Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Grim yet inspiring docu of rape survivors in war-torn Africa
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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City of Joy
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CITY OF JOY takes place in Bukavu, Eastern Congo, where a devastating war has been going on since 1996. The outlying areas, which are the source of abundant and valuable minerals, are under siege. Multinational companies "employ" militias of young men who are tasked with emptying the villages. Raping and pillaging are a primary military tactic. Hundreds of thousands of women and girls have been raped; children and infants have been slaughtered. Citizens flee from the violence, leaving the resources to the aggressors. Dr. Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist, and Christine Schuyler-Deschryver, a community activist, founded the City of Joy as a safe harbor for survivors. Eve Ensler, playwright and tireless worker on behalf of women, joins them. The residents' medical and psychological needs are met to the greatest extent possible. In addition, the women are trained as leaders, their terrifying experiences a backdrop for their renewal. City of Joy offers a new life, hope, community, and inspiration. The women tell their stories. They are instructed in the art of self-defense. Most significant are their efforts to regain their selfhood and their joy. They dance, they sing, they sew, they support one another, they take steps to re-enter the world under their own power.
Is It Any Good?
This moving, beautifully executed documentary is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting; the women of this extraordinary community are the bravest of souls, the most resilient, and the most inspiring. Madeleine Gavin has delivered a film that gives special meaning to the motto of this community. Like the residents there who learn to live again, Gavin has "transformed pain" into a powerful film that deserves to be seen. Winner of Best Documentary Film awards at an array of film festivals, it's sometimes a challenge to watch. Stories told with such detailed sexual violence and such intimacy cannot help but elicit profound emotions.
At the same time, the messages -- about resilience, about the ability of an individual to radically affect change -- leaven the horror with hope. It's rare to encounter a hero such as Dr. Mukwege, a young woman with the courage of Jane Mukunila, or such stalwart activists as Christine Schuyler-Deschryver and Eve Ensler. City of Joy assures that they won't be forgotten.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the intentions of documentary films: to entertain, instruct or inform, inspire, and/or persuade. In which category or categories does City of Joy belong? Why?
The rallying cry for the community known as the City of Joy is "Transform Pain into Power." What character traits (e.g., perseverance, courage) are integral to making this transformation?
How does this film show the impact one individual can make in today's world? Why do you think people like Dr. Mukwege, Christine Schuyler-Deschryver, and Eve Ensler continue to be of service? In what ways is their work rewarding to them? Have you ever experienced such personal dividends? Think about your community. Where might you be able to make a difference?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 7, 2018
- Cast : Dr. Denis Mukwege , Christine Schuyler-Deschryver , Eve Ensler , Jane
- Director : Madeleine Gavin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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