Editorial Review: No Description Available. Genre: Documentary Rating: NR Release Date: 18-SEP-2007 Media Type: DVD
Bling: A Planet Rock Reviews: A Definite Purchase 2008-08-23 - I'm so thankful this documentary has been released on DVD because I missed the original VH1 airing in early 2007. Both sustantive and stylish, this documentary is a must for:
1) any lover of hip-hop/rap music and culture
2) anyone who has ever questioned the value or relevance of hip-hop/rap music
3) anyone who has read Ishmael Beah's riveting memoir, A Long Time Gone
4) anyone who seeks greater awareness for our global community
5) anyone who has a desire to LEARN
I finished this documentary with an even greater respect for the artists who made the trip to Africa than I had before. Their willingness to travel to Sierra Leone was the ultimate illustration of "realness" and "respect." Definitely, I plan to utilize this documentary in my courses this fall.
Very engaging for instruction 2008-04-19 - I used this DVD after a curriculum on Blood Diamonds in Sierra Leone. My students were very engaged. Some parts had to be edited because of language.
We Need More Movies Like This.... 2008-02-14 - Easily the greatest documentary I've ever seen. Important in it's teaching, it never stops moving you. All the people in this film are very down to earth, humble and honest. You can see their eyes opening to the horrors in Africa and they should be given a lot of credit for being part of this great film. Something tells me that Paris Hilton will never care where her diamonds come from, but these guys now do because they took the time to step out of the vanity that is the US. Guns for Diamonds. Little kids forced to kill until it becomes no big deal for them. Poor children walking in dirt without shoes or pants on, in some cases without arms. Poor souls who don't seem to be too down about it makes them the richest souls and God's favorites. What's that on your finger or around your neck? Where did it come from? Blood Diamonds are the jewels of the devil.
One of the best films of 2007! 2007-10-24 - Raquel Cepeda is a brilliant writer and film maker. I have been a fan of her work for seven years. Bling is one of my favorite films of 2007. I've seen the film a total of four times and every time I've viewed it I learn and discover new and profound truths.
Lorraine West
Hip Hop's Faddy Reality Check 2007-10-03 - Powerful and Provocative! This captivating film unveils the raw truth behind the diamond trade in Sierra Leone which elicits an eye-opening emotion that leaves some of hip-hop's most iconic figures shocked and saddened. After seeing Bling, you'll never think about diamonds in the same way ever again. I commend filmmaker Raquel Cepeda for giving the people of Sierra Leone an opportunity to share their stories to the world and for making those voices count.
