Red White Black & Blue

The award-winning 2006 movie "Red White Black & Blue" provides a unique and thought-provoking exploration of World War II history and its aftermath, through the eyes of one of the surviving combatants. This compelling documentary is helmed by British director Tom Putnam, known for his engaging and impactful filmmaking style. The film revolves around the experiences of William 'Bill' Jones, a community leader of South Central Los Angeles and a former soldier of the then recently desegregated 93rd Infantry Division of the U.S. army during World War II.

"Red White Black & Blue" takes you through time, unveiling the rich historic tapestry of the Battle of Attu, fought on the Aleutian Island of Attu, located well off the coast of Alaska. As one of the least documented battles in U.S. history, the Battle of Attu represents a forgotten chapter of World War II, bringing to the screen the raw experiences of soldiers faced with overwhelming odds, and the indelible impact of PTSD on service members.

Notably, the film captures Jones' journey as he travels to Japan sixty years after the end of World War II, marking the first-ever visit by a U.S. Attu veteran to Japan. Here, the film diverts from traditional war documentaries, incorporating scenes where Jones oscillates between genuinely touching exchanges with the Japanese populace and intense undercurrents of bitterness, emphasizing the paradoxical nature of post-war forgiveness.

The film brilliantly intertwines clips from Jones' visit to Japan and scenes from his everyday life, presenting a narrative of extraordinary courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Throughout, it hints at the psychological burden Jones carries as a consequence of heavy combat experiences, and vividly recounts some of the most brutal and inhuman experiences that marred the Battle of Attu.

The director skilfully introduces us to Bill Jones as more than just a veteran of war. Jones is portrayed as a charismatic and engaging individual, drawing viewers into his sphere through the effective use of interviews, where he shares his compelling and often heart-wrenching stories. His candid recollections shed light on the precarious balance between his attempt to overcome the traumatic nightmares of war and his quest to confront his painful past.

The film spirals into profound depths of introspection as it explores themes of life, death, war, and forgiveness. It navigates the ambivalent feelings Jones harbors - a distaste for war-time Japan metamorphosed by his encounters with contemporary Japan, coupled with looming shadows of wartime atrocities. The exploration of these complex emotions sets "Red White Black & Blue" apart, taking viewers on a unique journey into the heart and mind of a war veteran.

On a broader note, "Red White Black & Blue" throws light on America's racial segregation policy during World War II. Jones, being part of the first African-American unit sent overseas, gives viewers an opportunity to learn about a lesser-known aspect of American military history. It showcases the contribution of African-American Troops to the war effort and elucidates the broader socioeconomic impact of the Afro-American military experience.

The movie is a work of vivid cinematography and engaging storytelling. Its cinematographic techniques paint a stark contrast between the tranquil suburbs of Los Angeles, where Jones now lives, and the harsh, frozen war landscape of Attu. This visual dichotomy supplements the narrative, further enhancing the storytelling.

"Red White Black & Blue" is a memorable documentary that probes deep into a former soldier's psyche. Harnessing the persuasive power of personal testimony, the film transcends the narrow confines of the war subgenre, elevating itself into a universal exploration of the human condition. It invites viewers to confront the grim realities of war and its lingering emotional scars, remarking on how these experiences echo through individuals, families, communities, and nations.

In the end, the film encapsulates the enduring spirit of its central character: a testament to the human capacity for resilience and forgiveness. "Red White Black & Blue" is essential viewing for those who yearn for authentic war stories. It illuminates the great personal cost of war and the power of personal reconciliation, earning its place in the annals of notable war documentaries.