Jumble in the Jungle

Rating: 8/10 (24 June 2020)

GRADE: B
THIS FILM IS RECOMMENDED.
IN BRIEF: Well acted but rambling story about five soldiers who come together for some closure.
JIM'S REVIEW: Streaming directly to Netflix and avoiding movie theaters which are still shuttered anyway, Spike Lee's war drama. Da 5 Bloods, takes moviegoers on a long and rambling journey back to the traumas caused by the Vietnam war to our vets and our country. The story may not always be successful in its execution, too much of a Black History 101 lecture, but it does delve into a dark chapter of America's history and makes very relevant points about racism, greed, and honor that we need to continue to discuss during today's harrowing times.
Five African-American Vietnam vets, dubbed the "Bloods", reunite in Ho Chi Minh City with a personal mission: to bring back the remains of their fallen comrade and friend, "Stormin' Norman" Holloway (Chadwick Boseman). An honorable quest, but there is also an ulterior motive: They also want to retrieve hidden gold bars that these soldiers had buried on a previous operation. While there, these five men will deal with their own personal demons and encounter many obstacles and physical hardships along the way.
Clarke Peters plays Otis, the leader of this band of brothers. He visits his former girlfriend, Tiên, who helps him make contacts with a French businessman, Desroche (Jean Reno), who will ensure their safety and buy the gold from them. Also on this mission is Paul, (a wonderful Delroy Lindo...more on him later). Paul is Otis' close friend who suffers from PTSD and carries the guilt and anger of a nation with him. He is a widower who has an estranged relationship with son, David (Jonathan Majors), who came along to Paul's surprise. Paul becomes the catalyst in this multi-layered story and provides the conflict within the Bloods. He is a Trump supporter and his many debates with the others spring from his opposing point of view and set up the tension.
As the film goes back and forth in its narrative from 60's war-time Vietnam to present-day, the journey itself becomes a tad strained and far-fetched, with some secondary characters, such as three crusaders from a organization dedicated to clearing landmines, popping up unexpectedly (and all too conveniently) to advanced the plot. Their roles cause the story to stretch plausibility, as do some of the film's other intruders. The screenplay simply needs more clarity and some of the other supporting characters are sketchy and not as well developed, specifically the other remaining soldiers, Eddie and Melvin (Norm Lewis and Isiah Whitlock Jr.). However, the film's many monologues are always very literate and thought-provoking. After all, with Mr. Lee, it's the message that is of the upmost concern.
The director's trademarked continued use of archival footage effectively shows viewers the turbulent era of the sixties for African-Americans, both here and abroad. He chronicles black life and the poor treatment inflicted by the U.S. government. While the assassination of Martin Luther King back home created civil unrest and racial divides, these men were still expected to fight for a country that treated them in second class servitude. Yet sometimes the newsreel montages interfere with the main story and begin to overstate the message, choosing to sacrifice the movie's narrative and plot.
The acting is solid throughout the film. Mr. Peters is quite convincing as the troubled Otis who tries to negotiate between all of the bickering. Mr. Boseman, as the doomed soldier, creates a strong impression, although he has less screen time than the others. Mr. Majors is very memorable as Paul's forgotten son and he has some tender scenes with French actress Mélanie Thierry as one of the volunteers that register. One wishes the talented Mr. Lewis and Mr. Whitlock were given more to do with their characters, even though both actors bring needed depth to their perfunctory roles. But it is Mr. Lindo who creates a complex and beaten man just trying to survive. His Paul is haunted and haunting. This excellent actor is outstanding, especially in his lengthy tirades about injustice and his delusional conversations with himself. His performance deserves Oscar recognition.
Mr. Lee directs with his usual flair, but the story itself is a jumble at times. The ending seems too glib and uplifting. Its storytelling lacks a true sense of irony, anger, and gravitas which the film wishes to achieve. Still Da 5 Bloods is fine filmmaking, very worthy of your time and support, but my expectations remain higher for this great filmmaker and his vision.