Like the Humane Society ads with Sarah McLachlan whining in the background, I was actually afraid to watch a documentary like this.But it was so incredibly, sensitively and beautifully filmed, scored and produced that I am speechless. It is IMO a damn near perfect documentary.The exposition of the stories of just three of the 50,000 children in the camp was skillfully done--but so, so real. I don't know how they got this footage from these children. It was obvious they were confronting their memories for the first times --in all three cases.But the nationwide music and dance competition was exactly what both the viewer and the children were in need of--relief from pain.I am in awe of what has been done here. I leave it with just one question: What can *I* do?

This is certainly one of the finest documentaries we have ever seen. It ranks with Hoop Dreams and Roger & Me. The cinematography is outstanding, and the film blends the horrific stories of three child victims of war with youthful hope for the future through music. The directors manage to capture the beautiful landscape of Uganda's war-torn north while also showing how ravaged both the countryside and families have been during the last decades. The music that propels the film forward was also wonderful and unique to Western ears.This is the only time I have ever left the theater and immediately called friends to tell them to go see a film. All I can say is, Go see this film!

Much like Gore's film, War/Dance is a great cinematic contribution to the world. Bold statement. This film has less urgency and less catastrophe than Gore's but still, it must be watched. I really like the style of storytelling: they allowed the three main subjects--three children: Rose, Nancy, & Dominic--to do all of the storytelling (without any provided narration). The result is three intimate and soul-wrenching revelations of turmoil and perseverance, and most importantly, of hope. Children can be very profound; these three definitely are. They have that look of war veterans in their eyes. Amazingly captured in the cinematography. The shots, presentation of political & social subject matter, emotional content--all excellent. You will walk away informed & attached, and wanting to take action; you don't feel like you've just read yesterday's newspaper or received some second or third-generation information. This film is moving in so many ways. Go.

First of all, be prepared: this is not an easy film to watch. Though I had heard something about the situation in Uganda, I had no idea just how horrible things are for so many people there. As other viewers have commented, it is hard to watch these children narrate their stories of horror, which are so disturbing you almost wish the film was fictional. And yet -- when these children have the opportunity to dance, to sing, to play music, it does indeed seem that something in their hearts can shine again. This is one of those documentaries that will spur you to action -- to want to do something to make a difference -- if not in Uganda, then in your own community. Certainly if you've been feeling sorry for yourself and obsessing about your personal issues, this movie will help you put them in perspective. It is also a gorgeously shot film in what must have been trying circumstances. I wondered how the filmmakers got so intimate with their subjects - at one point, a boy reveals something horrifying to the filmmakers that he had not told anyone else before. I felt the filmmakers did a good job of treating these children with respect and dignity even as they showed the unthinkable challenges they face. A must-see film, and one of the best documentaries of the year.