War Dance

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"The war stole everything, except their music."
  • PG-13
  • 2007
  • 1 hr 45 min
  • 7.8  (1,194)
  • 68

War Dance is a documentary film that was released in 2007, directed by Sean Fine and Andrea Nix. The movie was premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and also competed for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The movie is set in Uganda and highlights the story of three young children who participate in the National Music Competition. The children come from a war-torn region of Northern Uganda and live in a camp for internally displaced people.

The three children are Dominic, Nancy, and Rose. Dominic is a 14-year-old boy who lost his father and siblings to the war. He lives with his mother and several siblings in the camp. Dominic is an aspiring musician who plays the xylophone. Nancy is a 13-year-old girl who also lost her father and sister to the war. She lives with her mother and siblings in the camp as well. Nancy is a talented dancer who specializes in a traditional dance called the Bwola. Rose is a 14-year-old girl who lives with her grandmother in the camp. She is a talented singer and also plays the Adungu, a traditional Ugandan harp.

The movie follows the three children's journey as they prepare for the National Music Competition. The competition attracts many children from all over Uganda, and it is an opportunity for the children to showcase their talent and gain exposure. The movie highlights the emotional trauma that the children had to go through as a result of the war. The children were forced to flee their homes and live in the camp, which was a constant reminder of the war.

Despite their difficult circumstances, the children find solace in music and dance. They practice for hours each day, determined to give their best performance at the competition. The movie also highlights the important role that music and dance play in Ugandan culture. The children's performances are not just for show, but they also carry a message of hope and resilience.

Throughout the movie, we see the children's talents being honed by a team of dedicated teachers. The teachers are passionate about their work and believe in the transformative power of music and dance. They not only teach the children how to play their instruments or dance but also provide emotional support for the children who have gone through so much.

The movie also highlights the challenges that the children face in their personal lives. For instance, Nancy's mother is sick, and they are struggling to pay for her medical expenses. Dominic's family is also struggling financially, and there is pressure on him to help out. These challenges make it difficult for the children to focus on their music and dance, but they are determined to persevere.

The climax of the movie is the National Music Competition. The children travel to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, to compete against other talented children from all over the country. The competition is intense, and the children are nervous, but they give it their all. Their performances are breathtaking, and it is evident that they have put their heart and soul into their performances.

In conclusion, War Dance is a powerful and moving documentary that tells the story of three children who have gone through so much but still find solace in music and dance. The movie highlights the transformative power of music and dance and how they can provide hope, healing, and a sense of community. It is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult the circumstances. It is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in music, dance, and the human condition.

War Dance
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Description
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 45 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (1,194)
  • Metascore
    68