Watch We Were Rebels

We Were Rebels is a 2014 drama film set in the 1960s and 70s, during the early years of the Sudanese civil war. Directed by Katharina von Schroeder and Florian Schewe, the film chronicles the story of a group of young Sudanese rebels who fight for their rights and freedom against the oppressive government. The film's protagonist is Agel Ring Machar, who plays the role of a young man named Samuel. Samuel is a smart and ambitious student who lives in a small village in Sudan. He aspires to go to university and become a doctor, but his dreams are shattered when his village is bombed by the government forces. In the chaos, he loses his family and friends and is forced to flee to the nearest town.

In the town, Samuel meets the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), a rebel group fighting against the government's brutality. Impressed by their cause and their leader, John Garang (played by Benjamin Okelo), Samuel joins the SPLA and becomes a soldier. He quickly rises through the ranks and becomes one of the most trusted members of the group.

The film vividly portrays the harsh realities of the civil war, including scenes of violence and death. The rebel soldiers bravely fight against the government's airstrikes and attacks, often risking their lives for their cause. We see how they live in makeshift camps, with little food and water, and how they rely on each other for survival.

As the war drags on, Samuel becomes disillusioned with the SPLA's leadership and tactics. He realizes that the rebel group is not perfect and that there are some questionable actions taken by its leadership. This conflicts with his own beliefs and values, leading him to question his role in the SPLA.

Throughout the film, Samuel faces constant internal struggles as he tries to reconcile his own morals with the actions of the SPLA. We see him evolve from a naive and idealistic student to a mature and thoughtful soldier. He grapples with the complexity of the issues at hand, and eventually comes to his own conclusions about what is right and wrong.

The film also touches on political themes, showing how the Sudanese government is corrupt and oppressive towards its citizens. We see how innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire of the war, and how the SPLA fights for their rights as well as their own.

Overall, We Were Rebels is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique perspective on the Sudanese civil war. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The cast delivers strong performances, and the film's direction and cinematography capture the harsh beauty of the African landscape. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in African history, politics, and social justice.

We Were Rebels is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.