A Soldier's Story
"Totally Compelling.." - Variety
Tensions flare in this gripping film about a murder on a black army base near the end of World War II. Captain Davenport (Howard E. Rollins, Jr.), a proud black army attorney, is sent to Fort Neal, Louisiana, to investigate the ruthless shooting death of Sergeant Waters (Adolph Caesar), a black NCO in a racially-charged area of the South. Through interviews with Sarge's men, Davenport learns that he was a vicious man who took the white officer's side in conflicts with the men. An increasingly complicated picture of both Sgt. Waters and his unit comes out as Davenport conducts his investigation, but a complete picture of the truth may be harder to come by. Directed by Norman Jewison and based on Charles Fuller's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, A Soldier's Story is both a spellbinding mystery and a superb drama that transcends race.
Member Reviews
Adolph Caesar! - Yogini
Adolph Caesar should have received an Oscar for his role as Sgt Waters. Norman Jewison films are always dependable, and sometimes inspired; this one is dependable and certain aspects, such as Adolph Caesar's work (did he choose his name to further his career? Was he given the name at birth?) are inspired. The brief documentary about how black soldiers were cheated of their just deserts before the US military was 'integrated' made the film even more poignant. Describing Sgt Waters as 'taking the white officers' side against his black troops' is an error of (forgive me - I can't resist) the first water. He's a complicated man, with complicated motives, and Adolph Caesar should have been, at the very least, nominated for an Oscar for his work in this film.
Member Reviews
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Adolph Caesar! - Yogini
Adolph Caesar should have received an Oscar for his role as Sgt Waters. Norman Jewison films are always dependable, and sometimes inspired; this one is dependable and certain aspects, such as Adolph Caesar's work (did he choose his name to further his career? ...