Da 5 Bloods Movie Review: There’s no better time for Spike Lee’s visionary film

Story: Four African-American war veterans struggle to keep promises made to their Squad Leader and each other. Review: We’re quickly enrolled on this mission of four war veterans returning to Vietnam to seek out the remains of their platoon leader (Chadwick Boseman), while on the hunt for the treasure they hid in their youth. Paul (Delroy Lindo), Otis (Clarke Peters), Eddie (Norm Lewis) and Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), are close-knit. Each character is complicated yet captivating in his own way – they all have their agendas to revisit Vietnam. Driven by their bonhomie, the onscreen chemistry between these four actors is undeniable, particularly evident with Delroy Lindo as Paul and Clarke Peters as Otis; both stand out as the film’s driving forces. Delroy Lindo delivers a powerhouse performance as a vet with PTSD besides a host of other war wounds. His stunning monologues delivered directly to the camera, are chilling. Clarke Peters provides excellent support as Otis, especially when at loggerheads with Paul. Chadwick Boseman doesn’t disappoint as Stormin’ Norman, the beloved deceased captain who continues to haunt the squad.‘Da 5 Bloods’ initially appears as a buddy comedy-drama/ treasure-hunt action piece on what money can do to a set of thick friends. Instead, it sequentially pours out searing commentary on racism by referencing significant African American men and women who played a vital role in shaping American history. The Vietnam War was extremely divisive, and its atrocities aren't shied away from. Its toll is evident in the veterans, but also in the Vietnamese people they encounter. At two and a half hours, the experience only deepens as the rounded screenplay unfolds. Accompanying it is a background score elaborately constructed by Spike Lee’s longstanding collaborator, Terence Blanchard. Cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel further embellishes the film using a combination of different aspect ratios and formats. The rest of the production is expectedly top-notch.Spike Lee’s message is passionately translated by the entire cast to make it more profound. As the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement gains momentum in the US, trust him to make the most relevant film. Granted, ‘Da 5 Bloods’ biggest advantage is its timing, but the director’s vision is clear and bold. For instance, he doesn't de-age the older actors in flashbacks; this creative liberty conveys how these battle-scarred men haven’t left the war behind. Lee also let scenes play out, letting the weight of each one seep in. Destined to become a significant movie in American cinema, and sure to be a leading contender for numerous accolades, this ‘Spike Lee Joint’ is the best we've seen from the acclaimed filmmaker.