rvenezia I rented this documentary from Netflix not expecting a whole lot, but I was so wrong and it was so well done and deserved more recognition and praise. This movie is a very moving documentary that shows how little Estonia defied the Soviet Union by singing. The Singing Revolution tells the true story how Estonia through song got their independence from the Soviet Union.Now the questions must be asked how is this possible, how can singing change the world, well Estonia can show you how. Using music and interviews this documentary is a good view from anyone who loves a good and inspiring story.

Ruby Liang (ruby_fff) THE SINGING REVOLUTION has the tag line: "A single nation. A million voices. The fall of an empire." Yes, it is a historical and real life story of the Estonians, having been under the oppression of Soviet occupation since WWII, tenaciously hanging on to their hopes and dreams of one day being an independent nation on their own again with no more foreign control. In 1991, Estonia finally gained their freedom. We are privileged to witness the Estonians' amazing historical journey that filmmakers James and Maureen Castle Tusty so thoughtfully compiled and graciously shared with us. Many hours of detailed research and interviews with a lot of Estonians involved in revealing their personal stories. The documentary is a 'must-see', including the bonus 'backstory' about how this film came to be from the viewpoint of the filmmakers. Narrator is Linda Hunt ("The Year of Living Dangerously" 1982, with Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver). Historical truth: Chapter 2 (at 1947's song festival under Soviet rule): We see a sea of faces, mouths opened wide, singing together: "Land of my fathers! Land that I love!" Venno Laul, a conductor, talked about the music event: "(but) it was, and still is, primarily an opportunity to experience that we are Estonians. We have a strong culture. We are one nation. We are so few in number that we must emphasize that we exist."Unity in singing: Chapter 3 and Chapter 6 (the 1969's 100 anniversary of the Estonian tradition of song festivals, and repeated at the summer of 1988 at Tallinn's song festival event, still under the eyes of the Soviets): People with hands holding hands straight up in the air, swaying with the singing of the (1947) 'national Estonian anthem': "Estonian I am, and Estonian I will be, as I was meant to be." "Estonian is a proud and good thing to be. Just like my great grandfathers - free." Heinz Valk, an artist, recounting the late '80s: "I was so inspired by those nights… Until now, revolutions have been filled with destruction, burning, killing, and hate, but we started our revolution with a smile and a song. Each person could go to work the next day knowing that the Estonian spirit survives" "…the main purpose of which really was to come together as a nation, and sing this one forbidden song."Hopes and Dreams: We are taken through 'perestroika' period; the 'first' speaking out demonstration at Hirve Park; the establishment of The Heritage Society in 1987 and subsequent organized demonstrations. The gradual soaring of Estonian spirits we continue to feel for, through black and white archive footage as well as present day Estonian events in color, as they persistently discovered the fuel for change: "being together, singing together is their power."You need not worry about the amount of talking heads / interviews on screen - the well-paced 96-minute documentary film is not at all stuffy with historical discussions - yes, devastating and touching accounts we will see and hear, like the Siberian camps (Gulag), Forrest Brothers resistance defiance, yet we actually get to hear millions singing melodic songs in Estonian, with live archive footage of people/women in their Estonian national costumes, younger sets in rock and roll gears, citizens in everyday clothing, all coming together in unison singing together with immeasurable hope and strength year after year. I noticed a brief inclusion (towards the end of chapter 3: Post WWII 1945-1969) of school boys in a hall singing / practicing a song (in Estonian) a rather familiar tune, with teacher (in jeans) on stage snapping his fingers and swaying in rhythm (I did, too - humming along that catchy tune and realized moments later with a smile that it's a Cliff Richard hit in the sixties, "Lucky Lips"!) I appreciate the ending credit roll that included pictures of key persons with brief captions about each, while the Estonians' voices swelling in the background, and we are so happy for the independent nation of Estonia. See this film and visit its official Web site for more at 'singingrevolution.com'.

Seamus2829 If you're thing is seeing quality documentaries about well kept secrets, 'The Singing Revolution' is the film for you. The film focuses on the tiny nation of Estonia (located in the Baltics,south of Finland),who dealt with hundreds of years of political oppression, from neighboring countries (Poland,Russia,Germany---especially during World War 2). Despite not having a military,the people of Estonia kept their heads about them by celebrating their culture,especially their music (Estonia has a rich legacy of more folk music than any other European country). A good block of this film concerns a yearly music festival,where performers & audience are truly the same thing). After seeing this astonishing documentary,and how the people of this country dealt with oppression from the Nazi's, as well as the Soviet Union thru their music, I exited the cinema with my head in the clouds. It is a very well written (taken from the book of the same name) & directed account of the human spirit & overcoming obstacles. If this film is playing in your area, by all means, don't miss it!

adamshl James and Maureen Tusty, directors, along with James and Mike Majoros, writers are to be congratulated on a fine piece of work. "The Singing Revolution" documents how a small country without guns or troops, and with only a strong singing tradition and the will to be free, prospered.It may have taken over fifty years to regain their independence, but the strong will of the Estonians triumphed over brutal aggression and media propaganda.To see the sight of some hundred thousand people raising their voices in choral singing about their homeland and their quest for independence is one to behold. The Tustys have included some remarkable archival footage to fill in the foundation for their presentation. Skillfully narrated and edited, this documentary moves along nicely, showing the progress of a people who refused to be dominated by a foreign power.At the end of the showing (on 4/18/08 at Cleveland's Cinematheque) the filmmaker assured the audience that this will be available on DVD following its festival runs. That's something worth looking forward to!