Pete Seeger: The Power of Song
Pete Seeger: The Power of Song Image
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Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Pete Seeger was the architect of the folk revival, writing some of its best known songs including "Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” "Turn, Turn, Turn” and "If I Had A Hammer." Largely misunderstood by his critics, including the US government, for his views on peace, unionism, civil rights ats and ecology, Seeger was targeted by the communist witch hunt of the Fifties. He was picketed, protested, blacklisted, and, in spite of his enormous popularity, banned from American television for more than 17 years. With a combination of never-before-seen archival footage and personal films made by Seeger and his wife, Pete Seeger: The Power of Song chronicles the life of this legendary artist and political activist. (Jim Brown Productions)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    With access to remarkable archival footage, old TV shows, home movies and the family photo album, Brown weaves together the story of the Seegers with testimony by admirers who represent his influence and legacy.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Joel Selvin
    100
    All the requisite talking heads pop up - Dylan, Springsteen, Baez - but it is Seeger himself who towers over the landscape. The filmmakers treat this aged curmudgeon almost too reverently, but it is hard not to be awed by this gentle, resolute soul because of the ideas he steadfastly and faithfully represented.
  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Elizabeth Weitzman
    75
    It's a tribute to both the subject and his biographer that this story of one man's experience is also a vital chronicle of the times in which he's lived.
  4. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Brian Miller
    60
    Shallow, very officially sanctioned, and overly compressed, The Power of Song plays like a PBS infomercial for the inevitable DVD box set, which will surely include even more archival footage.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. GregF.
    10
    A broad and inspiring story of a powerful, immensely influential and purely American Voice.
  2. Joan
    10
    A wonderful film about a truly great American patriot with a strong commitment to a high standard of ethics that all of us should have. Well done, well edited, and nostalgic. Not to be missed!… Expand
  3. StuN
    10
    An amazing tribute to a man who should stand as an inspiration to us all. It's unbelievable that this gentle (but not weak) and peaceful person was blackballed from performing in most places for 15+ years. The historical footage is inspiring as it tells the story of someone who spent his life being true to his belief in the power of good deeds and good people, and reinforced those values by making his music move others to action. He is a hero who would be far better known were it not for his disinterest in business and money, except in support of his causes. The songs he wrote or popularized are legendary including We Shall Overcome, If I had a Hammer, Knee Deep in the Big Muddy, Little Boxes and many more. Worth seeing by everyone in your family and all your friends.… Expand
  4. muriely.
    10
    His enthusiasm for the music and his steadfastness in living his beliefs make it almost impossible not to like and admire this man. It was hard for the audience not to burst into song along with him (and a few people did). They also burst into applause at the end of the movie, something which doesn't happen very often!… Expand

See all 5 User Reviews

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