A Soldier's Story
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Movie Reviews of A Soldier's Story
Movie Review: a piece of our hearts, exposed
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this nearly 30 years ago and vividly remembered the story, the dialogue, and the phenomenal acting. Indeed, there are parts of it that I sometimes still repeat in my mind, like they had become part of my internal dialogue with myself. I enjoyed this film so much that I was almost afraid to see it again, though I knew I had to. This time, though, I watched it with my son (11) and was both riveted by the story and delighted to answer his questions (which I am happy to say was not easy!).
The time is 1944, with the segregated US Army at a base in the deep south. A division of blacks - many of whom played in the Negro Baseball Leagues - was kept together and was the best team in the entire army. However, the NCO in charge of the team was murdered, which a black captain (a pioneer and the first officer that many southern whites had ever seen, to their dismay) was sent to investigate. Though there appear to be obvious answers as to who did it and humiliating barriers set up for him, he presses ahead with his work like a juggernaut.
The most fascinating part was the way he peels back the many layers of the characters of the murdered NCO and a man he mercilessly persecuted. It is a wonderful double portrait of the complexity of hate, of both racial and personal identity, of the abuse of authority, and of course of black culture near the end of the era of Jim Crow. The language is wonderfully salty, the images vivid, and concerns of the men completely believable yet with plenty of historical context. This is one of the first mainstream hollywood films whose cast is almost entirely black. It is also full of subtleties and can be viewed many times and discussed at length.
I love this film. REcommended with the greatest enthusiasm.
Movie Review: Definately one of my favorite American movies.
Summary: 5 Stars
I think the first time I saw this movie, was an edited TV version. I usually don't watch TV because I'm annoyed by commercial interruptions. But, this film captured my interest because of how well it played out as flashbacks being put together to come to a conclusion about a murder. This is a suspenseful story with an unexpected conclusion.Tynin, Louisiana 1944. A black non-commissioned officer was murdered. Shot to death on a roadside near a bridge, outside of a predominately black army base with only white officers. A black army officer lawyer (Howard Rollins, Jr.) comes from Washington D.C. to Louisiana to investigate the murder. No one has ever seen a black officer before and white officers only heard of the possibility that a black man could be an officer. As you can imagine, this black officer doesn't get much support from the white officers on the base.
This is a powerful film of perseverance, courage, determination, pride, and accomplishment against overwhelming odds. And the cast is fabulous. Howard Rollins, Jr. Adolph Caesar, David Alan Grier, Denzel Washington, Art Evans, David Harris, Larry Riley (as C.J. Memphis), Wings Hauser, and many other stars you know you've seen before. And it even includes Patti Labelle as Big Mary belting out some fabulous Southern Rockin' Blues.
This is my very favorite film that has Denzel Washington, although "Mississippi Masala" is a close second.
Movie Review: A Spellbinding Tale, Brilliantly Told
Summary: 5 Stars
A phenomenal cast brings Charles Fuller's adaptation of his Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the big screen. Howard E. Rollins, Jr., is magnetic as the Army Captain sent to investigate the murder of a black Sergeant in Louisiana during World War II; his careful detective work uncovers the complex layers of racism (both externalized and internalized) that led up to the crime. Adolph Caesar gives a superb, Oscar-nominated performance as the (unsympathetic) victim whose story is told through a series of flashbacks. And Larry Riley, David Alan Grier, Robert Townsend, and the always-magnificent Denzel Washington register strongly in important supporting roles. Effective as both a mystery and a social commentary, this worthy nominee for the 1984 Best Picture Oscar is tightly directed by Norman Jewison.The DVD presentation of this recent screen classic offers an excellent film-to-video transfer, featuring a sharp picture and crisp sound. The disc contains both the widescreen and fullscreen editions, and includes the original theatrical trailer. Also offered is a short but very moving 1999 documentary entitled "March to Freedom", which recounts several astonishing real-life stories of racism in the American armed forces during World War II. All-in-all, this is a highly recommended DVD that deserves a place in your home video library.
Movie Review: A Soldier's Story
Summary: 5 Stars
Cerebral mystery story operates on several levels. We get to know the murdered man through flashbacks and see how many people had a motive to kill him. Set on top of this is the condescension with which investigation is treated by the white brass. All ingredients make for a meaty, involving murder tale shedding light on racism of the time. Young Denzel is particularly strong in a pivotal role, and Caesar was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of the loathsome Waters.Movie Review: A phenomenal Cast
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie will be listed as an all time great.
I can usually predict who the killer is before the movie ends...But not this time.
Every time I watch it I always end up saying " I didnt know he/she was in the movie.
I think Pattie LaBelle did a great job, the short time she was in the movie.
I dont write reviews unless a movie is really bad or one you should add to your collection . This is one you NEED to add to your collection.