The Concert for Bangladesh
The Concert for Bangladesh

The Concert for Bangladesh

1972Movie103 minEnglish

A film about the first benefit rock concert when major musicians performed to raise relief funds for the poor of Bangladesh. The Concert for Bangladesh was a pair of benefit concerts organised by former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar. The shows were held at 2:30 and 8:00 pm on Sunday, 1 August 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, to raise international awareness of, and fund relief for refugees from East Pakistan, following the Bangladesh Liberation War-related genocide.

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IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes88%
Google Users91%
Director: Saul SwimmerGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This landmark film documents the historic "Concert for Bangladesh," a pair of benefit concerts organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar. Held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on August 1, 1971, the concerts aimed to raise awareness and funds for the refugees of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) following the devastating cyclone and the ongoing civil war. The film features performances by an incredible lineup of musicians.

Critical Reception

The film was critically acclaimed for its historical significance, powerful musical performances, and its pioneering role as one of the first major benefit concerts of its kind. It successfully brought global attention to the plight of the Bangladeshi refugees and raised substantial funds.

What Reviewers Say

  • A legendary and historically significant musical event captured on film.
  • Features an unparalleled lineup of iconic musicians delivering memorable performances.
  • Praised for its humanitarian cause and its success in raising awareness and funds.

Google audience: Viewers consistently praise the film for its incredible musical performances and its historical importance as a pioneering benefit concert. Many highlight the star-studded lineup and the powerful message behind the event.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary Film.

Fun Fact

The Concert for Bangladesh was one of the first major rock benefit concerts, setting a precedent for future charitable musical events like Live Aid.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
tmdb76622195

tmdb76622195

In 1971, George Harrison and Friends staged one of the first benefit concerts ever at Madison Square Garden. The concert alone raised almost a quarter of a million dollars to combat poverty and starvation in Bangladesh, and the ensuing live...