A Soldier's Story
A Soldier's Story

Movie spotlight

A Soldier's Story

1984
Movie
101 min
English

In a rural town in Louisiana, a black Master Sergeant is found shot to death just outside the local Army Base. Military lawyer, Captain Davenport—also a black man—is sent from Washington to conduct an investigation. Facing an uncooperative chain of command and fearful black troops, Davenport must battle with deceit and prejudice in order to find out exactly who really did kill the Master Sergeant.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users90%
Director: Norman JewisonGenres: Drama, War, Mystery

Plot Summary

In 1944, a Black Army lawyer investigates the murder of a lieutenant on a segregated base in the Deep South. As he delves into the circumstances surrounding the death, he uncovers deep-seated racial tensions, prejudice, and secrets within the unit. The investigation forces the soldiers to confront their own identities and the complex social dynamics of the time.

Critical Reception

A Soldier's Story was critically acclaimed for its powerful performances, thought-provoking script, and sensitive handling of complex racial themes. It was praised for its insightful portrayal of Black soldiers navigating prejudice both within the military and society at large. The film resonated with audiences for its compelling mystery and its examination of pride, identity, and injustice.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compelling performances, particularly from Howard E. Rollins and Adolph Caesar.

  • Commended for its intelligent script and exploration of complex racial issues during WWII.

  • The mystery element is effectively woven into the social commentary.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's strong narrative and its ability to spark conversation about historical racial injustices. Many highlighted the powerful acting and the relevant themes that continue to resonate.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Adolph Caesar), and won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actor – Drama for Howard E. Rollins. It also received multiple NAACP Image Awards.

Fun Fact

The film is based on Charles Fuller's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, which was itself inspired by Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None'.

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