There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Apartheid from the touching perspective of a hopeful teenager dreaming and fighting for a better future for her generation.Sarafina! Is a brilliant adaptation of a 1988 Boadway musical narrating the struggles and hopes of a young South African student and her schoolmates during the controversial era of Apartheid, characterised by escalating violence and intolerance against the black community.It stars Hollywood star Whoopy Goldberg cast as Mary Masombuka, Sarafina's courageous teacher, imprisoned for daring to inspire her students to feel proud of their origin.In this film emerging actress Leleti Khumalo gives an exceptional interpretation of the leading character, a fierce, bright and optimistic young woman from Soweto.It also features singer Mariam Makeba cast as Angelina, Sarafina's mother, employed as a domestic servant by a white family in order to support financially her children living in a deprived area of Soweto.The remaining extraordinarily talented cast, mainly composed by internationally unknown South African actors, the powerful soundtrack, featuring a glorious "Freedom is coming" amongst other fabulous songs and the intensity of the dialogues, tackling controversial political and social issues, make this film a masterpiece not to be missed.Sarafina!thoroughly succeeds in depicting the tremendous power of education and knowledge for social and political change.I highly recommend it to everyone, especially young audiences for its powerful message on equality and hope for a brighter future.

If you are looking for a funny, moving movie that could best depict the life of teenagers during the despicable apartheid era in south Africa, this is one. The main character hooks her hopes on the then imprisoned Nelson Mandela. One easily understands the role Mandela played for his people, and understands the controversies that the apartheid era played on the common public in their every day lives. I would also recommend this movie to those who don't know what apartheid was and are hoping to learn about it in a interesting way. They music and dancing is also wonderfully African. It is sometimes hard for westerners to appreciate the African call-chorus music arrangement. This is why some critics have been very harsh on the music. However I call to them to not look at this movie as a typical traditional musical such as the 'sound of music', it is an African musical and respects African music arrangements. Enjoy the movie :)

Sarafina! the film is based on Mbongeni Ngema's play of the same name and it draws inspiration from the student riots that took place in Soweto, Johannesburg in 1976. The film/play was never intended to be a historical documentary explaining Apartheid for an international audience but rather a story about young black South Africans living under Apartheid.The film is an excellent adaptation and the musical numbers are well integrated but also evoke the stage through their inclusion. Some may feel that it is inappropriate in a film about such serious issues, but songs and music formed an important element to anti-apartheid protests and they should be seen within this context. The film 'Mapantsula' made five years earlier, demonstrates this same tendency as prisoners sing as they are led into the cells.The film is beautifully shot - the red earth features very strongly - subtly reminding us of mother Africa. It's incredibly well written - I don't think there has been such a well-written film to come out of the country since. Ngema captures the struggle for freedom - the big picture - but does not lose sight of the fact that these were also just teenagers filled with the same angst as teenagers everywhere. Ultimately the film portrays a realistic view of oppression and freedom fighting. It was not easy to live under apartheid neither was it easy to fight against it and there are no heroes in the killing of people, no matter how good the cause.A fantastic film that needs to be better understood.

I am not a South African, but I know how bad life was for them back then. People world over should understand that music is a way in which Africans best express their emotions, so making Sarafina! a musical added to the flavor of the movie. Sarafina! reigns supreme to this day, thanks to Whoopi and Leleti. The scenes shown are not exaggerated. (People were really beaten and killed brutally back then). You'd need to watch more African movies(like Shaka Zulu, Ipintombi etc) to really appreciate the "music" part of it. Leleti Khumalo and Whoopi Goldberg hit home and act well together as a student and her dear teacher respectively. I wish we could have a sequel to it. All in all it is a GREAT movie and well acted.