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Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Told with a remarkable sense of intimacy, visual style and musical panache, Susanne Rostock's inspiring biographical documentary SING YOUR SONG surveys the life and times of singer/actor/activist Harry Belafonte. From his rise to fame as a singer and his experiences touring a segregated country to his provocative crossover into Hollywood, Belafonte's groundbreaking career personifies the American civil rights movement. Rostock reveals Belafonte as a tenacious hands-on activist who worked intimately with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., mobilized celebrities for social justice, participated in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and took action to counter gang violence, prisons, and the incarceration of youth.
Because of his beliefs, Belafonte drew unwarranted invasions by the FBI into both his personal life and career, which led to years of struggle. But an indomitable sense of optimism motivates his path even today as he continues to ask, at 84, "What do we do now?" His example may very well inspire you to action.
Special Features
- Interview with Harry Belafonte
- Full-length Music Performances
- Trailer
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertainer, Activist, Trailblazer: A Remarkable And Inspiring Journey Through History
May 15, 2012
Format:DVD
I'm almost ashamed to admit how little I knew of the remarkable journey of activist and entertainer Harry Belafonte. While I was aware of many of his philanthropic endeavors with UNICEF and his recent dedication to youth education programs, I was not cognizant of just how pivotal a role Belafonte played in the Civil Rights movement. Susanne Rostock's stirring documentary "Sing Your Song" is a fitting tribute to a man who has tirelessly devoted his life to repairing the social injustices of the world. He used his entertainment career to shed light on the bigger issues of the day and never has celebrity so seamlessly interwoven with activism. Harry Belafonte has had a truly noteworthy life and in this film he shares many war stories with style and candor. He remains an inspiration and after laying out his many accomplishments, the film closes with him asking "What do we do now?" Good question because we need to be doing something different, something more.
"Sing Your Song" uses Belafonte front and center relaying his life story. There is tons of footage from performances, rallies, concerts, and speeches as he navigated through our tumultuous history. The first parts of the film detail how Belafonte's career took off and just how he paralleled his success with his increasing interest in race related issues. He was a trailblazer who made music, films, and TV specials that challenged conventional fare. I was especially impressed, though, that he continuously put himself on the front line. Belafonte isn't sidelined during the Civil Rights movement. He is one of its most visible faces and helped raise awareness by bringing his celebrity friends into the picture. This made him a target for government investigation and scrutiny, he was even the liaison to the Kennedy administration on many issues of the day. The first two-thirds of "Sing Your Song" are so strong, harrowing, and inspirational--Belafonte's life could really make a great feature film.
Belafonte's activism did have a toll. His family relationships often took a back seat, and in this documentary--the personal stuff has a much smaller role than the public persona. His ex-wife and kids participate in the interviews but at a minimal level. The focus that the film does have, though, is incredibly powerful. If I had any complaints, it is that the last few decades of Belafonte's life fly by from one major event to another. This section of the film lacks the dramatic imperative of the Civil Rights years although it still highlights many issues. Overall, "Sing Your Song" is an unforgettable journey through history through the eyes of a real hero. I didn't have strong feelings about Harry Belafonte prior to seeing this documentary, but I am stunned by his contributions and sacrifices. Definitely recommended. KGHarris, 5/12.
"Sing Your Song" uses Belafonte front and center relaying his life story. There is tons of footage from performances, rallies, concerts, and speeches as he navigated through our tumultuous history. The first parts of the film detail how Belafonte's career took off and just how he paralleled his success with his increasing interest in race related issues. He was a trailblazer who made music, films, and TV specials that challenged conventional fare. I was especially impressed, though, that he continuously put himself on the front line. Belafonte isn't sidelined during the Civil Rights movement. He is one of its most visible faces and helped raise awareness by bringing his celebrity friends into the picture. This made him a target for government investigation and scrutiny, he was even the liaison to the Kennedy administration on many issues of the day. The first two-thirds of "Sing Your Song" are so strong, harrowing, and inspirational--Belafonte's life could really make a great feature film.
Belafonte's activism did have a toll. His family relationships often took a back seat, and in this documentary--the personal stuff has a much smaller role than the public persona. His ex-wife and kids participate in the interviews but at a minimal level. The focus that the film does have, though, is incredibly powerful. If I had any complaints, it is that the last few decades of Belafonte's life fly by from one major event to another. This section of the film lacks the dramatic imperative of the Civil Rights years although it still highlights many issues. Overall, "Sing Your Song" is an unforgettable journey through history through the eyes of a real hero. I didn't have strong feelings about Harry Belafonte prior to seeing this documentary, but I am stunned by his contributions and sacrifices. Definitely recommended. KGHarris, 5/12.
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By Pam Mcdonald
Format:DVD
This movie holds me in rapt attention, and I have watched it 3 times now. My 33-year-old daughter loved it. Two of her comments remain with me: She felt like she was watching an alternate reality, and Belafonte is such a gorgeous man, even at 80 years old.
Watching other movies, with old footage of Birmingham, Selma and Little Rock gives a certain view of what the 1960's were like, but watching this beautiful man live through those times, day-to-day, gives the viewer a sense of what it was like to live a courageous life under segregated conditions.
Finally, how many of us knew what a key player Belafonte was and still is, in the the Civil Rights movement all over the world, bringing cash and star power to the movement, not just his own star power, but Marlon Brando, Tony Curtis, Paul Newman, Tony Bennet, and on and on ...
If you are interested in the Civil Rights movement of yesterday, today, and TOMORROW, or if you just love calypso music sung by a honey-voiced, magnetic personality, you won't be disappointed in this movie.
Watching other movies, with old footage of Birmingham, Selma and Little Rock gives a certain view of what the 1960's were like, but watching this beautiful man live through those times, day-to-day, gives the viewer a sense of what it was like to live a courageous life under segregated conditions.
Finally, how many of us knew what a key player Belafonte was and still is, in the the Civil Rights movement all over the world, bringing cash and star power to the movement, not just his own star power, but Marlon Brando, Tony Curtis, Paul Newman, Tony Bennet, and on and on ...
If you are interested in the Civil Rights movement of yesterday, today, and TOMORROW, or if you just love calypso music sung by a honey-voiced, magnetic personality, you won't be disappointed in this movie.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Linda
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Sing Your Song: Harry Belafonte is a wonderful DVD. It is rich in history and music. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in social justice.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte is a hero to all oppressed people throughtout the world. His life has been a true example a freedom fighter.
Published 10 days ago by sanford shevack
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCEPTIONAL!!!!!!!
It exceeded my expectations. I have not stopped watching it or advising others to get it to watch it! Read more
Published 25 days ago by Karen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Movie. A real suprise
We love Belafonte's music. The movie provides a real insight into his life. We had no idea, what a mover and shaker he was in the area of Civil Rights.
Published 1 month ago by Charles
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and entertaining
Harry Belafonte was not an unknown entertainer/activist to me when I viewed this video. I must admit that I learned so much. Read more
Published 2 months ago by T. Wansley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very very good. I would recommed this to any one. I am going to have...
Very very good. I would recommed this to any one. I am going to have to purchase the dvd. I just rented it from amazon.
Published 2 months ago by Paula Massey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary having been a fan of Harry Belafonte for years. It was very informative as well as entertaining.
Published 2 months ago by Donna Ray
4.0 out of 5 stars
Harry in a society of hellish perfection
The Bible has a book of Ezra which warns people that they are going to live in an unclean land with unclean people who have abominations, and "with their abominations they have... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Bruce P. Barten
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful, Inspiring, Often Disturbing Documentary
I am baffled by those reviewers who expect Harry Belafonte to sing and samba here. They have been out-of-touch with the post-recording celebrity who has always been a champion of... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Birdman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review of Sing Your Song Harry Belafonte
The dvd isan interesting and informative summary of Belafonte's life as a singer actor and activist. Read more
Published 3 months ago by swervi_mervyn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sing his songs, read his story
I bought multiple copies of this DVD so I could share it with my grandsons. Aside from the music, which is wonderful, the history told through Harry Belafonte's life should be... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Nancy VanderLinde
