War Child

In "War Child" we meet Emmanuel Jal, a successful hip-hop artist in his 20s whose music tells the story of a young life in exile from the ravages of civil war. First-time filmmaker C. Karim Chrobog's documentary is both frightening and inspiring at the same time.

To many Americans, for whom names like Darfur and Sudan are mere locations in Africa with tragedies attached to them, "War Child" is a history lesson quite profound. I sat in stunned silence as the origins of the humanitarian crisis there were made real through the words in Jal's songs as well as the recounting of his childhood in the Sudan, subsequent escape, and return 18 years later to be reunited with the family he left behind. We travel with him on this journey, literally, and the emotions flow forth. "War Child" is, on one hand, a music documentary for lovers of hip-hop. But, more than anything, it is a history lesson which will leave you with a new sense of what the crisis in Darfur and Sudan are all about.

A very inspiring film that is also very well shot, it will keep you glued to the screen throughout. It gives a history of a conflict, but instead of faceless statistics, it focuses on one young man's story, making it so much easier to relate to. I couldn't help crying during some parts, and laughing during others. War child does send you on an emotional roller coaster, but it's definitely worth it. The movie makes you want to dance along, sing along, and then go out and do something worthwhile.

The music is great and the shots of Southern Sudan are breathtaking. War child is definitely worth watching, and then watching again. Two thumbs up.