Da 5 Bloods

Da 5 Bloods is a riveting 2020 film by eclectic visionary Spike Lee, renowned for his distinctive approach to racial and social issues. The movie showcases another side of the Vietnam War—one that crawls into the skin of the Black soldiers often sidelined in the war narrative. With its central cast of Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Norm Lewis, the movie dives deep into themes of brotherhood, trauma, sacrifice, and redemption.

The film's narrative combines the past and the present, unfolding through the eyes of four African American veterans who embark on an odyssey back to Vietnam. Known amongst themselves as the "Bloods," Paul (Delroy Lindo), Otis (Clarke Peters), Eddie (Norm Lewis), and Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) set out on a dual-purpose journey. On one front, they are after the remains of their late squad leader, "Stormin' Norman" (Chadwick Boseman), who was killed in action and not properly laid to rest. At the same time, they also seek a treasure trove of gold they had discovered and stashed during their time in the war.

Paul's estranged son, David (Jonathan Majors), ends up joining them on this adventure in an attempt to reconnect with his father. Delroy Lindo, in particular, gives an intense, captivating performance as Paul—a tormented, MAGA-hat-wearing veteran relentlessly dogged by the lingering impact of war and untreated PTSD. The relationship between Paul and David provides a palpable emotional touchstone as the movie progresses.

However, their journey isn't marked only by the burden of emotional and psychological baggage. It also presents a physical danger as they uncover conspiracies, face local bandits, and tread on landmines, all against the backdrop of the still politically charged Vietnam. Moreover, the 'Bloods' aren't the only ones after the buried treasure; competing factions of treasure hunters lead to tension, mistrust, and a fight for survival.

Spike Lee uses this treasure hunt narrative cleverly to create a thrilling, action-packed drama. But Da 5 Bloods is more than just a gripping adventure story—it's also an exploration into Black history, racial injustice, and the devastating effects of war on the human psyche. Spike Lee expertly intertwines current sociopolitical issues with the story, adding layers of depth to the narrative.

One particularly outstanding feature of the movie is its innovative use of timelines. The flashbacks to the wartime '60s are not populated by younger actors or digitally de-aged versions of the foursome but by the same actors, creating a profound sense of ongoing connection and blurred timeframes. Their departed leader, "Stormin'" Norman, played by the late Chadwick Boseman, is depicted in his youthful form, thus showcasing him as a haunting embodiment of the time and life stolen by the war.

Additionally, the movie's seamless shift between different aspect ratios for different timelines adds to the quirk and dynamism of the storytelling. Full of powerful performances, the film also boasts fantastic cinematography, with beautifully shot scenes of modern-day Vietnam juxtaposed against stark and chaotic scenes of the wartime past. These visual elements enrich the narrative as they offer both a historical lens and a commentary on the long-term effects of war.

The film's potent combination of action, drama, and deeper social commentary makes it intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant. Its narrative around Black stories in the Vietnam War adds a unique and poignant perspective to war films, one that pays homage to the Black soldiers whose contributions and sufferings were often forgotten or ignored.

In conclusion, Da 5 Bloods manages to provide an impactful war-centric story and a tense treasure hunt plot, as it weaves in themes of racial justice, comradeship, trauma, and historical revisionism. It is a movie that manages to entertain, educate, and provoke thought—a testament to Spike Lee's extraordinary storytelling ability.