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Benda Bilili!
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Benda Bilili!

Benda Bilili!

2010
Documentary, Music
1h 25m
Summer 2009. Five paraplegics and a young able-bodied teenager light up the stage in front of an entranced audience of 8000 people. "Benda Bilili" - in English "See Beyond", is the name of this Kinshasa band which has acquired a global following. Chances of success were slim at first for these homeless handicapped artists who struggled to survive on the streets of their dilapidated capital. "Benda Bilili" is not a music film, it's the story of a dream that became reality. (imdb)

Directed by:

Renaud Barret, Florent de La Tullaye

Screenwriter:

Renaud Barret, Florent de La Tullaye

Starring:

Cubain Kabeya, Paulin Kiara-Maigi, Roger Landu

Genres:

Documentary, Music

AKA:

See Beyond

Countries:

The Democratic Republic of Congo, France

Languages:

French, Lingala
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Benda Bilili!

2010
Documentary, Music
1h 25m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 70.06% from 38 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(38)
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angrypierreangrypierre
Rated 01 Mar 2012
85
85th
The tag of "feel-good film of the..." gets thrown about willy nilly these days, but this really does have that kind of quality. The stoicism of these inspirational musicians in the face of both extreme hardship and eventual deliverance and success tempers the worst of the despair of their lives and any suggestion of success going to their heads. The occasional excerpts of children's conversations on life are exceptional. Loved it.
Rated 01 Mar 2012
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 17 Mar 2018
77
49th
Nice film. Good musicians making great music, and a quite inspirational rise from poverty and misfortune to get some international recognition, success and recompense. You do wonder how any of this would have happened without the French film crew and their production money, but we can only assume that this rowdy bunch would be together in Kinshasa working on their beats and rhythms whatever the situation. This kind of film really puts our privileged lives into perspective.
Rated 17 Mar 2018
telemecusTelemecus
Rated 03 Mar 2014
32
31st
Few moments of magical brilliance - but not a story or crescendo like Buena Vista etc.
Rated 03 Mar 2014
mandymandy
Rated 26 Nov 2013
8
92nd
Entertaining and truly life affirming.
Rated 26 Nov 2013
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 23 May 2013
3
73rd
The adventures of the charismatic Ricky and co. make an interesting story. There's an enormous amount left unsaid and unasked, this is all about the rags-to-stage story, regardless of any riches or their distribution. Watching these guys and their views on Europe as a SOLUTION! to their problems tweaked my white-guilt button, one I never realised I had.
Rated 23 May 2013
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 10 Oct 2011
25
61st
"Renaud Barret and Florent de La Tullaye's documentary falters by adopting too much of a celebratory tone." - Andrew Schenker
Rated 10 Oct 2011
tinysausagetinysausage
Rated 14 Jul 2011
71
47th
A moving story about staying positive against overwhelming odds. Ricky Lickabu in particular is inspiring in his endless energy and generosity in keeping the musicians (and street kids) cheerful and on the right path.
Rated 14 Jul 2011
melvin_smifMelvin Smif
Rated 07 Mar 2011
90
94th
**TRUE/FALSE SCREENING** I've seen taglines for this film reading "A true life fairy tale" and that sentiment cannot be deemed a falsehood. Truly this is a film of aching sadness and equally aching joy, the very definition of a "Life Affirming" tale. If nothing else watch it for the music, what incredible music!
Rated 07 Mar 2011

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