82
Metascore
8 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerChristian Science MonitorPeter RainerThe result is doubly satisfying: We get not only a trenchant political drama but a bang-up concert film as well.
- 90The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThe film skillfully interweaves several strands to tell a true story with a happy ending.
- 88Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversPowered by Simon's brilliance, Under African Skies is a cultural lightning bolt that soars on its music and an unshakable belief in the transcendence of art.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeA pure-bliss celebration of Paul Simon's landmark album Graceland coupled with an interesting if not unbiased look at the controversy surrounding its release.
- 80New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierNew York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierDirector Joe Berlinger mixes archival footage, concert scenes, interviews and present-day reunions to meld a harmonious, fair-minded, energetic and enlightening portrait of one masterpiece's moment in time.
- 75Slant MagazineSlant MagazineIt does lightly suggest scintillating questions about the responsibility artists have in reflecting current political moments in their music.
- 70VarietyRob NelsonVarietyRob NelsonUnder African Skies is appreciably smarter than most celebrity musician documentaries.
- 60Time OutEric HynesTime OutEric HynesTime and changing tides have been kind to Graceland (and to the local musicians who've since become internationally renowned), but an on-camera meeting between the songwriter and ANC leader Oliver Tambo finds their conflict between creative freedom and revolutionary solidarity fascinatingly unresolved.