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Poster for Finding Fela

Finding Fela

2014 · 2h · Not Rated Documentary, Music
Directed by Alex Gibney

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Overview

Fela Anikulapo Kuti created the musical movement Afrobeat and used it as a political forum to oppose the Nigerian dictatorship and advocate for the rights of oppressed people. This is the story of his life, music, and political importance.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
60%
Tomatometer
Rotten

The problem isn't really finding Fela, but containing him.

J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
Fresh

"Finding Fela!" is an apt title for this dynamic and thorough documentary by Alex Gibney.

Tom Keogh, Seattle Times
Fresh

At its best, the film manages the trick of constructing a modern myth while simultaneously deconstructing it - on one level, this is a story about how to tell a story. Plus, it's got a great beat and you can dance to it.

Tim Campbell, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Rotten

The constant flipping between stagecraft and reality creates a dissonant static that prevents any satisfying connection with the film.

David Hiltbrand, Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh

The early songs are a celebration; the later music is a weapon. It would be nice to get more of both, but for that there are the reissued CDs, not to mention this film's soundtrack, a decent sampler.

Ty Burr, Boston Globe

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