FilmSnobReviews

Title: Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Questlove
Starring: Roy Ayers, Ethel Beatty, Barbara Bland-Acosta
Runtime: 1 hr 58 mins

What It Is: In the summer of 1969 a music festival occurred, though not the one you’re probably thinking of. Yes the legendary Woodstock took place in upstate Bethel, New York at this same time. But right smack dab in the city itself was the Harlem Cultural Festival. This documentary focuses on that. It’s focus on Black pride and unity is felt in the acts that the festival has chosen to display. It’s also why the festival was almost lost to time.

What We Think: Questlove’s direction is such a surprise. I was not expecting him to have such a great eye for documentary storytelling. The strong suit for this film however is, of course, the music. From Nina Simone to Sly and the Family Stone these performances are so real and raw. Having the people who were there speak to the event really helped. It made everything feel authentic. This festival at surface level isn’t that different from every other…outside of one major thing. This festival and what it represents are so utterly important. Its preservation is important. Kudos to Questlove. It was clearly a labor of love for him.

Our Grade: A-, Featuring a killer soundtrack and archival footage that has held up well this is a thrilling piece of musical wonder. Being on Hulu the accessibility is there and there’s no reason you shouldn’t immediately go and watch this one. Not only will the message resonate with you but the music will move you. Make you think and perhaps change your view on certain social issues. If it doesn’t well…I don’t know what to tell you. I can tell you that this documentary is one of the years best. See it!