Summer 2009. Five paraplegics and a young able-bodied teenager light up the stage in front of an entranced audience of 8000 people. "Benda Bilili" - in English "See Beyond", is the name of this Kinshasa band which has acquired a global following. Chances of success were slim at first for these homeless handicapped artists who struggled to survive on the streets of their dilapidated capital. "Benda Bilili" is not a music film, it's the story of a dream that became reality. And... (Full plot summary below)
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Summer 2009. Five paraplegics and a young able-bodied teenager light up the stage in front of an entranced audience of 8000 people. "Benda Bilili" - in English "See Beyond", is the name of this Kinshasa band which has acquired a global following. Chances of success were slim at first for these homeless handicapped artists who struggled to survive on the streets of their dilapidated capital. "Benda Bilili" is not a music film, it's the story of a dream that became reality. And a plunge into the streets of Kinshasa without a safety net.
Leave your thoughts about Benda Bilili!.
| Reeling ReviewsLaura Clifford...engrossing, often funny and always danceable. If you think you've got problems, watch what this extremely disadvantaged group of people are able to make of their lives and be humbled. |
| Financial TimesNigel AndrewsThe place looks terrifyingly cold. The music, and the musicians' big-hearted charm, keep us warm. |
| Radio TimesDavid ParkinsonThe climactic concerts are exhilarating, but the footage of Benda Bilili's humble origins makes a more lasting impact. |
| Little White LiesPrudence IveyA lesson in making the most of what you've got. |
| Toronto StarPeter HowellFrom out of the gloom comes the hypnotic grooves of a band called Staff Benda Bilili. The name means "look beyond appearances," and the members of this remarkable musical collective do just that. |
| Easy Reader (California)Neely SwansonAny time spent with Ricky is time well spent. |
| Time OutTom HuddlestonAn uplifting, understated and wholly engaging insight into a world entirely unlike our own... |
| Total FilmNeil SmithTake the Buena Vista Social Club, add some wheelchairs and you have Staff Benda Bilili... |
| GuardianXan BrooksIf the journey feels a little stage-managed at times, the film's exuberant side-notes more than make amends, as the music itself plays out as an exuberant blend of blues and African rumba. |
| Independent (UK)Anthony QuinnThe term "life-affirming" has lost its significance through overuse; this documentary restores us to its real meaning. |
