A film about power in its myriad forms, Amandla presents an unerring look at courage, love, and brotherhood amidst inconceivable tragedy.

| Original Score: 9/10 | Jan 31, 2022

Some of it-by musicians, scholars, dissidents, former guerrillas, retired riot cops-is fascinating, some vainglorious.

| Jan 30, 2018

Filmed performances, archive footage, and some evocative reminiscences from legendary singers and actors such as Miriam Makeba, Vusi Mahlasela and Sibongile Khumalo bring the period back to life.

| Jan 15, 2018

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 1, 2006

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 6, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 26, 2005

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 2, 2003

This is an expertly assembled film, catching us by the throat early on with the deeply resonant songs and anecdotes, and then tweaking our minds as well.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 21, 2003

Director Lee Hirsch expertly weaves in historical footage, photographs and recordings, but the most poignant moments are when the camera is focused on people singing.

| Original Score: 83/100 | Aug 30, 2003

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 6, 2003

Like the songs themselves, "Amandla!" tells a terrible story in a most enthusiastic and upbeat way.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 21, 2003

The film has its share of uplifting and emotionally satisfying moments, and the inclusion of performances by South African musicians surely makes it a must-see for die-hard fans.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 16, 2003

Directed by Lee Hirsch, Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony is one of the best documentaries that focus on the grass roots of the music that told everyone and educated them about apartheid.

| May 2, 2003

A fascinating and insightful film.

Full Review | Original Score: 9/10 | Apr 25, 2003

A remarkable and persuasive argument on behalf of music as a political weapon.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Apr 25, 2003

This is powerful stuff, presented unblinkingly and yet with rousing ardour.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 25, 2003

The word 'amandla' means power, and the music undeniably has that, but it lacks the archival footage to put the music in context.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Mar 21, 2003

It's uplifting and lively and filled with fascinating characters, stories and songs.

Full Review | Mar 21, 2003

The power of voices raised together comes through with a clear elation that's undeniable, and in the end Amandla! makes you want to sing.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Mar 21, 2003

Like going to the lecture of an impassioned but really disorganized professor. You exit class flipping through your notes and have no idea what most of them mean.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 21, 2003