War Dance is a glossy looking documentary about the hardships of a group of children trapped in the middle of a war-zone in northern Uganda. Using a contrived musical/dance competition to link a narrative, the film’s main purpose is to bring the horrifying back-stories to the big screen.
The kid’s heartbreaking stories are told with scripted voice over mood visual reenactments. It would be hard to find a soul who wouldn’t tear up inside listening to these stories. But in the end they are only stories. Beautifully cut talking head segments. The only real time narrative involves the kid’s trip to the city to compete against 20,000 other schools in the big musical competition (which they claim is the biggest competition of it’s kind). But a stupid music competition seems so miniscule and insignificant compared to the kid’s terrifying lives.
The breathtaking cinematography is where the film truly shines. This is also part of why the movie never truly succeeds. The visuals are almost too perfect, the situations at times seem contrived and premeditated to a sickening degree. It’s as if the filmmakers wrote the movie they envisioned and than filmed it. Because spending a year with the kids may have been too much work, time investment and cost.
I understand that music and war dance is a long melted into the Acholi tribe’s culture. But the juxtaposition of the story just doesn’t feel right.
War Dance is Mad Hot Ballroom set in the world of Sally Struther’s “Save the children” commercials. If you want to feel bad about how the rest of the world may be living, this is the film to see. If you’re smart enough to realize that a golden trophy will never fix these kids problems, then you may prefer the next movie.
/Film Rating: 6 out of 10
Directed by: Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine
Running Time: 105 minutes
Rating: Not Yet Rated by the MPAA
January 23rd, 2007 at 10:43 pm
What kind of review is this. i saw the film and loved it? Did you bother talkign to the filmmakers and askign them if they made the story up before accusing them of it? Also the filmakers pointed out in theie screenign that the proceeds of the ticket sales of the film go back to the kids in the film. SO I GUESS THAT WOULD MEAN THEY HAVE MORE ON THEIR MIND THAN A “GOLD STATUE” . Also woudl you ahev prefered the film ot be shot ugly and shaky…would that make the story more real to you?
January 24th, 2007 at 2:31 am
Okay, let me clarify. By scripted I did not mean made-up or created fictionally. I mean that the stories were edited and the children read off a script. This was obvious. And I brought this up becaause it was a further example of how they “directed” the documentary rather than filmed it. I do not doubt that the filmmakers cared/care about the children. I never doubted that fact in my review. My main problem is that most of the documentary was talking head interviews set to thematic reinactments. They didn’t spend enough time filming the kids lives, and it felt all too purposeful and directed rather than filmed and edited (like most great docs).
January 24th, 2007 at 8:10 am
Still very confused by your review. I can’t say enough about this film. Wondering if we watched the same film. By saying the directors “scripted” the film you are accusing them of making the film up. This is a pretty large accusation. It really did not seem like these kids could have said the things they said by just reading off a script. Not sure if you can get tears and also I am not sure about what you mean about talking heads. Yes the children talk directly to the audience but there are plenty of in the moment scenes that keep this form being a standard talking head doc. Did you forget the scene of the little girl visiting her fathers grave for the first time (don’t recall one interview in this scene). This was one of the most touching and emotional scenes I have ever seen. How about the little boy going to talk to the rebel commander that might have killed his brother. The entire music competition does not have a talking head. Frankly I ma just confused by the terms you have used in your review and would appreciate more clarification. I guess what bothers me the most about your assessment is not that you did not like the film, it’s a free country, but that your analyzation of the film is frankly very far off and confusing. If someone read your review they would think they would be seeing a completely different film than I saw. Strange. I would hope that your future canalizations would try to be more clear and correct.
January 27th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
I work where some of the post production for this film was done and we know the pedigree of the Fines (Sean in particular) very well. His parents are none other than Paul and Holly Fine, creators of some of the most compelling pieces for the likes of CBS’s “60 Minutes” ever seen. Our facility has had the pleasure to work with these talented people for many years. It only stands to reason that much of their vision has rubbed off on their son, Sean. Andrea reminds me of Holly Fine; brilliant, organized, quick to see where a story is going. Sean’s camera work is a page right out of Paul Fine’s best work. This is for real, folks.
Speaking to Sean and Andrea while in our facility, everyone was marveling about the footage. Everyone. Point to any scene (the truck full of kids bursting through the dusty road) and ask how they managed that. Sean explains this particular shot as B-roll and the truck surprised him as much as anybody. He made a shot out of it. It’s a shame the reviewer doesn’t believe it but these people are just that talented.
They actually embarked upon a mission to tell the story of war torn Uganda and simply happened upon the music competition. They saw that as the better story and pursued it. Contrived? Hardly. That would warrant an apology from the reviewer but I’ll allow for the possibility that he doesn’t actually know the story. Before making assumptions, I’d recommend listening to very approachable Sean and Andrea about this trip over dinner. Your jaw will be on the table, just like ours was.
February 12th, 2007 at 8:14 am
I feel your opinion is baseless and ignorant, My wife is from Northern Uganda and was with me to see this film, she is grateful to the Fines for producing a story that not only tells of the hardships of her people but their strength that they have to carry on through such unimaginable circumstances. Maybe you should go to Padong and tell those children what you though of their stories to their faces. I feel this was one of the best documentaries ever made and would not change the way they filmed it at all.
March 5th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Having just seen War Dance at The Sedona Int’l Film Festival, I must disagree with Peter’s review. The film was shown in our largest theatre 3 times and received thee Director’s Choice Award for Best Documentary. Deservingly so.
I was cheering the kids throughout this film and left the screening feeling as if the festival was worth it for me. If I didn’t see another film, I felt like this was the one I was supposed to see. Yes, the cinematography was stunning–as was the editing–as were the stories. Was it too polished because the visuals were polished and well-done? It felt completely real to me. This film was disturbing, compelling and yet, filled with hope. It’s my wish that people will see the film on their own and determine what it is they think–regardless of the first reviewer.
March 11th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I agree that this review, like so many reviews of wonderful things, is simply bent on tearing apart a film that is both important and well done. It seems it is the reviewers job to jab sticks in every crack and crevice of art. I’d like to say that while you may not have liked the way the story was put forth, it was well done and people felt moved by it…which seems to me to be the point of a documentary like this one. i really appreciate the work done by the film makers and bringing to light issues in this world that we don’t normally hear about. Thank you to the Fines!
June 26th, 2007 at 9:37 am
I reviewed this film for the Bermuda International Film Festival. I agree with parts of the original review: there are times when the production is a little too glossy and this detracts from the simple recounting of horrible events. In these cases the voice of the child should be enough, without resorting to heart-yanking closeups and dramatic cinematography. But this is a small complaint.
For me at least, the film is not about the individual children’s stories nor about the dance competition. Rather it effectively conveys the theme of overcoming horrible events through a combination of the passage of time, hard work, and artistic expression (music and dance). For the very reason that their lives have been so hard, the music competition is not “insignificant” to these children. It is an important redemptive occasion which helps bring light to their darkness.
I also wouldn’t compare this film to a “Save the Children” commercial. I felt it humanized the children and bridged cultural differences in a way that many documentaries do not.
November 9th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
To me, War Dance is documentary film making at its absolute best. The medium is used to introduce 99.99% of the public to a people who know one knows about.
Some proceeds from the film go to help these children. The filming is beautiful. The stories are incredible.
This reviewer has convinced me of only one thing: future movie reviews of his should be taken with more than a grain of salt.
December 9th, 2007 at 10:54 am
I will admit right off the bat that I haven’t seen the movie, but am planning to asap. I know this is nearly a year after the first post, but after reading your review, I felt compelled to say something.
In response to the following statement from the original review:
“If you want to feel bad about how the rest of the world may be living, this is the film to see. If you’re smart enough to realize that a golden trophy will never fix these kids problems, then you may prefer the next movie.”
I had the same reaction at first to a Ugandan project called “A River Blue” in which residents, mainly youth, living in Ugandan IDP camps were provided with art supplies and the opportunity to express themselves through music. How was this going to improve the quality of their lives when basic human needs weren’t being met?
Upon further reflection, however, and upon hearing the song the Ugandan children recorded (which you can hear at http://www.ariverblue.org), something occurred to me. Why is creativity and food for the “heart” suddenly less important for them? Are they any less deserving of experiencing the pride and freedom that comes with creative expression? Then it occurred to me that if ANYONE needed this type of experience more, these people who have lived and continue to live in devastating poverty and fear on a daily basis, and in many cases have experienced nothing else, deserved it most.
I can understand where the reviewer is coming from at first glance, but upon deeper reflection, I think it is patronizing to assume that people, souls, in life-threatening circumstances should be deprived of life-affirming experiences involving music, art, or any other creative expression experience. That, to me, is as important to quality of life as food and water. The dignity and pride that comes with it is more desperately needed in seemingly “hopeless” circumstances than anywhere else.
I am not denying the great necessity of food, water, shelter, and safety. But I also refuse to deny the importance of the soul and will to live in survival. For anyone.
January 21st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I think that the review given here at this site trivualized the journey of these kids the strength and determination it took for them to make it. One must remember that children internalize situations differently from adults we may not see the results of what they have had to face today but we may see it tomorrow. Please do not put the glasses of Hollywood on when viewing such footage. This is someone’s story, someone’s life never to be thought of as scripted because I am sure that if we were able to write the lines of our lives they would all be oscar winners.
thank you.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:20 am
This movie was wonderful and I will encourage everyone to see it!What it did for me was put a human face on media reports about so many people who live in terrible conditions. I need more of that because there is so much tragedy in this world and the stories and numbers whirl by sometimes.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Like others commenting, I think this review has seen just the surface of what this film is about. Looking back on it as I read the review I can say yes, possibly the gloss of the production is a little out of place for the rawness of the stories….but to say that the stories are “just stories”…wow…what a wierd comment…what does that even mean…books I guess are “just stories” as well…to me our stories are powerful.
Being an artist, I was indeed touched and empowered to see a testimony of the undying strength of the creative spirit to bring celebration and hope. I have spent time in Mozambique during days of flood and devastation and saw the same thing…the power of art to help especially the children begin to dream again…its certainly not all these kids need but the way art can feed a spirit is real and I applaud this movie for trying to tell that story as well.
February 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am
This was a great documentary! Having been to Uganda and worked with an orphanage/school both there and here in the US, I would say that there was nothing “staged” about the scenes nor the children’s portrayals of their lives.
Thank God that children do not have to figure out the “deep meanings” of every circumstance of their lives–they are capable of living in the moment and experiencing joy even in the midst of the greatest hardships. That “golden trophy” may not have fixed their lives, but it surely gave them a golden moment memory which will last a lifetime, and bring that joy back to them everytime they think of it.
I praise Sean and Andrea Fine for their outstanding work, and for bringing the strenth, endurance and love (Dominic donating his precious zylophone so that others could learn!!) of Ugandan children to the movie screen.
Documentaries like this one provide our window to a world that is completely unknown to most of us.
May we all be inspired to find ways to affect the lives of precious children living in similar situations all over the world.
February 21st, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I just saw the film, have also spent time in Uganda, and truly appreciate the importance of music in Ugandans’ lives. I can only imagine how healing it is to those who have experienced such trauma. The cinematography was glorious, as were the musical choices. My biggest question as I left the theater (perhaps someone who has talked with the filmmakers can answer) was how were the children’s psychological needs addressed after they disclosed such horrific traumatic episodes? Particularly Dominic who disclosed for the first time ever the killing he was forced to do. Was mental health treatment made available to him? The nature of PTSD is that the symptoms worsen as a person talks about it, deals with it, and can progress if not treated. Most curious about this.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I agree with Amy’s post. I just finished watcing the movie and was moved to action. I was compelled to find a way to get involved. The problem with reviews of this type of film is that the reviewers want to treat it as just any other movie. This film had purpose. To tell the story of how children can not only survive genocide and losing their friends and parents, but thrive afterwards and find escape for their souls through music. I cannot imagine being abducted at the age of nine, being forced to kill, losing my brother, finding a way to escape, and then be expected to rejoin society. Dominic (in the film) not only did all that, but mastered the xylophone and won the award for his talent. Without private music lessons or any of the comforts that we provide our children with in this country. Can we begin to imagine what that victory was like for him? My heart is uplifted with the thought that human beings can be subject to such atrocities and yet find joy and pride and begin to heal. If this film moves people to action and helps any of the children in Uganda, then it is beyond review. It is necessary.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I disagree with the original review. To have these traumatized children try to articulate what happened to them would have been impossible, as is shown by Nancy at her fathers grave, the horrors and pain would have taken over. Compassionate and talented filmmakers would have known this and taken the necessary steps to make sure the stories were told . Sometimes the pain of these children’s lives was all the more poignant because of their detachement.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Peter, you obviously critique with your head & not your heart. War Dance filled my heart & my soul.That the children could even read a script was miraculous after their experiences . I wonder what your position as a critic might be like if you had lived one hour of their lives.
June 19th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I just saw War Dance and was trying to find out more about the Acholi tribe when I came across this review. It took my breath away in its ignorance and sneering put-downs. I cant help but feel the racism jump out off the screen and slime me.
First of all, the supposed marginal Dance/Music competition is a highly important part of Ugandan (popular) culture–what I found out while researching many aspects of the movie/Uganda, various tribes in Uganda etc. If you didnt get that music and cultural identity/pride play a key role in helping these terrorized people heal and recover from unmentionable horrors, then, I dont think there is any hope for you-and please do not blame the documentary for your inabilities to connect facts. As a therapist (PhD) trained in psychology–the very moving component for me was when Rose and some others described participating in the competition as recognizing that they are so much more than just a people who are being systematically murdered and destroyed. They were able to re-connect to their music and cultural/ancestoral heritage, healing, connection to family, connection to the tribe as a whole etc.
I think the cinematography was nothing short of amazing. Have you ever been to Africa? I doubt it, otherwise you would not have described it the way you did. I have not, but the people I saw the movie with have (one is married to an African) and they live half the year in the States, half in Africa–none of them commented that the scenery or way of filming was “fake or contrived”. They have described to me over and over–the difference in how the sky, sunsets are in Africa–precisely the way they were portrayed in the documentary–so that took away from the film? Huh??
You are a prime example of what is wrong about America–instead of spending useless time blogging nonsense, get involved, go do something, anything, for someone else. Donate $10.00 even for more intruments. Maybe it will jolt you into learning more about the world around you. You are fantastically ignorant and callous. And I took great offense at your review. Your racism was especially apparent in your wording “Stupid music festival”– if you dont agree, that is one thing, but putting down a music festival?? Please spend some time educating yourself. I am embarrassed for you.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
“But a stupid music competition seems so miniscule and insignificant compared to the kid’s terrifying lives…If you want to feel bad about how the rest of the world may be living, this is the film to see. If you’re smart enough to realize that a golden trophy will never fix these kids problems, then you may prefer the next movie.”
Peter, you have missed the entire message of this film. Music and art are some of the greatest proven therapies for victims of violence. Your review is sadly mistaken.