I'll Sing for You

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I'll Sing for You

Released Apr 4, 2001

2h 0m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

59%

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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.

Frank Scheck

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

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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

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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

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Maria Garcia

Film Journal International

A gentle portrait of a musician whose music provides a bridge from Africa to America.

Aug 8, 2004

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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

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Kent Turner

Film-Forward.com

KarKar's performance is intimate, the film is not.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jun 4, 2004

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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

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Jaques Sarasin

Director

Stephan Oriach

Cinematographer

Philippe Lecocq

Sound Engineer

Bernard Josse

Film Editor

Jean-Guy Véran

Sound Mixer

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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