Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Excellent music doc mixes pop culture, social commentary.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
What's the Story?
SUMMER OF SOUL (...OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED) is a cultural touchstone of Black music, politics, and social activism. Directed by Questlove, the documentary is comprised of footage from the 1969 Harlem Music Festival, a three-day event featuring performances from some of music's biggest acts, including Sly and the Family Stone, The Staple Singers, The Fifth Dimension, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and many more. The documentary also shows how the music of the time reflected the political upheavals of the day, including outrage over the Vietnam War, racism, discrimination, and economic disparity.
Is It Any Good?
This film is a must-watch for fans of music documentaries, pop culture, and American history. The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival was a monumental event for New York City, but the footage filmed there stayed in a basement for more than 50 years simply because studios at the time didn't think enough viewers would be interested in a Black film. The story behind the making of the film only adds to its commentary on race in America -- particularly how some of America's most important stories go overlooked or are suppressed due to racism and discrimination.
It would be possible to view Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) as "just" a documentary on Black music. But Questlove makes sure to provide context for the performances by interviewing people who were there and some of the acts themselves. Their responses provide a historical basis for the themes present in the music we enjoy -- anger at the rich, racist establishment; sadness and despair over the deaths of prominent civil rights leaders; hope for the future; courage to fight back; and joy from living life in all of its ups and downs. The festival footage, combined with images and video from other significant cultural events of the year, paints a more authentic picture of social unrest than Woodstock, which also happened in 1969, aspired to. Indeed, Woodstock -- footage from which did sell to studios because it was a mostly White event -- only gives one side of the story. Yes, it showcased the fact that the current for change was rippling through all parts of society, but it only focused on the White experience, an experience that was already economically and socially privileged over that of the people who were (and continue to be) actually suffering the brunt of America's disinterest. Thankfully, Summer of Soul has finally seen the light of day, belatedly but no less powerfully giving modern viewers the lessons and tools they need to embark on their own fight for civil rights.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages of the music performed at the Harlem Cultural Festival. What do you think audiences took away from the performances?
How does the music in Summer of Soul reflect society during 1969? How were the issues facing people back then similar to the ones we're facing today? How does modern media reflect those issues?
Why do you think the footage from the Harlem Cultural Festival stayed unseen for more than 50 years?
How does the Harlem Cultural Festival compare to Woodstock, the more widely known music festival which also happened that same year? What makes the Harlem Cultural Festival different? How do the two festivals tell a more complete story of life in 1969?
How does the movie show the importance of communication, courage, compassion, empathy, and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 25, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: February 8, 2022
- Director: Questlove
- Inclusion Information: Black directors
- Studio: Hulu
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time: 117 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some disturbing images, smoking and brief drug material
- Award: Academy Award
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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