MERCEDES SOSA – THE VOICE OF LATIN AMERICA – The DVD Review

Review by Kathleen Kaiser

Narrated by her son Fabian Matus, this film takes you through the life and times of Argentina’s legendary and world-renowned folk-singer and political activist, Mercedes Sosa.

Blessed with an alto voice that mesmerized her listeners, Mercedes shared the trials and tribulations of “her people” through her many songs and ballads, tracing her roots and expressing the pain of poverty and despair that Argentina was feeling during its quest for Democracy.

In sharing her gift with anyone who would listen, Mercedes became a world-renowned entertainer, but as you will find from viewing this film, her life was far from being “a dream”.

Through actual footage shot on tour throughout the world, you will come to understand her musical talent and her plight to become the voice of her “fellow Americans”.

You will also meet many members of her family, her friends and fellow musicians, as they reminisce about Mercedes strength and perseverance; all while being plagued by low self-esteem and intense loneliness throughout her life.

Suffice to say that this film wasn’t exactly what I would call a “pick-me-up”, as Mercedes Sosa’s life was filled with much pain, suffering and loss. I personally found it to be a sleeper, literally, as I found myself practically dozing off at points throughout the film.  I enjoyed learning about Mercedes and her life, but 94 minutes of the same thing being rehashed by one source after another, just left me losing interest in the subject matter and this particular documentary.

1 out of 5