AllMovie

The haunting melodies, humor, and pathos of Andean music as performed by the descendants of the Incas form the basis for this intriguing documentary on a fascinating culture. Along with the traditional panpipes and various percussion instruments used to create the music are the masks, headdresses, and costumes worn in the dances that also reflect an ancient heritage. Parodies of the modern world include dances in tuxedos and top hats, and some visually acerbic commentary on the failures of modern civilization in the realm of ethics and morality. This is another informative and engaging documentary by the ethno-musicologist John Cohen who traveled widely in Peru to capture the sights and sounds of the Quechua-speaking Andeans.