The film clearly strives for an inspirational tone, and as a result, doesn't quite manage to bring the horror of its subject home. It's good to not completely dwell on the horrors, and instead show some of the positive actions people are taking to combat those horrors. It gives viewers a sense that the situation is not hopeless, hopefully spurring them into action. But the film's decision to err on the side of caution when it comes to any hint of sensationalism leads to a film that at times feels oddly antiseptic given its harrowing subject matter.
But the film isn't without its merits. These are good stories, even if they aren't presented as well as they could be. I think it would be ideal viewing for a high school social studies course, as it doesn't shy away from the reality of the situation, but doesn't graphically portray it either. It would be a great way to introduce the subject to students, allowing teachers to structure lectures around the film and maybe have group projects where students come up with their own ways to help the cause. The film's crusader tone would work well in such a setting. The low SRP of $4.99 caused by the packaging's use of recycled post-consumer materials also wouldn't hurt a high school's ability to purchase a copy.
But for the rest of us, particularly those who watch a lot of documentaries, there just isn't enough to Darfur Now to recommend, unless you're looking for a brief overview on the subject. It's an important subject, one certainly worthy of a documentary, but those looking for greater depth on the subject in a more engaging fashion will have to look elsewhere.
Directed by: Ted Braun
Starring: Don Cheadle, Adam Sterling, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Hejewa Adam, Sheikh Ahmed Mohamad Abakar, Pablo Recalde, George Clooney
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