War Dance - A Review

This documentary is a heart-breaking ride through the lives of three children whose past of murder, abuse and forced killing as a result of the war in Northern Uganda intersects with their school life where they seek to compete in the nation wide arts competition.

This movie will break your heart, but it probably needs to be broken. After watching I was reminded that I live in a virtual Disneyland and gave me a fresh perspective on the challenges of my last few weeks. When confronted with unspeakable evil, I am usually left feeling a passion to pursue justice for the oppressed to a greater degree, but in light of my limited ability, a greater longing for Jesus' return to make all things right. What other hope do we have?

The cinematography is stunning and leaves you wanting more. The music is subtle, but accompanies the story with care. The pacing of the film seemed very appropriate with the intermingling of the horror stories of three students pasts intersecting with their current struggle (along with other students) to compete against bigger and wealthier schools from southern Uganda.

This is not a Christian movie, but many Christian themes, such as, perseverance, suffering, lament, evil, justice, hope and the gift of music are present throughout. This is a masterful documentary that should be seen. It will move you for sure, but for most of us, we probably need a fresh awakening to the enormous need for the gospel to go to all the ends of the earth.

You can watch this movie instantly here on Netflix.