This wonderful doco is heartbreaking and heartwarming by turns
Comment
11/14/08
War Dance (2007)
85
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:46
Fresh:39
Rotten:7
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: War/Dance is beautifully filmed, and effectively captures the heartbreaking and uplifting experiences of its subjects.
Theatrical Release:Nov 9, 2007 Limited
Synopsis: Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine's WAR DANCE is a powerful documentary that follows a group of schoolchildren as they overcome nearly insurmountable odds in their quest to participate in the annual... [More]
Director: Sean Fine, Andrea Nix Fine
Get This Movie
Reviews for War Dance
It doesn't just feature music and dance numbers; it's got romping, stomping, blow-the-doors-off, celebration-of-life music and dance numbers.
11/08/07
Top CriticChildren in dire situations can be a tricky, quasi-exploitive subject for filmmakers ... but it's handled here in a responsible, occasionally joyous fashion. You can still feel your heartstrings being pulled, but when it's done this well, it's tough to be
11/30/07
This is documentary-making at its best, not pretending to be journalism, but still playing a crucial role in telling stories that otherwise wouldn't make the front page.
11/15/07
The core of this week's African catastrophe documentary is so simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting, you only want to thank the Fines for making it as engaging as they have.
11/09/07
It is delightful to watch these kids dance, especially knowing the evil they've experienced. Their bright smiles are a true testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.
11/09/07
The joyous song and vibrant dance of the schoolchildren uplift all who see them. They are war orphans, casualties of Uganda's civil strife, healing physical and psychic wounds by performing ancient tribal rites in a national competition.
11/30/07
Top CriticThe film is a bit of a mishmash, but you will fall for the children it depicts.
12/14/07
War/Dance complicates documentary tradition, trying to express events that seem beyond expression.
01/17/08
The glories of War/Dance are torturously won, and all the more glorious for it.
11/05/07
Top CriticThe music offers the northern Ugandan children a chance to heal from their fear and pain--that part of the film cannot be questioned.
12/04/07
A marvel to watch.
11/09/07
The film's artsy surface diminishes its impact [but] tells a story that needs to be told repeatedly.
02/11/08
An uplifting documentary about the healing powers of music, song, and dance on a group of traumatized Ugandan youth who participate in a National Music Competition.
11/05/07
There isn't enough uplift, gratuitous or otherwise, in the world to make you forget the graphic testimony of children compelled by rebel forces either to watch atrocities or commit them.
11/08/07
Top Critic[Dominic Fine's] camera captures beautiful Ugandan locations -- and some equally beautiful character moments. The film ends on a surprisingly upbeat note.
01/31/08
This film offers a child's perspective on the ravages and complexity of war and is also a convincing testament to the healing power of creative expression.
02/22/08
Top CriticI'd be lying if I didn't say it overcame my naturally complacent instincts.
11/06/07
Top CriticIt is wonderful to watch this joyous slice of the cultural lives of these victimized, traumatized children struggling to survive and build a better life in a desperately troubled part of the world.
03/04/08
An emotionally-engaging testament to the indomitability of the human spirit even in the midst of the most dire of circumstances.
04/13/08
Latest News for War Dance
April 19, 2008:
Oscar-nominated documentary adds up to a worthwhile affirmation of the human potential to be reborn and begin again even in the midst of most dire of circumstances. 
More...
November 20, 2007:
Fifteen Documentaries Vie for Oscar Consideration
A little over a week after reporting the names of the dozen films being submitted for Oscar consideration in the animated feature film category, Variety has given readers the... More...
November 08, 2007:
Critical Consensus: Fred Claus Fails to Spread Cheer; Lions Is Tame, P2 is Average Genre Fare
This week at the movies, we've got Santa's not-so-little helper (Fred Claus, starring Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti), geopolitics (Lions for Lambs, starring Robert Redford, Tom... More...
January 28, 2007:
Sundance Awards: "Padre Nuestro," "Grace is Gone" Among Competition Winners
Results are in for this year's Sundance festival winners, including awards for John Cusack's "Grace is Gone," Christopher Zalla's "Padre Nuestro," NASA... More...
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
Wes Anderson on Fox
The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox
Animated Oscar?
Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.
TIME's Holiday Movie Preview
Richard Corliss previews the season's best offerings and hottest tickets.
Scenic Routes
The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo airs his beefs with Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men.
Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
IGN RSS Feeds