War Dance.

Hello again, friends.  Spring Break is obviously giving me more time to blog, and more things to blog about (but I know you love hearing about my time in the library...right?).

I got War Dance through Netflix a couple of weeks ago, and it has been sitting on my counter waiting to be watched.  I finally popped it in last night, while folding laundry and enjoying a glass of wine. 

And it was so, so, so good.  Take a peek:

I have many thoughts after watching this...too many to get out in any coherent fashion.  But here are some first impressions:

* I was a blubbering mess at multiple points throughout the documentary, but when this beautiful boy, with pride in his voice says:

"In my heart, I am more than a child of war.  I am talented.  I am a musician.  I am Acholi.  I am the future of out tribe."

I was so proud of him.  Really, I felt like his mom or something.

* The stories these kids tell are incredibly tragic.  Many have been orphaned by rebel raids through the villages they lived in.  Some were even abducted and forced to be child soldiers. Yet, there is redemption, even there, in that camp.  The larger injustice hasn't been made right yet, but this was a great reminder that redemption doesn't always happen in huge leaps.  Sometimes it happens when some sweet kids get to compete in a music competition against all odds.  The world IS being put to rights, and that redemption is beautiful, even if it's incremental.  The small victories need to be celebrated, too.

* The language they speak (which I think is Swahili) is beautiful.  The cadences are amazing, it's like listening to music.

* If I can hop up on my soapbox for a second (*ahem*)...there is no way you can watch this film and tell me that music and arts education should be cut from school curriculum.  Music gives these kids pride, and purpose.  It enhances their lives, and gives them hope for their futures.  And if you think that doesn't translate to our schools...you're crazy.  

Basically, you all need to watch War Dance. And if you're a netflix subscriber, you can stream it online.