Name: Da 5 Bloods
Genre: War, Drama
Released: 2020-06-12T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr.

The opening of Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods is a jarring collage of archival footage and images from the era of the Vietnam War and the Black freedom struggle. It’s a sequence that immediately sets the tone for this raw, unflinching exploration of war, trauma, and brotherhood. From this moment, it’s clear that Da 5 Bloods is not just another Vietnam War film; it’s a deeply personal and politically charged examination of the lasting impact of conflict on Black men.

Lee’s film follows four African American Vietnam War veterans—Paul (Lindo), Otis (Clarke Peters), Eddie (Norm Lewis), and Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.)—as they return to Vietnam decades after their service. Their mission is twofold: recover the remains of their fallen squad leader, Norman (Chadwick Boseman), and retrieve a stash of gold bars they buried during the war. The film weaves between past and present, using striking visual contrasts—grainy, boxy 16mm-style footage for the flashbacks, vibrant widescreen color for the modern-day sequences—to underscore the emotional and psychological gulf between then and now.

The choice to shoot the flashbacks in a different format is a deliberate one, serving as a visual metaphor for the way memory distorts and simplifies the past. These sequences are not just narrative devices; they are immersive experiences that draw the viewer into the chaos and brutality of war. The modern-day footage, meanwhile, grounds the present-day story in reality, highlighting the stark contrast between the idealism of youth and the cynicism of age.

What works best in Da 5 Bloods is its unapologetic confrontation with the lingering wounds of war. Lee doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of combat or the lasting impact of PTSD, particularly through Paul’s character. Lindo delivers a tour-de-force performance, capturing the complexity of a man haunted by his past while struggling to connect with his estranged son, David (Jonathan Majors). The dynamic between father and son is one of the film’s most compelling threads, filled with tension, love, and unresolved conflict.

Lindo’s portrayal of Paul is a masterclass in acting. He brings a raw intensity to the role, making it clear that Paul’s PTSD is not just a plot device but a defining aspect of his character. The scene where Paul confesses his condition to the group is particularly powerful, as it strips away the layers of bravado and reveals the vulnerability beneath. This moment is not just about Paul; it’s a reflection of the broader human cost of war.

The ensemble cast is uniformly strong, with Peters and Boseman (in his final role) standing out. Peters brings a quiet gravitas to Otis, the group’s moral compass, while Boseman’s presence looms large even in flashbacks. His performance as Norman is a testament to both his charisma and the film’s thematic weight. The supporting characters, including Mélanie Thierry as Hedy, a landmine clearance activist, add depth to the narrative without overshadowing the central quartet.

However, Da 5 Bloods isn’t without its flaws. At nearly two-and-a-half hours, the pacing can feel uneven, particularly in the film’s middle act. Some of the political commentary, while well-intentioned, occasionally veers into heavy-handed territory. The film’s exploration of race and war is undeniably powerful, but it sometimes sacrifices nuance for impact.

Structurally, the film’s shifting timelines are effective but can be disorienting. While the flashbacks serve a clear purpose, their frequency means that the emotional beats in the present day occasionally lose momentum. The narrative jumps between past and present with such regularity that it can be difficult to maintain a consistent emotional investment in any single thread.

Visually, Da 5 Bloods is a feast for the eyes. Lee’s use of color and composition is striking, particularly in the modern-day sequences. The vibrant hues of Vietnam’s landscape serve as a stark contrast to the grainy memories of war, reinforcing the theme of healing and renewal. However, the film’s visual style sometimes feels at odds with its gritty subject matter.

Thematically, Da 5 Bloods is rich and multifaceted. It explores the complexities of brotherhood, the legacy of war, and the struggle for racial justice. The film’s central question—what does it mean to be a Black man in America?—is one that resonates deeply, particularly in the current political climate. Lee doesn’t offer easy answers, but he does provide a space for reflection and dialogue.

In terms of genre fit, Da 5 Bloods straddles the line between war drama and social commentary. It’s a hybrid that works surprisingly well, as the film’s exploration of war is inseparable from its examination of race and identity. However, this hybridity can also be a double-edged sword, as the film sometimes struggles to balance its various thematic threads.

Comparatively, Da 5 Bloods stands out among recent Vietnam War films for its unflinching focus on the Black experience. While other films in the genre have explored the psychological toll of war, few have done so with such a specific cultural lens. In this regard, Da 5 Bloods fills an important gap in the cinematic landscape.

Ultimately, Da 5 Bloods is a visceral, emotionally charged film that demands attention. It’s not a perfect movie—its ambition sometimes outstrips its execution—but it’s a bold, necessary exploration of themes that continue to resonate today. The film’s strengths lie in its powerful performances, striking visual style, and unflinching examination of the human cost of war.

However, its flaws—uneven pacing, heavy-handed political commentary, and structural disorientation—prevent it from reaching its full potential.