On the Rumba River

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On the Rumba River

Released Jun 6, 2008

1h 22m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

85%

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13 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Filmmaker Jacques Sasin pays tribute to revered Congolese musician Papa Wendo and documents a 2004 reunion concert featuring many of Wendo's former bandmates.

Nick Schager

Cinematical

Makes up for its lack of informational depth with stirring poignancy.

Jun 7, 2008

Full Review

Noel Murray

AV Club

Mostly On The Rumba River works best when it sticks to the musical performances, which Sarin films in lengthy scenes built from extreme close-ups of lips, fingers and sweaty skin.

Rated: B

Jun 6, 2008

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Lou Lumenick

New York Post

Delightful music alternates with too-brief interviews with Wendo and his colleagues. On the Rumba River cries out for narration to help viewers understand the tragic context of his life.

Rated: 2/4

Jun 6, 2008

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Nora Lee Mandel

Film-Forward.com

Rambling, but gloriously celebrates the triumph of the talents and art of old men even in the most deprived and depressing of circumstances.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 7, 2008

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Maitland McDonagh

TV Guide

Like The Buena Vista Social Club, to which it has been compared, the film's great strength is its performance footage.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 6, 2008

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Chris Barsanti

Film Journal International

Jacques Sarasin's documentary about the legendary Congolese singer Wendo Kolosoy is a big, mellow jam of a film--a must-see for world-music fans.

Jun 6, 2008

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Jacques Sarasin

Director

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Jacques Sasin pays tribute to revered Congolese musician Papa Wendo and documents a 2004 reunion concert featuring many of Wendo's former bandmates.

Director: Jacques Sarasin
Distributor: First Run
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Canadian French
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 6, 2008, Limited
Release Date (DVD): Oct 21, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2K
Runtime: 1h 22m