Say Amen, Somebody

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Say Amen, Somebody

G

1982

1h 40m

Documentary

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92%

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12 Reviews

69%

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1,000+ Ratings

Gospel music is the subject of this lively film, which explores the history of the faith-rooted musical style. While the documentary features a number of gospel musicians, it spends the most time looking into the considerable contributions of Thomas A. Dorsey, a pioneering songwriter and pianist, and his popular associate, singer "Mother" Willie Mae Ford Smith. Also included are numerous concert performances by the Barrett Sisters, Sallie Martin and other gospel luminaries.

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John DeFore

Hollywood Reporter

The film offers less than it could have in terms of straightforward who-did-what-and-when history. But it is unexpectedly generous when it comes to the music.

Sep 6, 2019

Full Review

Chuck Bowen

Slant Magazine

Throughout, artists intermingle in scenes that have been rendered with an Altman-esque sense of personal panorama.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 3, 2019

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Say Amen, Somebody is the most joyful movie I've seen in a very long time. It is also one of the best musicals and one of the most interesting documentaries. And it's also a terrific good time.

Rated: 4/4

Oct 23, 2004

Full Review

Catherine Capellaro

Isthmus (Madison, WI)

If Say Amen does nothing more than introduce us to Dorsey, a Chicago-based music director who died in 1993, it will have done its duty. But it does so much more than that.

Nov 22, 2019

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Dave Segal

The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

Regardless if you're the staunchest skeptic, you can't help getting swept away by Ford Smith's ebullience.

Sep 11, 2019

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Jake Euker

F5 (Wichita, KS)

Rated: 4/5

Mar 18, 2006

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Wayne M

Such an uplifting movie! The joy as well as history of Gospel is beautifully presented in this documentary featuring some of American Gospel's greatest vocalists.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

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s r

An inside look into gospel music and the conventions that were started. Not much of an overall narrative that transcends just filming though. It was merely information and history.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Fascinating, lyrical, and true. It's transfixing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Audience Member

This was my church this morning. Was an interesting education in Gospel music, but not a must see in any way.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

In under 2 hours, this film gives a well-rounded picture of gospel music, its roots, performances, and personalities. Leaves the viewer wanting to learn and hear more. The performance of uplifting songs are moving. But it's the elderly Thomas A. Dorsey telling the tragic story behind my favorite gospel song "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" and singing it in his cracking voice that so effectively demonstrates the beautiful expression of soul emotion that, to me, defines gospel music.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Great gospel performances, quite a bit of insight into the everyday lives of the greats, but falls short of explaining the importance of gospel music in African American culture (or American culture in general). Pretty good all around though.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

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George T. Nierenberg

Director

George T. Nierenberg

Producer

Karen Nierenberg

Producer

Edward Lachman

Cinematographer

Don Lenzer

Cinematographer

Paul Barnes

Film Editing

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Synopsis

Gospel music is the subject of this lively film, which explores the history of the faith-rooted musical style. While the documentary features a number of gospel musicians, it spends the most time looking into the considerable contributions of Thomas A. Dorsey, a pioneering songwriter and pianist, and his popular associate, singer "Mother" Willie Mae Ford Smith. Also included are numerous concert performances by the Barrett Sisters, Sallie Martin and other gospel luminaries.

Director: George T. Nierenberg
Producer: George T. Nierenberg, Karen Nierenberg
Rating: G
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 26, 2021
Runtime: 1h 40m

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