I can see why Africa United would appeal to children, especially those who have never set foot in Africa. But for anyone over the age of 14, or with the slightest experience of the continent being depicted, I would advise them to avoid this cartoon of a film.The acting is forced, rigid, and in many places just irritating. The same can be said for the storyline. Cheap attempts to popularise the characters using witty retorts or stoicism only rendered them devoid of credibility. The characters' perfect diction and rehearsed theatrics killed off any hope of believing in them as people, or issues, or even Africans.The narrative develops by layer upon layer of predictable clichés - warlords, HIV/AIDS, rude immigration officials, and of course football - interspersed with cheesy triumphalism (i.e. kids beating the baddies) that destroyed any sense of realism about the plight of disadvantaged African youths.Picturesque countrysides, attractive smiling faces and brightly coloured markets were aplenty, so at least the camera work brought life to an otherwise moribund story. The only other redeeming features were the soundtrack and its 88 minutes runtime. 'Extraordinary story' this was not.As noted elsewhere, 'One day a filmmaker will just let us be 'people' - not victims, clowns or the underdogs always searching for more than we have'.This was more 'Sentimentalism United' than any story about football or Africa, as it could and should have been. A great opportunity missed.

I think Afica United is worth a watch. It's a story of brotherhood and fraternity with ingenuity and solidarity. The rhythm is too fast but there is a gorgeous soundtrack. The film is well done with a young cast who makes the difference, it is not in a mould, it's unique. The characters are in the midst of reality but full of optimism. The only problem is the end of the movie: very mysterious.I wanted to know what happened, that's why I put nine of ten stars but, it's a must-see.I recommend it, it's a great family adventure for all ages.Go and see it.

Finally! I can't remember that last time I saw a great film for kids that didn't rely on tons of CGI, or animation, or skewed values. This is simply a wonderful film that kids from 8 to 80 will enjoy. It offers a genuine insight into another world it is authentically African and better for it - it's fun, funny, moving, uncompromising and above all, refreshingly unpatronizing. It has much of modern Africa here, including war and even Aids, but it is done in such a way that no child would find them off putting.The actors are excellent - their journey full of genuine friendships and adventures.For those who want to open their eyes to life elsewhere in the world this really is one of the best kids films imaginable.If you get a chance to see, especially if you love adventure, soccer, and genuine films, do!

Thoroughly enjoyed the development of the children's characters, which at first was slow but well worth the wait. This film is a fantastic journey through some serious issues that should not have to be tackled by those so young and ended up being a well balanced, emotionally engaging, film.The world inside Dudu's head was also a highlight and credit must go to Directors Debs Gardner-Paterson and Simon Willows for being so thorough in their research on how this might play out. Brilliant! All that and more plus the fact that this film was made on less money than I pay in rent in a year (well… almost), makes it even more satisfying.I will go again and not hesitate to recommend it to others.