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

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  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. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    100
    Between clips of the concerts Seeger staged as hootenanny hosannas, the film chronicles how the blacklisted star stuck true to his beliefs -- which were more patriotic than those of his accusers.
  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Jay Weissberg
    100
    As certain to get auds singing as the man himself, Pete Seeger: The Power of Song is a terrific, multilayered portrait of a singer whose legacy extends beyond music and into every major social action movement since the 1940s. Always enjoyable, this docu proves that a few rare people actually deserve the hagiography treatment.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marjorie Baumgarten
    89
    More than an appreciation, Pete Seeger: The Power of Song is an inspiration.
  6. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    83
    Like a picture postcard vision of his life and work: absolutely accurate as far as it goes but not too keen on looking too close for fear of uncovering anything untoward.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. 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!… Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. 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!… Full Review »
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