During the Vietnam War, five black American soldiers bonded. Together, they found gold bars and buried them with the intention of recovering them in the future. Decades later, four of the five friends return to Vietnam to recover the gold.
Occasionally, the film falls into a storyline that has been done before: a collective search for gold that creates tension and mistrust among the searchers ("Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is likely the best example for comparison). But despite the familiarity, the conclusion takes other directions including a fascinating climax co-ordinated by the always reliable Spike Lee who directed and co-wrote the film. Some of the outer-lying sub-stories could have been expanded were it not for the gold hunt main story and still made a great film as well but there is only so much time allowed. The final product of "Da 5 Bloods", gold story and all, is a grand experience.
Some of the most memorable moments include the tragedies and tensions involving landmines. And the greatest moment is a flashback scene involving Paul (Delroy Lindo), the most troubled and negatively affected of the war veterans; plus Norman (Chadwick Boseman), the only member of the quintet who does not appear in the current time period. This scene perfectly explains the future fates of both characters with a deep spiritual element as well. It is also beautifully acted.
Lee adds further to the film's impact by concluding with fascinating historical footage with informative histories before the closing credits. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 8 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Acting by Delroy Lindo.
Occasionally, the film falls into a storyline that has been done before: a collective search for gold that creates tension and mistrust among the searchers ("Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is likely the best example for comparison). But despite the familiarity, the conclusion takes other directions including a fascinating climax co-ordinated by the always reliable Spike Lee who directed and co-wrote the film. Some of the outer-lying sub-stories could have been expanded were it not for the gold hunt main story and still made a great film as well but there is only so much time allowed. The final product of "Da 5 Bloods", gold story and all, is a grand experience.
Some of the most memorable moments include the tragedies and tensions involving landmines. And the greatest moment is a flashback scene involving Paul (Delroy Lindo), the most troubled and negatively affected of the war veterans; plus Norman (Chadwick Boseman), the only member of the quintet who does not appear in the current time period. This scene perfectly explains the future fates of both characters with a deep spiritual element as well. It is also beautifully acted.
Lee adds further to the film's impact by concluding with fascinating historical footage with informative histories before the closing credits. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 8 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Acting by Delroy Lindo.