Over the past thirty years, Spike Lee has remained a staple in cinema with his polarizing and incredible filmography. From Do the Right Thing to Malcolm X, and most recently, BlacKkKlansman, which ultimately lead the acclaimed director to win his first Academy Award. Lee has always stood true to his beliefs and the themes he showcases in his films. As the world continues to protest with one common goal, Black Lives Matter, it’s timely that the latest Spike Lee Joint has arrived. And like his films of yesteryear, Da 5 Bloods is one full of meaning and one of the director’s most exciting and impactful outings.
From the opening moments of the film, Lee takes the audience on a history lesson through time with the backdrop of the soothing sounds of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues.” At the same time, images of Black soldiers during the Vietnam War are beautifully blended in with montages from Malcolm X, Kwame Ture, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis, and other historical figures to create a compelling introduction that immediately cements its place at the top of Lee’s joints as his most impactful opening.
On the surface, Da 5 Bloods tells the story of four black Vietnam veterans, who return to present-day Vietnam to search for the remains of their squad leader, Norman (Chadwick Boseman), and the gold they hid during the war. While this premise sounds like The Deer Hunter meets The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, the film is quite complex as it examines the ideologies in a world post-Trump presidency from four different perspectives, while exploring the reality that not much has changed since the Vietnam War for the black community.
Spike Lee is at his absolute best with his direction and choices in the film. Lee effectively experiments with different aspect ratios throughout the film as he toggles through present-day Vietnam shooting in an ultrawide 2.39:1 aspect ratio, changing to 16mm reversal film stock for moments during the Vietnam War and then moving to a boxier 1.33:1 aspect ratio for the rest of the film. To some, this method may be quite chaotic. However, the unorthodox approach to his filmmaking stays true to Lee’s vision and provides the audience with a naturalistic look connecting the past and present.
While previous Spike Lee joints have touched on the bond between family and friends, Lee has never put together quite the brotherhood as he does here with the “Bloods.” The performances of Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock, and Chadwick Bosman are sensational. Their chemistry is impeccable and it’s hard to ignore how poetic their emotion is in the film. My standout is Delroy Lindo, who’s portrayal is out of this world phenomenal. In a career-best performance, Lindo evokes emotion and sadness portraying a MAGA-wearing veteran, who was spat out by society after the war. Lindo’s portrayal is nothing short of Oscar-worthy and one of the best performances of the first half of 2020.
Like a fine wine, Spike Lee’s skill as a director has aged beautifully. In one of the best streaks of his career, Da 5 Bloods cements Lee’s place as one of this generation’s best filmmakers. An unquestionable work of art, Lee’s voice will be heard in this film and quite possibly on the Oscar stage next April.
