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Movies / On DVD / The Singing Revolution
The Singing Revolution

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The Singing Revolution (2007)

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Reviews Counted:35

Fresh:30

Rotten:5

Average Rating:7/10

Rated: Not Rated

Runtime: 1 hr 37 mins

Genre: Education/General Interest

Theatrical Release:2007-12

Synopsis: The year 1991 marked a time of change for the Republic of Estonia. This small European nation decided to end the Soviet Union's power over them in a completely radical way: by singing. Though it's... The year 1991 marked a time of change for the Republic of Estonia. This small European nation decided to end the Soviet Union's power over them in a completely radical way: by singing. Though it's tough to imagine the former superpower giving in to simple songs, this documentary chronicles the Estonian people's drive for freedom and their peaceful way of attaining it. [More]

Director: James Tusty, Maureen Castle Tusty

Director: James Tusty, Maureen Castle Tusty
Screenwriter: James Tusty, Maureen Castle Tusty, Mike Majoros
Producer: James Tusty, Maureen Castle Tusty, Bestor Cram, Artur Talvik, Piret Tibbo-Hudgins
Composer: John Kusiak
Studio: Abramorama

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Release:

Feb 3, 2009

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • Estonia's coveted position between Europe and Russia has lured wave after wave of occupiers. The nation's darkest chapter, though, dawned in 1939 with the arrival of the Soviets. It seemed this time that the Estonian nation might vanish completely; yet the Estonians waited, and fought, and sang - and ultimately, survived.
  • THE SINGING REVOLUTION narrates the remarkable story of this tiny nation's struggle for independence, illuminating how the Estonians kept their identity alive—even under the oppressive weight of the Iron Curtain—through a rich tradition of song. Here, people have joined voices for centuries, and their "Laulupidu"—an immense song festival—offered glimmers of Estonian culture and connectedness in even the bleakest periods, proving to "The Singing People" that their national spirit still smoldered. When the Soviet nation finally began to crumble in the 1980s, the Estonians saw their opportunity: free speech became song, and song became a soaring anthem of independence.
  • Dramatically capturing the spectacular beauty of Estonia and the overwhelming sea of people and sound that brought this nation together, THE SINGING REVOLUTION celebrates a people who revolted with no weapons but their songs, no force but their unstoppable dream.
  • Source: New Video Group, Inc.
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    Reviews for The Singing Revolution

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    Full of the kind of collective passion and struggle and yearning for freedom that makes viewers well up with pride at their shared humanity.

    Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
    07/03/08
    Josh Rosenblatt
    Josh Rosenblatt
    Austin Chronicle

    Though slightly overstated, the part played by singing was no doubt significant. Its implied role in keeping the Estonian revolution nonviolent is especially stirring.

    Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
    04/03/08
    John P. McCarthy
    John P. McCarthy
    Boxoffice Magazine

    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.

    Full Review Source: Chicago Tribune | comment Comment
    05/22/08
    Jessica Reaves
    Jessica Reaves
    Chicago Tribune

    This wonderful documentary tracing little Estonia's independence from both the Nazis and the Communists brings tears of joy to the eyes.

    Full Review Source: Compuserve | comment Comment
    10/25/07
    Harvey S. Karten
    Harvey S. Karten
    Compuserve

    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.

    Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | comment Comment
    08/08/08
    Jeff Vice
    Jeff Vice
    Deseret News, Salt Lake City

    An intriguing, highly recommended film.

    Full Review Source: Entertainment Insiders | comment Comment
    04/24/08
    Janos Gereben
    Janos Gereben
    Entertainment Insiders

    This solid, straightforward film highlights an important part of modern world history, but then overstays its welcome.

    Full Review Source: Film Journal International | comment Comment
    12/14/07
    Eric Monder
    Eric Monder
    Film Journal International

    The thrill of this documentary is in the remarkable story of the Little Country That Could.

    Full Review Source: Film.com | comment Comment
    05/30/08
    Jonathan F. Richards
    Jonathan F. Richards
    Film.com

    a film that joyfully celebrates the power of the human spirit in all its glory.

    Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
    01/23/09
    Keith Breese
    Keith Breese
    Filmcritic.com

    Patience may not the most exciting movie subject, but The Singing Revolution is, in its deceptively mild way, inspiring.

    Full Review Source: Globe and Mail | comment Comment
    04/25/08
    Liam Lacey
    Liam Lacey
    Globe and Mail
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Provides an uplifting depiction of vitally important political ends achieved via nonviolent means.

    Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
    12/19/07
    Frank Scheck
    Frank Scheck
    Hollywood Reporter

    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.'

    Full Review Source: Houston Chronicle | comment Comment
    06/20/08
    Amy Biancolli
    Amy Biancolli
    Houston Chronicle

    The Singing Revolution is the sort of film that should be shown to North American school children or anyone else who takes his freedom for granted.

    Full Review Source: Jam! Movies | comment Comment
    04/25/08
    Liz Braun
    Liz Braun
    Jam! Movies

    If The Singing Revolution were a fictional film it would be dismissed as a pie-in-the-sky fantasy. But it’s all true.

    Full Review Source: Kansas City Star | comment Comment
    08/01/08
    Robert W. Butler
    Robert W. Butler
    Kansas City Star

    One incredible tale.

    Full Review Source: L.A. Weekly | comment Comment
    12/06/07
    Nick Pinkerton
    Nick Pinkerton
    L.A. Weekly

    Folk songs can be plenty inspirational, but like this movie, they just aren't all that exciting.

    Full Review Source: Las Vegas Weekly | comment Comment
    07/17/08
    Josh Bell
    Josh Bell
    Las Vegas Weekly

    The Singing Revolution might ignite history buffs, but for musicphiles, it's unfortunately a one-note symphony.

    Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
    12/07/07
    Robert Abele
    Robert Abele
    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    'Nonstop Estonian folk music' might not be a great format for a radio station, but it sure works for The Singing Revolution.

    Full Review Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune | comment Comment
    07/11/08
    Colin Covert
    Colin Covert
    Minneapolis Star Tribune

    Directors James and Maureen Tusty acknowledge that few outsiders care much about this tiny Baltic nation. And then, through a mix of moving interviews and affecting footage, they show us why we should.

    Full Review Source: New York Daily News | comment Comment
    12/14/07
    Elizabeth Weitzman
    Elizabeth Weitzman
    New York Daily News

    The first feature doc by James Tusty and Maureen Castle Tusty is a formulaic affair (plenty of talking heads and archival footage), but its story is an uplifting one befitting the holiday spirit.

    Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
    12/14/07
    V.A. Musetto
    V.A. Musetto
    New York Post
     
     
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