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War Dance

(2007, Rated PG-13, Documentary, Starring Dominic, Nancy, Rose)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Riveting story of pain and beauty in Uganda.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Touching examples of how young people care for their siblings when parents aren't available.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Children talk about the brutality of war; how they saw parents and others killed and abducted, and how some were forced to be child soldiers.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    The children of the Acholi tribe have no access to electricity or running water. Going to the big city blows them away.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About War Dance

Parents need to know that though this film is uplifting, some of the stories told by the children in this movie depict graphic horrors of war. Some speak of murder, some speak of abduction. The film takes place in a refugee camp in Northern Uganda where evidence of poverty can be overwhelming. But the Acholi tribe acts with dignity, which is a lesson in itself.

Read our full review by Joly Herman

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the children of the Acholi tribe survive. How is their life different from yours? Can you imagine living without electricity? How does music change Dominic's life? What makes Rose happy?
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