Under African Skies

Under African Skies (2012)

  • 100% of critics liked it
    (16 reviews)

  • 93% of users liked it
    (210 ratings)

For the 25th anniversary of "Graceland," Paul Simon returns to South Africa for a historic reunion concert-and a look at his landmark album's turbulent birth. Interviewing anti-apartheid activists and music legends like Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney and David Byrne,… More

Unrated,
Directed By
Genres
Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary
In Theaters
May 11, 2012 Limited
IFC Films

Critic Reviews

  • Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor

    The result is doubly satisfying: We get not only a trenchant political drama but a bang-up concert film as well.

  • Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times

    The affection between the musicians and Simon is clear. The portrait that emerges time and again is personal and a reflection of the realities of apartheid.

  • Stephen Holden, New York Times

    [It] does an excellent job of recapitulating the controversies surrounding the album's creation without bearing down too heavily on old news, while subtly taking Mr. Simon's side against his critics.

  • Tim Grierson, Village Voice

    It's a pleasant surprise that Under African Skies not only draws attention to the controversy surrounding its subject matter but digs into it a little.

  • Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News

    A harmonious, fair-minded, energetic and enlightening portrait of one masterpiece's moment in time.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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