A Soldier's Story

Starring: Howard E. Rollins, Jr., Adolph Caesar, Robert Townsend, Patti LaBelle, David Alan Grier, Denzel Washington, Dennis Lipscomb, Larry Riley
Directed by: Norman Jewison
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Mystery
1984

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After a black soldier is killed on an army base, an African-American investigator arrives and begins to suspect white soldiers might be at the heart of a race-related crime.

Review:

Tim: This is a well made film. It is so refreshing to see a movie that is put together really well. By the end of the movie, you just feel so satisfied. I can't remember when I last felt like that- this is a very satisfying movie.

Howard E. Rollins is excellent as the strong-willed, proud man whom faces racism and difficulty when he is assigned to investigate the murder of an African-American sergeant. Adolph Caesar does very good work as the murdered sergeant, who treats many of his black soldiers with disdain. The supporting cast is excellent, most especially Denzel Washington, who manages to stand out from the rest of the cast.

This film works because it is a murder mystery wrapped in racial overtones. This film is also a fascinating look at how blacks and whites interacted with each other during World War II. The mystery unfolds slowly, and a large cast of suspects keeps you guessing (although it is not that difficult to determine who's guilty). This is not, however, the film's strongest point. Many films tell good murder mysteries. What is really remarkable is how powerful the events leading up to the murder impact us. Racial tensions are never easy to watch, but it is not white v. black that makes the biggest impact, but black v. black. This is why the film is important, and why it is well worth your time.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: A Few Good Men, Crimson Tide, Courage Under Fire, Malcolm X