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I'll Sing for You

Play trailer Poster for I'll Sing for You Released Apr 4, 2001 2h 0m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
59% Tomatometer 17 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
During the 1950s and '60s, Boubacar "KarKar" Traoré is at the center of the Malian music scene, until the government cracks down and Mali's economy suffers due to new government policies. Eventually, KarKar emigrates to France, where he struggles to make a living as a singer. His life changes when a music producer finds one of his old recordings. The documentary follows his journey of redemption to Mali, where he pairs up with other renowned musicians, such as Ali Farka Touré.

Critics Reviews

View All (17) Critics Reviews
Frank Scheck The Hollywood Reporter Features not one word of comment from its subject, but it does offer plenty of musical numbers and an impressionistic portrait of his life and times. Jul 6, 2004 Full Review V.A. Musetto New York Post Enjoyable if only to hear KarKar perform his mournful and personal songs, including a tender tribute to his late wife. Rated: 2.5/4 Jun 4, 2004 Full Review Dave Kehr New York Times Jacques Sarasin's documentary blends the history of post-colonial Mali with the life of one of its most popular musicians, the guitarist and singer Boubacar KarKar Traor. Rated: 3/5 Jun 3, 2004 Full Review Maria Garcia Film Journal International A gentle portrait of a musician whose music provides a bridge from Africa to America. Aug 8, 2004 Full Review E! Online Though Traor never talks directly on camera, he speaks volumes through numerous bluesy tunes he performs for the film. Rated: B Jun 11, 2004 Full Review Kent Turner Film-Forward.com KarKar's performance is intimate, the film is not. Rated: 2.5/5 Jun 4, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (2) audience reviews
Audience Member The greatest 2 hours for a documentary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Some of Je chanterai pour toi is a bit rough, but I think it works. I don't think it was focused enough, even though it's only about 85 minutes so I don't know how that happened. But it is incredibly interesting, even when it feels like a series of music videos. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Read all reviews
I'll Sing for You

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I'll Sing for You

KarKar in his room A scene from "I'll Sing for You." KarKar in the Bandiagara's cemetery View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis During the 1950s and '60s, Boubacar "KarKar" Traoré is at the center of the Malian music scene, until the government cracks down and Mali's economy suffers due to new government policies. Eventually, KarKar emigrates to France, where he struggles to make a living as a singer. His life changes when a music producer finds one of his old recordings. The documentary follows his journey of redemption to Mali, where he pairs up with other renowned musicians, such as Ali Farka Touré.
Director
Jaques Sarasin
Distributor
First Run
Production Co
Centre National de la Cinematographie, Les Productions Faire Bleu
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Canadian French
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 4, 2001, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Feb 22, 2005
Box Office (Gross USA)
$8.8K
Runtime
2h 0m