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| Movie Review: Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love Alternate Title: Music of the Heart
Story: Produced and directed
by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, this film is a loving
portrait of International singing star, Youssou N’Dour.
In the Bono tradition of entertainers who lend their stardom to causes
that help humanity, Youssou shines. Youssou's story is not in the run
of the mill rock star mode. He is from Senegal, in West Africa. It is a nation
of 13,000,000, mostly comprised of Islamic Sufi. The uneven biopic follows
Youssou on his worldwide tour of the release of his album, Egypt. It
received accolades everywhere but in Senegal, where the Sufi's felt
he had crossed the line in singing about his religion. It is a bit confusing
to understand what he had done to cross this line and whenever the film
was about to address this sensitive issue, it broke away to a music
clip from the worldwide tour. I thoroughly enjoyed his polyrhythmic music and
could not help but tap my feet and bob my head throughout the film.
I walked away with a new respect for this Grammy award winning singer,
his culture and nation's history. I just wish the film has more shape
and a bit less concert footage. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGUZiLU8ijs Acting: It is a documentary so this category doe
snot apply.
Predilection: None
Critters: A squirmy scene with goats being taken
for a ritual sacrifice. Food: Abovementioned goat.
Soundtrack: Terrific
Theater Audience: About ten other music appreciators.
Squirm Scale: Again, the abovementioned goat scene.
Drift Factor: I drifted a bit.
Oscar Worthy: 0
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 6
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