Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (2003)
89%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: 11 wins & 7 nominations
The powerful singing in Amandla makes for an uplifting, compelling documentary.
Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony is a must-see for anyone who loves music, history, and powerful storytelling. The film expertly weaves together interviews, archival footage, and live performances to tell the story of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. While some of the interviews can be a bit self-important, the music and the stories of the people who fought for freedom will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Plus, who doesn’t love a good sing-along? This film will have you humming “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” for days.
Production Company(ies)
Poly Gram Filmed Entertainment, Spelling Films, International, Blue Parrot
Distributor
Artisan Entertainment
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some images of violence, and for momentary language
Year of Release
2003
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:1h 48m
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Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 14, 2003 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 21, 2003
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, apartheid, South Africa, music, singing, struggle, freedom, Lee Hirsch, Sherry Simpson, PG-13, English, Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Surround, Abdullah Ibrahim, Duma Ka Ndlovu, Sibongile Khumalo, Vusi Mahlasela, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, box office, $399.0K, reviewed by John Leonard, Neil Norman, Jamie Russell, Marjorie Baumgarten, Adam Nayman, Tom Long, Katie Liggera, Ryan Cracknell, Rich Cline, Cheryl DeWolfe, Sean P Means, Jeff Vice, directed by Lee Hirsch, produced by Lee Hirsch and Sherry Simpson, written by N/A, starring Abdullah Ibrahim, Duma Ka Ndlovu, Sibongile Khumalo, Vusi Mahlasela, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, PG-13 rating, Dolby sound, Artisan Entertainment, 1h 48m, documentary film, uplifting, inspiring, powerful, soul-stirring, exclusive interviews, rare footage, momentary language, images of violence, N/A budget
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Duma Ka Ndlovu – Self
Sibongile Khumalo – Self
Vusi Mahlasela – Self
Miriam Makeba – Self
Hugh Masekela – Self
Director(s)
Lee Hirsch
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Lee Hirsch, Sherry Simpson
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
11 wins & 7 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (64) | Top Critics (24) | Fresh (53) | Rotten (11)
Some of it-by musicians, scholars, dissidents, former guerrillas, retired riot cops-is fascinating, some vainglorious.
January 30, 2018
John Leonard
New York Magazine/Vulture
TOP CRITIC
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.
January 15, 2018
Neil Norman
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
December 2, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Jamie Russell
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
July 6, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
This is powerful stuff, presented unblinkingly and yet with rousing ardour.
March 25, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/5
Adam Nayman
eye WEEKLY
TOP CRITIC
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.
March 21, 2003 | Rating: B
Tom Long
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
A film about power in its myriad forms, Amandla presents an unerring look at courage, love, and brotherhood amidst inconceivable tragedy.
January 31, 2022 | Rating: 9/10
Katie Liggera
Cultured Vultures
July 26, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Ryan Cracknell
Movie Views
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.
November 21, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall
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.
August 30, 2003 | Rating: 83/100
Cheryl DeWolfe
Apollo Guide
Like the songs themselves, “Amandla!” tells a terrible story in a most enthusiastic and upbeat way.
May 21, 2003 | Rating: 3/4
Sean P. Means
Salt Lake Tribune
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.
May 16, 2003 | Rating: 3/4
Jeff Vice
Deseret News (Salt Lake City)…
Plot
“Amandla! A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony” is a documentary that showcases the role of music in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Miriam Makeba, a legendary South African singer and activist, is featured in Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony.
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