A Soldier's Story

PG 7.2
1984 1 hr 41 min Drama , Crime , Mystery , War

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.

  • Cast:
    Howard Rollins , Adolph Caesar , Art Evans , Robert Townsend , Denzel Washington , David Alan Grier , David Harris

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Reviews

Cubussoli
1984/09/14

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

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Portia Hilton
1984/09/15

Blistering performances.

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Kaydan Christian
1984/09/16

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

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Janis
1984/09/17

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

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Benedito Dias Rodrigues
1984/09/18

This picture strangely passed by me and l didn't have another oppotunity to see on TV again,now on very first time on DVD which l'd bought years before, Although it is very predicable,the writter gave a clue when the Sergeant was killed by their own people,it was so clear that spoil the whole story,but the main target of the movie never was sergeant's behavior,but the message to reach the audience about the real facts during World War 2,when black soldiers never were accepted in same places with white soldiers,more they didn't have any recognition from the Army,including medals of honour after risking their lives for homeland....worst making every kind of dirtiest job in the army.....in the bonus has a little doc about that matter,shame for a country which has two kind of people!!Resume:First watch: 2018 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 8

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lathe-of-heaven
1984/09/19

I normally do not gravitate toward films dealing with social issues, or as in this case, Racism, per se, although there are a number of excellent films on these kinds of subjects. But, there was a certain 'Something' about this one; a certain 'Magic' that probably can be primarily attributed to the actors and the outstandingly BRILLIANT job that they did.A VERY low budget film; you really have to hand it to Norman Jewison for pulling it off so damn well! I believe that this was only Denzel Washington's 2nd film. WOW, can you ever tell what a powerhouse talent and presence that he was to become. Adolph Caesar who rightfully received the Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance was fantastic!I think also what really makes this film resonate more strongly is that, as Jewison said in the commentary, being either white or black, many people can truly relate to these characters. He also said that this was probably the first film which gave such a substantial insight into the African-American psyche of those at the time and especially the ones in the military. I also appreciated the excellent theme of racism within one's own people. It was truly quite powerful...Like I mention in my summary, this basic type of film is not normally within my most favorite Genres; I usually gravitate much more towards Science Fiction, Horror, and Film Noir. But, as I do with all of my reviews here, I really try to evaluate or describe a film based upon how WELL it is done, no matter the Genre. Well, let me tell you... this film is truly one of the very best, especially about these issues. You not only have amazing performances by very gifted actors, but you also have a lovely score by Herbie Hancock, who in my estimation as a music lover and Audiophile for over 30 years (and a vinyl / digital audio collection of some 15,000 albums) he is ABSOLUTELY one of THE best musicians / composers alive. And what is more, the soundtrack on this film is COMPLETELY improvised; and trust me, when it comes to Jazz, improvisation IS the very essence of absolute aural beauty! And, if that were not enough... you also have an expertly crafted murder mystery along with everything else.I can not recommend this film highly enough. If this is the type of movie that you like and you really appreciate excellent performances, then you should fully enjoy this rare, quality film...

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Trombonehead
1984/09/20

This movie is a stone-cold, under-rated masterpiece which continues to stand up over the years. I've watched it many times and it's definitely in my top ten of all time for several reasons. First and foremost is the superb ensemble acting, inspired and united by the great Adolph Caesar. There is a wonderful sense of totally professional unity and purpose among all the cast that is extremely rare. I think it's Norman Jewison's best. Having seen it many times since 1984, I am continually impressed by all the interesting subtleties throughout. Such as the way the camera moves and tracks the action, the wonderful editing, lighting, sense of time and place, dramatic tension and pacing, great script-----this movie is a textbook of how to make a really great movie. Film students should study it and learn from it. It's got everything going it for it that stands up with any of the so-called greatest movies of all time. It should have won Best Picture when it came out, and Best Actor for Adolph Caesar. It says a lot about Hollywood that it didn't. It focuses on a dark chapter in American history that Hollywood rarely visits, and it's a tough and hard-hitting story about racism and anger that wasn't intended to be big at the box office---which to me makes it all the more valuable.

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gsh999
1984/09/21

I'm an Army vet of several years and I feel somewhat qualified to comment on the accuracy of the portrayal of the military in the movies. I completed basic training and lived and worked in the same type of Army wooden barracks as in "A Soldier's Story." I was subordinate AND superior, in rank, in the course of my career, to soldiers like the disciplinarian Sergeant Waters. Overall, I believe "A Soldier's Story" is an accurate portrayal of Army personnel and history. "A Soldier's Story" is also an extremely entertaining mystery. Movie-making at its finest!I am proud that the U.S. Army led the way in racial integration in U.S. history. These years were unduly difficult years for African American soldiers, who contributed greatly to the U.S. war effort. Not only did African American soldiers have to deal with enemy action abroad, they also had to contend with extreme and violent racism at home! "A Soldier's Story" depicts this part of American history in a gripping, entertaining, and touching manner. Highly recommended 10/10.

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