We Are Together (Thina Simunye) (2007)

92% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
82% of users liked it
(347 ratings)

Slindile, a young 12-year-old South Africa girl, lives at the Agape Orphanage in KwaZulu Natal. It's a home for children, many of whom have lost their parents to AIDS. She and the other children from the orphanage form a choir which becomes their greatest source of comfort and hope, and which takes… More Slindile, a young 12-year-old South Africa girl, lives at the Agape Orphanage in KwaZulu Natal. It's a home for children, many of whom have lost their parents to AIDS. She and the other children from the orphanage form a choir which becomes their greatest source of comfort and hope, and which takes them on a journey beyond their dreams. Filmed over three years the chronicle tells the story about sorrow, joy and the strength of the human spirit. For children like Slindile and her friends at Agape, life has not been easy, but their voices continue to ring loud and clear. As they come to terms with a series of painful setbacks, including the loss of loved ones to AIDS, their spirit stays strong and their singing takes them to places they have never been before.

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: Paul Taylor
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: Nov 26, 2006 Wide
On DVD: Sep 9, 2008
Studio: Palm Pictures

Critic Reviews

Nathan Lee, New York Times
You've seen this sort of thing before, but the film, directed by Paul Taylor, happens to be especially well photographed, and the youngsters more winning than most.
Ronnie Scheib, Variety
We Are Together stands as a celebration of resiliency.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Christianity Today
Compared to the reality-TV programs that wring manufactured drama from manipulated situations, We Are Together is an example of admirable restraint.
Kam Williams, AALBC.com
Heartrending musical documentary examines plight of South African AIDS orphans.
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
As others have reported, this is a very inspiring film. However, it does raise troubling questions about the source of Africa's misery and how it will be ended.
Drew Toal, Time Out New York
This film about orphans in South Africa would be satisfying even if the only good thing about it were its refreshing lack of Bono.
Matt Noller, Slant Magazine
The specter of the AIDS crisis is raised on several occasions, but never as anything more than a way to elicit easy sympathy.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
Intimate and emotional, with rather a lot of time focusing on the gorgeous young children as they laugh, play and, yes, cry
Anna Hart, Empire Magazine
While it strays occasionally into Oxfam-advert territory, this remains a touching documentary.
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
There are moments of joy, so sublime you feel your heart swell with the sound of the children's voices and segments of sadness as sharp as a scalpel.