War Dance
THINKFilm | Release Date: November 9, 2007 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
68
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews
Positive:
15
Mixed:
4
Negative:
1

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
TV Guide MagazineKen 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
100
San Francisco ChronicleRachel Howard
Beautifully filmed. Read full review
88
Boston GlobeTy 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
83
Christian Science MonitorPeter Rainer
The filmmaking style is annoyingly slick, but the testimonies of these children are excruciatingly moving. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
An enormously emotional and spirit-raising documentary. Read full review
80
Washington PostAnn Hornaday
This is documentary-making at its best, not pretending to be journalism, but still playing a crucial role in telling stories that otherwise wouldn't make the front page. Read full review
75
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
Overly polished, but deeply affecting, documentary. Read full review
75
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie Rickey
Documents the emotional and spiritual journey of three orphans. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Jennie Punter
This film offers a child's perspective on the ravages and complexity of war and is also a convincing testament to the healing power of creative expression. Read full review
70
New York Magazine (Vulture)David Edelstein
For these kids to sing and dance with all their hearts, they need to go to a place in themselves that should be closed down forever. The glories of War/Dance are torturously won, and all the more glorious for it. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterJustin Lowe
A refreshingly upbeat film that finds its roots in some seriously sobering events. Read full review
70
The New York TimesStephen Holden
War/Dance, in spite of its slickness, is an honorable, sometimes inspiring exploration of the primal healing power of music and dance in an African tribal culture. Read full review
70
Chicago ReaderJ.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
67
Portland OregonianMarc Mohan
Isn't meant to be a depressing experience, as each of these unfortunate souls recovers a sense of pride in themselves and their tribe through music. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMarc 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
50
SalonAndrew O'Hehir
It's the film's reassuring, almost hypnotic visual rhythms, along with its Hollywood-like narrative structure -- which is closer to "Drumline" or "Bring It On" than to most documentaries -- that make it bearable. Read full review
50
New York PostLou Lumenick
Even in support of the noblest of causes, manipulation is manipulation. Read full review
40
VarietyJohn Anderson
While the pic may be targeting Westerners who want to feel less awful about genocide and global negligence, it's hard to imagine War Dance appealing to that crowd -- or any other. Read full review
40
Village VoiceJim Ridley
The movie comes across as desperately, even irritatingly contrived, but I'd be lying if I didn't say it overcame my naturally complacent instincts--which would be to watch something (anything) else, to not get haunted by that closing litany of websites for global action. Read full review
25
Seattle Post-IntelligencerBill White
Exploitive while it pretends to be empathetic. Read full review
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