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Sun Ra - The Cry of Jazz

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83% Tomatometer 6 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings

Critics Reviews

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Fred Camper Chicago Reader Oct 21, 2019
A rough-edged but provocative melange, this improbably mixes great footage of Sun Ra, sections that have the feel of cheesy 50s instructional films, and staged scenes... Go to Full Review Jonas Mekas Village Voice Jan 18, 2013
It took new and young and inexperienced (in cinema) people to get us, after two long decades, out of the vapid, commercial, pale, official documentary. Go to Full Review J. Hoberman Village Voice Nov 16, 2010
Its dramatization of the passionate argument between black and white members of a Chicago "jazz appreciation club" is as provocatively stilted and crudely didactic as anything in Brecht (or Oscar Micheaux). Go to Full Review Mark Seneviratne Film Inquiry Dec 5, 2020
The Cry of Jazz does not waste energy or time, and in doing so it succeeds in breaking through with its considerable strength. It remains an inimitable vision of America and the art its people have produced. Go to Full Review Dwight MacDonald Esquire Magazine Jul 12, 2019
Poorly photographed, stupidly written, and doesn't even have good jazz. Go to Full Review Phil Hall Film Threat Feb 3, 2004
3/5
Provocative mix of racial politics and progressive jazz. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mar 6, 2014 Well made short film with politics that feel dated, but music that is timeless. Essentially a black man explains to some white people about how jazz was invented by blacks, is performed best by blacks, and is currently dead. While some of this political and jazz discussion feels dated because the world has changed so much since it was made, it is nonetheless a fine example of black independent filmmaking, voicing their views in a time when it was still not easy to express their views. See more Read all reviews
Sun Ra - The Cry of Jazz

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Cast & Crew

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Edward O. Bland

Director

Sun Ra

Actor

Movie Info

Director
Edward O. Bland
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