm | Release Date: November 9, 2007 | PG-13

Summary: Set in northern Uganda, a country ravaged by more than two decades of civil war, War/Dance tells the story of Dominic, Rose, and Nancy, three children whose families have been torn apart, their homes destroyed, and who currently reside in a displaced persons' camp in Patongo. When they are invited to compete in an annual music and danceSet in northern Uganda, a country ravaged by more than two decades of civil war, War/Dance tells the story of Dominic, Rose, and Nancy, three children whose families have been torn apart, their homes destroyed, and who currently reside in a displaced persons' camp in Patongo. When they are invited to compete in an annual music and dance festival, their historic journey to their nation's capital is also an opportunity to regain a part of their childhood and to taste victory for the first time in their lives. (ThinkFilm)… Expand

Director: Andrea Nix and Sean Fine

Genre(s): War, Music, Documentary

Rating: PG-13

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

TV Guide Magazine Ken Fox

Documentary filmmakers Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine found an ingenious way to tell their story in a film that is as unflinching as it is uplifting. Read full review

Ty Burr

This War/Dance is among the most affecting films I've seen all year; it cuts to the core of being and gives individual faces to sorrow and to hope. Read full review

Kenneth Turan

An enormously emotional and spirit-raising documentary. Read full review

J.R. Jones

Once the competition arrives, the premise begins to suggest a marketing hook--it's "Spellbound" meets "The Devil Came on Horseback"!--but by then it's already served its purpose, imposing some structure around memories that would drive anyone mad. Read full review

Justin Lowe

A refreshingly upbeat film that finds its roots in some seriously sobering events. Read full review

Marc Savlov

"It's difficult for people to believe our story," says one kid, succinctly, eloquently, "but if we don't tell you, you won't know." Read full review

Bill White

Exploitive while it pretends to be empathetic. Read full review

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User Reviews

NicoleT.

Apr 4, 2008

This is one of the most amazing films I've seen. I am appalled at the things happening in Uganda. Beautiful children.

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J.B.

Mar 6, 2008

Honest, compelling story of how the human spirit can persevere and overcome even the most horrendous events imaginable. Exceptionally beautiful and buoyant without minimizing the tragedy. Can fill a viewer with great respect, admiration and love for these children.

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JimR.

Nov 20, 2007

Turan has it right. Emotional and spirit-lifting. It's not manipulative to have people tell stories of things that have happened to them. You will be increased by seeing this.

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ChadS.

Apr 17, 2008

Nancy is Ugandian. Her mother, too. The filmmakers are from the west. The two African women want to please their new "friends". Neither woman, nor child, understands that they have the right to stop the cameras from rolling, when grief overcomes them, in a place where no documentary film Nancy is Ugandian. Her mother, too. The filmmakers are from the west. The two African women want to please their new "friends". Neither woman, nor child, understands that they have the right to stop the cameras from rolling, when grief overcomes them, in a place where no documentary film crew has the right to be, arguably. This depends on the circumstances behind the mother and daughter's return to the site of their slain loved one. Was it an organic move, or were the two women prompted to revisit the past for dramatic purposes? We're likely to believe the latter, because "War Dance", at times, feels staged, feels a little off. In their own words, the principal Ugandian victims tell their respective stories, while the camera seems to be exploring the commercial possibilities of a narrative film, as we get lovely close-ups of the African flora. "War Dance" overreaches with its poetic aspirations. It's too clever, by half. The camerawork suggests a walking tour into the heart of darkness. A subtle nod to the Joseph Conrad novel, perhaps, this literary reference is ironic because the oppressor have the same skin color as the oppressed. Despite the filmmaker's Terrence Malick-complex, despite the need to pump up the volume on the self-evident tragedy-of-it-all, there is the music and dance festival, which is the most thrilling spectacle of the human spirit you'll see all year. Unless you're dead, their performance will move you to tears.… Expand

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