Throw Down Your Heart (2008) User Reviews

Uncle Bela's Bringing It All Back Home (the Banjo...to Africa,that is)

[druid333-2 · 10/10 · 23 October 2009]

World music lovers of the world,unite! This is the film you have been waiting for. Just a few short years ago,master Banjo wizard,Bela Fleck traveled to Africa,with a few Banjo's in hand,along with his half Brother,documentary film maker,Sascha Paladino (who also captured Bela in his documentary short,'Obstinato:Making Music For Two'),a film & sound crew,to study the origins of the Banjo,and where it came from (and to also record a new CD). What they (as well as us, the audience)got was not just a tutorial on the Banjo & it's origins,but the open window of opportunity to jam with several master musicians in such African nations as Uganda,Tanzania, Gambia & Mali. This is one of those rare films that not only is a genuine joy to watch (the superb camera work & razor sharp editing really bowled me over),but to listen to (we get to see & hear several African folk songs,as well as some of Fleck's own compositions by Fleck & the master musicians & singers,as well). Anybody who knows their onions about African folk & pop music will surely be over joyed by their favourites on screen. Spoken in English & French,Bambara,Jula-Fanyi & Swahili with English subtitles. Not rated by the MPAA,but contains absolutely nothing to offend even the most blue nosed prude.

Love This Film! Great Travel Documentary with Impressive Musicianship

[FredV-588-289194 · 10/10 · 1 January 2010]

Whether your interest is Culture, Travel or Music you will love this film. Bela Fleck takes his banjo to Uganda, Tanzania, Gambia and Mali seeking the African roots of the banjo. This film will teach you a lot about the musical culture and instruments of Africa as well as the genuine warmth and camaraderie of the African people and the bonds that music makes. The African Musicians and Dancers are Fantastic (Love Ruth Akella, the girl that plays the thumb piano). I was totally awed at Bela's masterful ability to pick up on the style and feeling of every Musician and Musical Group he met and merge his banjo in so instantaneously and flawlessly. The trip produced some very memorable music and recordings that will probably be played a hundred years from now. Give the film ten minutes to settle in. You will not be disappointed.

An Excellent Journey Through Music

[November6 · 10/10 · 14 March 2011]

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this quite by accident, but what followed was an incredible film not only about music, but of the human spirit. Bela Fleck is an incredible musician who wants to show the world that the banjo, an instrument used to illustrate the "Hillbilly" stereotypes (usually thought to be a racist/ignorant group) was actually brought to the US from Africa. He goes to small villages and big cities, where he jams with others using instruments both new and unknown. And the music they make is incredible.

If you're a fan of great music or enjoy seeing another part of the world and how they live, please give this documentary a watch. The songs are wonderful and watching the people play them on their handmade instruments is an incredible joy!

Music is a universal language, and this film really goes a long way to prove that.