Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony

Starring:Jesse Jackson, Abdullah Ibrahim, Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd, Walter Cronkite, Dolly Rathebe, Duma Ka Ndlovu, Sibusiso Nxumalo, F.W. de Klerk, Nelson Mandela, Hugh Masekela, Lindiwe Zulu, Miriam Makeba, Vusi Mahlasela, Sophie Mgcina, Sibongile Khumalo, Ronnie Kasrils, Thandi Modise, Sifiso Ntuli, Winnie Mandela
Director: Lee Hirsch
Studio: Lions Gate
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Amandla! tells the story of black South African freedom music and the central role it played against apartheid. The first film to specifically consider the music that sustained a galvanized black South Africans for more than 40 years, Amandla!'s focus is on the struggle's spiritual dimension, as articulated and embodied in song. Named for the Xhosa word for "power", Amandla! lives up to its title, telling an uplifting story of human courage, resolve and triumph.

Features:

16.9 Widescreen Version
2.0 Dolby digital Audio
Dave Matthews Interview
Q&A with Director, Producer and Vusi Mahlasela
Vusi at Joe's Pub
Amandla! Production Notes
Sing-Along
Commentary With Director and Producer
Interactive Menus
45 Minutes of Deleted Scenes/Music Performances: Including Full Version of "Coal Train (Stimela)" by Hugh Masekela
Trailer Gallery

System Requirements:

Running Time: 103 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE
Amazon.com
The stunning documentary Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony tells the story of protest music in South Africa--but as it does so, it tells the story of the struggle against apartheid itself, for the music and the revolution are inseparable. Through archival footage and interviews with musicians, freedom fighters, and even members of the former government police, Amandla! creates a vivid and powerful portrait of how music was crucial not only to communicating a political message beyond words, but also to the resistance itself--how songs bonded communities, buoyed resistance in the face of bullets and tear gas, and sowed fear in the ruling elite. Part history, part musical exploration, part sheer force of life, Amandla! captures both the sorrow and the triumph of life in South Africa from the 1950s to 1990, when Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress came into power. --Bret Fetzer

Average customer rating:

A document of great significance
a very big questionmark?????
Eye opening!
Spectacular
"We Shall Overcome" It Ain't

Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony
Starring: Duma Ka Ndlovu , F.W. de Klerk , Miriam Makeba , Sifiso Ntuli , and Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd
Director: Lee Hirsch
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0000C2IWO
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Product Description

Amandla! tells the story of black South African freedom music and the central role it played against apartheid. The first film to specifically consider the music that sustained a galvanized black South Africans for more than 40 years, Amandla!'s focus is on the struggle's spiritual dimension, as articulated and embodied in song. Named for the Xhosa word for "power", Amandla! lives up to its title, telling an uplifting story of human courage, resolve and triumph.

Features:

16.9 Widescreen Version
2.0 Dolby digital Audio
Dave Matthews Interview
Q&A with Director, Producer and Vusi Mahlasela
Vusi at Joe's Pub
Amandla! Production Notes
Sing-Along
Commentary With Director and Producer
Interactive Menus
45 Minutes of Deleted Scenes/Music Performances: Including Full Version of "Coal Train (Stimela)" by Hugh Masekela
Trailer Gallery

System Requirements:

Running Time: 103 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

The stunning documentary Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony tells the story of protest music in South Africa--but as it does so, it tells the story of the struggle against apartheid itself, for the music and the revolution are inseparable. Through archival footage and interviews with musicians, freedom fighters, and even members of the former government police, Amandla! creates a vivid and powerful portrait of how music was crucial not only to communicating a political message beyond words, but also to the resistance itself--how songs bonded communities, buoyed resistance in the face of bullets and tear gas, and sowed fear in the ruling elite. Part history, part musical exploration, part sheer force of life, Amandla! captures both the sorrow and the triumph of life in South Africa from the 1950s to 1990, when Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress came into power. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

A document of great significance.......2006-12-08

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.

a very big questionmark?????.......2006-06-25

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

Eye opening!.......2006-04-11

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

Spectacular.......2005-09-18

What a work! This is by all means one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. I think this documentary should be shown to high school and college students. Even in this age of arms and ammunitions and warfare, this documentary is evidence of South Africa's persistent non-violent struggle, a struggle that branches from the roots of its own culture, a struggle that unites the country for one common purpose - to enjoy the basic rights of one's own country.
Music can create miracles; music can create wonders. African music has proved this as South African singers and musicians from all over the world join hands to establish their own government for the first time in their own country.
I watched Nelson Mandela dance for the first time, and it was not just a dance; it was a celebration of victory coming from almost a century long game full of upheavels, trials and tribulations, sacrifices and martyrdoms, and separation and suffering, still filled with love, unity and MUSIC.

"We Shall Overcome" It Ain't .......2004-11-11

This is an excellent history of the role of music in the anti-aparthied struggle of S/A. Familiar greats like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masakela are covered as well as interesting lost history such as the tale of Vuyisile Mini (who was hanged in 1964 for fight-the power songs such as "Beware Voeword.").

For the most part, these are not "We Shall Overcome" or "Kum by Ya" type of anthems (though that's cool in it's place). This is hardcore, fight-the power, we ain't gonna take it type of music. Sibongile Kumalo's song about the struggle near the end of the film will bring tears to your eyes-first for the beauty of her voice and THEN when you read the translation! The sequences of the Toyi-toyi (the war dance of S/A) are inspirational and revealing, as is this DVD itself.

Moving scenes abound. A picture is shown of a beautiful S/A teenager sitting prettily on a sofa, then the camera pulls back to reveal that she has a machine gun next to her. One young lady, crying at the funeral of a comrade in the midst of the struggle cries, "I wish I were a dog! I wish I were cattle grazing in the grass!" If you can watch scenes like that with a dry eye then something is WRONG with you!

We also have some extra-rare footage of the young Nelson Mandela (in 1961, prior to his imprisonment) telling of his views on the choice of violence or nonviolence. There is also footage of his sentancing in 1964 and his eventual release. The scenes of his dancing in celebration are a sight to behold!

But enough of this. Get it and see and hear the power that music has over the human spirit! I'd give it ten stars!

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