Customer Reviews

Senator Obama Goes To Africa

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2 star:		(1)
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I have read the following books regarding the Illinois Senator: Obama's "Dreams of My Father...," "The Audacity of Hope" and "Obama: From Promise to Power" by David Mendell. My recommendation would be to see this powerful documentary after reading at least Mendell's book, as the events in Bob Hercules and Keith Walker's film are described in "Obama: From Promise to Power" in detailed chronology. For me, it was exciting to be watching "Senator Obama Goes to Africa" and knowing (from Mendell's book) about the events I was seeing. It was almost like I was a tour guide for my family as we watched the documentary.

Ultimately, what I'm saying is that there are several sources of information on Obama's career and life that compliment each other and each make their own unique contributions. Obama's "Dreams of My Father..." adds a personal background to this documentary that is important, too.

But, focusing on the Hercules and Walker work, it could be said that there is nothing more powerful than seeing images of things that really happened. For the most part, a lot of us take photography, film (etcetera) as the closest thing to evidence of the truth that there is. Of course, like any work, a documentary film is edited, and it has the signature of its makers and their points of view. Yet, Hercules and Walker seem to manage pretty well to keep themselves out of the way and let viewers see this journey for themselves. As in all good documentaries, it gives you that feeling that you're an unnoticed "fly on the wall," able to see things without them seeing you. Another metaphor is that it's like a window, and it achieves what they call in film school and scholarly research, "the willingnesss to suspend disbelief." The documentary pulls you in, making you forget yourself and the fact that you are watching a film. You are inside it, believing its "reality."

I would not want to write about the film's content's here, as they would spoil things for others yet to see "Senator Obama Goes to Africa." But, I can say a few general things.

Obama narrates this documentary himself ("voice-overs") in a modest but very focused way, and his comments are sparse when compared to the percentage of the film that goes without any commentary at all. Michelle is with him on the trip, and she comments on her feelings about events happening during the trip, too. This journey to the continent from which his ancestry comes is pretty remarkable and shows Obama's overwhelming popularity in each place he visits, as well as his extremely effective ways of bringing attention to important issues out in the open. There's a lot more I could say, but I'll keep it to this last point: People are crazy about him, just wild.

You have to see this film. It will be in archives for centuries for future generations to see.

A good documentary showing slices of the man and politician. Pretty much a precursor of what we saw during the 2008 campaign. No insight into his view of Africa other than confirming for me that his engagement of the continent is at a distance. While focusing a small bit on economics the big scenes are related to the problem areas. It does, however, capture the real gift he has for exciting people, particularly those who see him as a symbol of something bigger.

With the upcoming election looming, this video helps illustrate the depth and concern that Senator Obama will bring to foreign policy, not only in Africa, but in a broader sense. It also adds to the evidence and intrigue of his personality as genuine and highlights the candor he brings to potentially difficult subjects. The imagery of Africa, the brief visit with his family in Kenya, and the glimpse of how Senator Obama is viewed abroad are added reasons to view this item.

GOOD GLIMPSE OF THE MAN WHO WOULD BE PRESIDENT. HELPS TO DISPEL SOME OF THE RAMPANT INTERNET RUMORS AND SHOWS A PERSONAL SIDE OF A VERY PUBLIC FIGURE. WE ENJOYED IT AFTER READING DREAMS FROM MY FATHER. THIS MAN HAS A VERY INTERESTING HISTORY.

Senator Obama Goes to Africa is a timely documentary on DVD following Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama during a visit to Africa, the land of his ancestry. He visits the prison where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 21 years, a Darfur refugee camp in Chad, and Kenya, the home of his father. He bears witness to political strife, and the horrific effects of genocide, seeking to infuse a call for diplomacy and optimism amid hardship and tragedy. Biographies, an African journey in pictures, and a visit to the Masai Mara Game Preserve with the Obama family round out this profound look at both a complex continent and the soul of a man who would become America's President, highly recommended. 60 minutes, color.

Obama's trip to Africa after winning a Senatorial seat was well publicized in the Chicago press, but I had never seen filmed footage of the voyage. This is not low-budget work; it was clearly made with a director that had funds.

Too many people think that Africa is a homogenous continent. However, by visiting the eastern, southern, and northern sections of the continent, one gets to see Africa's diversity. (Since most African Americans are of West African descent, it may have been wise to have visited that region. But if you have limited funds and time, you can't see everywhere.)

The Senator showed that he's a great public speaker. He's highly aware of pressing issues. He never once seemed to give a repetitive stump speech. For those considering voting for him in upcoming primaries, this may really capture their vote.

Obama's wife is interviewed and she's lovely as always. I've read books and articles by Ellis Cose, but this was the first time I'd ever seen him or heard him. Obama has a staff member named Mark Lippert who has an awesome pronounced chin dimple. If someone says, "Barack's sister," I usually would think of his Eurasian sister who lives in Hawaii. This documentary shows that he has a sister who is fully of Kenyan ancestry too.

If you love seeing women in colorful African clothing, men in huge turbans, chubby-cheeked children and babies for days, then you'll really love seeing the people in this documentary.

Documentary? A polished producton ad for the the dupes who thought they were going to view a legitimite documentary. Like me.

The director (of Propaganda) once upon a time made a 'Documentary' about Barack Obama mentor, the one and only, Saul Alinsky. Don't know Saul Alinsky? Put on your investigative hat and find out what you don't want to find out.

If one must absolutely watch this brainwashing, go to your public library and check it out for free. Like me.