User Reviews

The Choir is a very awkward documentary which is saved by its subject matter being so fantastic.

I really don't know what Michael Davie was trying to achieve. This is because the direction and framing suggest that the majority of scenes were set-up. Actually, it feels like that for most of the movie. But perhaps it's good that there are movie makers out there breaking the mould. Yet, I can't help but feel it hasn't worked due to my failure to fully work out if it was real or not.

That being said, it's an uplifting, and equally saddening, story. The documentary focuses on the teacher of the prison choir and a new member over a period of six years. It's an interesting relationship.

All in all, The Choir is a very good documentary. I have issues with it, but it's ultimately the story that matters. 7/10

Several years ago there was a very successful Swedish film called AS IT IS IN HEAVEN about a repressed rural community of isolated people either lonely / unhappy / in bad marriages / misfit etc.... they were encouraged to join the local Church choir ... which caused each to undergo a life transformation as their rise in voice matched a realization they could speak out - even to themselves - and by finding their voice found their way in life. It is an interesting concept and this documentary THE CHOIR is a genuine example of this idea filmed in a South African prison for scarred 20 year old youths who, by joining the prison choir find that this just might be a formula for possible happiness and confidence. It is a remarkable film in humanizing these mute thugs who slowly regain a sense of themselves and their place in their own lives... There are two strands - that of one particular very streetwise 20 year old and also that of the middle aged choir master... each have a journey to personal and social enlightenment and the film follows both....THE CHOUR is an Australan - South Africa co production and the healing theory of HEAVEN is tested well with a genuinely repressed damaged group of crushed souls. Often the film breaks into spontaneous dance and singing sequences during which the film genuinely soars. They choir enter a contest, and later some members are released from prison on good behavior only to realize that Urban South Africa is worse than their harsh prison. THE CHOIR is a superbly created documentary set in a truly awful place that humanizes the protagonists by rebuilding their humanity as their dignity and hopes are raised through the power of simple singing. Not a miserable film as might be first feared, THE CHOIR is genuinely uplifting and quite exhilarating for viewers in any country. It s soaringly reassuring about the human spirit and the healing power of singing and group arts. ... set in the worst place in a hard country. The soundtrack quality is exceptionally good with fantastic tribal music and exquisite singing from some of the most unknown people on the planet.