Historical documentary

This Is Congo (2018): Ratings & Box Office

Name: This Is Congo
Genre: History, War, Documentary
Released: 2018-06-29
Duration: 1 h 33 min

This Is Congo is a 2018 historical documentary directed by Daniel McCabe. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $8,905 worldwide. Critics gave it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
worldwide gross: $8.9K
Echo Score: 78

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Watch the trailer

Released: June 29, 2018
Runtime: 1h 33m (93 min)
Director: Daniel McCabe
Genres: History , War , Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: Abramorama
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is This Is Congo About?

The premise of This Is Congo without spoilers.

Set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this documentary explores two decades of war and instability that have deeply impacted the region. It examines the world’s deadliest conflict since World War II, focusing on the personal stories of four individuals whose lives are affected by the ongoing violence. Through their experiences, the film reveals the complexities of the conflict and the devastating human cost, with an estimated five million lives lost.

This Is Congo Themes & Keywords

· 32 tags

general
refugee
soldier
rebel
mineral
classroom
teacher
refugee camp
rebel leader
rebel army
bullet scar
news report

+20 more

congo
walkie talkie
warfare
congo civil war
dead body
dead soldier
military
military officer
volcano
african history
funeral
coffin
grave
burial
tank
cow
army
dead animal
democratic republic of the congo
three word title

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Crew

The Director of This Is Congo

Directed by Daniel McCabe.

Director Daniel McCabe

From the director

More from Daniel McCabe

More films directed by Daniel McCabe: NOVA: Prediction by the Numbers and George Wallace: Settin’ the Woods on Fire.

Full filmography

Ratings

This Is Congo Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave This Is Congo 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

78 /100

This Is Congo Echo Score Breakdown

In its entirety, This Is Congo excels in presenting a vivid and thought-provoking portrayal of ongoing conflict. The film’s visual and technical confidence is complemented by a measured narrative that balances raw footage with contextual framing. Emotional depth emerges through unfiltered testimonies, even as occasional pacing irregularities and structural brevity suggest areas for greater expansiveness. While the concise format sometimes constrains deeper exploration of underlying causes, the documentary ultimately leaves a lasting impression of engagement and sober reflection.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 90

In terms of art and craft, This Is Congo presents a striking convergence of technical virtuosity and immersive cinematography. Scenes range from meticulously framed wide shots to intimate close-ups that capture the chaotic landscape. The editing maintains clarity amid turbulence, and production elements cohere to underscore the urgency of events. Overall, the film demonstrates robust visual craftsmanship.
Character & Emotion 75

Regarding character and emotion, the documentary relies on candid testimonies and expressive on-screen demeanor to convey human complexity. It balances anger, defiance, and moments of quiet reflection, enabling viewers to grasp individual motivations and collective struggle. Emotional tones shift organically with each narrative thread. Overall, the film offers nuanced emotional resonance through its unfiltered portrayal of real-life experiences.
Story & Flow 75

When it comes to story and flow, the pacing fluctuates between focused context-building and episodic intensity. Structural brevity limits extended exploration of underlying issues, though the concise narrative maintains engagement through clear framing of conflict dynamics. Occasional uneven transitions emerge, yet the film’s originality in presenting multi-layered perspectives sustains viewer interest. Overall, it delivers a compelling, if occasionally abrupt, narrative arc.
Sensory Experience 85

In terms of sensory experience, This Is Congo offers vivid auditory and visual immersion. The unflinching sound design amplifies on-screen tension, while the visual style alternates between polished wide angles and raw, close-range footage. The cohesive interplay of soundtrack and imagery deepens the atmospheric impact. Overall, the film achieves a powerful sensory presentation that enhances viewer engagement.
Rewatch Factor 40

As for rewatch factor, the intense subject matter and somber tone may limit the desire for additional viewings. Its unrelenting focus on conflict and brevity of narrative could challenge repeated engagement. While viewers may return for particular sequences, the documentary’s demanding content results in modest overall replay value.