In my humble opinion, I pick A Soldier's Story, right up there with A Color Purple, Glengarry GlenRoss, Sideways and any other highly acclaimed ensemble cast of recent Hollywood history. It has a Who's Who of formidable highly trained Black actors; and of course Adolf Ceasar, Howard Rollins and Denzel were spectacular. One of my favorites --
shareI absolutely loved this film! One of my all-time favs. A great cast with spectacular acting. Exceptional performances by all, esp Denzel, Howard Rollins, Art Evans and of course, Adolph Caesar, who died far too young in his career.
This is one of few films that I watch frequently and notice new things each time I watch it. Considering the times during that era, it was shown with such emotional feelings on both sides that you could look beyond the inevitable racism that was so prevalant during wartime. I was totally stumped when I first saw this film as to whodunit. I was utterly surprised but after seeing the whole film again I could understand. The ending was not too far from the truth even in this day and age.
This movie definitely deserved more recognition that it received. I give it two-thumbs up...a four star film!!!
Adolph Ceasar was incredible in this movie. His dialogue with "woogie" in the bar was deep. There were many black men back then who actually felt the way he felt about some black people embarassing the race and setting them back. His performance in Color Purple was also Oscar worthy.
shareI just saw this film tonight on Encore, it had been 20 years since I first saw it, and I still think it is one of the best films of the 1980's, with great acting from Adolh Caeser, Howard Rollins, young Denzil Washington and Wings Hauser(probably the best thing he ever did). I prefer to say that I think this was one of the best acting ensembles ever. To just say black leaves out some key supporting roles of white actors in this very emotionally charged script. Great film, great acting-especially from the late Adolh Caesar-what a fantastic actor!
shareAgreed. This film is sort of a "lost classic" in terms of it didn't get the acclaim it deserved (at the time), and isn't as shown as much as it should be (on cable). Adolf Ceasar was outstanding (as well as Howard Rollins (gone too soon!)).
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Agreed with the consensus. I'd throw "Glory" in there on the same level if not a bit better (as a Canadian filmmaker, I should be giving the edge to a Jewison film :) ).
I was rather upset to find out that Rollins had died. What a loss of a natural acting skill. He was great in "Ragtime".