robi-crl If you are looking for a funny, moving movie that could best depict the life of teenagers during the despicable apartheid era in south Africa, this is one. The main character hooks her hopes on the then imprisoned Nelson Mandela. One easily understands the role Mandela played for his people, and understands the controversies that the apartheid era played on the common public in their every day lives. I would also recommend this movie to those who don't know what apartheid was and are hoping to learn about it in a interesting way. They music and dancing is also wonderfully African. It is sometimes hard for westerners to appreciate the African call-chorus music arrangement. This is why some critics have been very harsh on the music. However I call to them to not look at this movie as a typical traditional musical such as the 'sound of music', it is an African musical and respects African music arrangements. Enjoy the movie :)

forgottenlord I think the best way to look at this idea is I got into an argument with my mom over how good the movie was. I thought it was a ludicrous musical, she thought it was a very thoughtful and beautiful movie. Ends up in musicals, she just hits the fast forward button through the music.The story is great, the message it tries to give is great, the music detracts from the movie. With the exception to a few songs (in particular the one from the jail house), the majority of the songs detract from the movie - making it seem rather ridiculous and detracting from the overall presentation.

Tanabi5790 Any fans of "The Lion King" (film -or- musical) and "The Power of One" will enjoy this film beyond belief. Based on the broadway musical "Sarafina!", this film (distributed by Buena Vista [Walt Disney Studios]) definetely meets my expectations.It isn't about the acting. I personally think that the cast was amazing, but for those select few who think Whoopi Goldberg did a so-called "mediocre" acting job, this film is about a story, a very strong story. Who cares about the acting? I mean, look at "Gone With The Wind". The acting sucks and look how popular it is!So anyway, the story is very dramatic and sort of violent, but is very emotional and touching. The music is fantastic, "Freedom is Coming Tomorrow" being one of the highlights of the film. If you haven't seen this movie, go see it now, regardless of what people say. It is an amazing film.

Mike (sutcal) I just didn't get this movie...Was it a musical? no..but there were choreographed songs and dancing in it...Was it a serious drama....no the acting was not good enough for that.Is Whoopi Goldberg a quality serious Actor..Definently not. I had difficulty staying awake through this disjointed movie. The message on apartheid and the "tribute" to the students who died during a student uprosing is noted. But as entertainment this was very poor and as a documentary style movie it was worse.See for yourself, but in fairness I hated it