After enduring WWII-era brutalization by Hitler's Nazi Party and decades of repressive Soviet dictatorship, the tiny Eastern European nation of Estonia began to declare its independence from Communist rule in the late '80s. Over a five-year period, beginning in 1986, hundreds of thousands of Estonians began to systematically and repeatedly gather in public venues to collectively sing illegal patriotic songs, declaring their desire for national independence but never resorting to violence amid
their protests. It was no coincidence that Estonia subsequently became one of the first nations to break away from the Soviet Union in the events leading up to the fall of the Iron Curtain. The documentary The Singing Revolution chronicles this extraordinary yet seldom-told chain of events. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
This fine and surprising documentary asks an even more challenging question: Can music promote nonviolence, prevent bloodshed and successfully overthrow an oppressive regime? Again -- astonishingly -- the answer is 'yes.'
As far as the plot goes, widespread lack of familiarity with Estonia's recent history actually works in the film's favor: Suspense born of ignorance lends the unfolding drama the urgency of a political thriller.
Fortunately, the interview subjects (who include festival performers and current and former Estonian leaders) are very intelligent and well-spoken. Their stories are what really holds out interest here.
Booster-ish, with only former participants in the struggle and activists interviewed. There's a you-must-feel-good thrust (and an incessant score). Warbles a familiar tune to Estonians, presumably, and doesn't offer enough rich notes for an outsider.
Madison Film Festival. Quite a powerful film. Possibly the same spirit is being played out today regarding Tibet. People can stand up if they stand together and say no.
April 7, 2008
Patti Kramer
Yes - I rated it 5 Stars - not for the moviemaking et al... but for the subject matter and it's amazing message!
If in Darfur, Lebanon, Venzuela, Irak, Afghanistan where ever totalitarian regimes, screwed-up regimes, Dictators -to-be, blood thirsty fundamentalist, slefish rulers and I can go on... the people can
rise-up and with "one song" can topple these "evil political doers"... instead of guns and blood.
This movie is the quintessencial exemple that there is always hope. Never give-up. It's a lesson of courage. A lesson of wisdom.
My hat off to the filmmakers James & Maureen Tusty.
My hat-off to the unique people of Estonia... who endured so much for centuries and with no bloodshed but a mere "song" they crushed the Soviet Empire!
This movie should get the Oscar for Best Documentary - or there is no justice!
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