Watch Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony

Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony is a 2002 documentary film that explores the role of music during the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The film is directed by Lee Hirsch and features interviews with musicians, activists, and politicians discussing how music played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid. The film begins with a brief history of South Africa's troubled past, including the adoption of apartheid policies in the 1940s and the brutal massacre of peaceful protesters in Sharpeville in 1960. It then moves on to explore how music became a powerful tool for social change during this time.

The film features interviews with a range of South African musicians, including Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela, and Miriam Makeba. These musicians discuss the important role that music played during the anti-apartheid movement, both as a source of inspiration and as a means of communication.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea of communal singing and how it brought people together during this challenging time. The film explores how songs like "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" and "Senzeni Na?" became anthems for the anti-apartheid movement, and how they helped to create a sense of unity among people from different backgrounds.

The film also features interviews with activists who were involved in the movement, including Duma Ka Ndlovu, who talks about how music was used to spread messages of resistance and hope. He explains how songs would often be used to communicate secret messages, allowing people to organize themselves in a clandestine manner.

Vusi Mahlasela, another musician featured in the film, talks about how music helped to mobilize people and raise awareness about the injustices of apartheid. He also discusses how music was a way of expressing the pain and suffering that people were experiencing, and how it helped to give voice to those who were being silenced.

The film features a mix of archival footage and contemporary interviews, creating a powerful and emotional narrative. The cinematography is stunning, capturing both the beauty and the tragedy of South Africa's past.

One of the most powerful moments in the film is when the musicians come together to perform at the Amandla Festival, a celebration of the music that played such an important role in the anti-apartheid movement. This scene is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and to enact change.

Overall, Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony is a powerful and moving documentary that explores the importance of music during South Africa's struggle against apartheid. It beautifully captures the spirit of the time and the role that music played in bringing about social change. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of South Africa or in the power of music to inspire and motivate people.

Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 78.