Da 5 Bloods

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 12, 2020

Genre
War, Drama, Adventure

Cast & Crew

• Delroy Lindo as Paul
• Jonathan Majors as David
• Clarke Peters as Otis
• Norm Lewis as Eddie
• Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Melvin
• Chadwick Boseman as “Stormin'” Norman
• Jean Reno as Desroche
• Mélanie Thierry as Hedy
• Paul Walter Hauser as Simon
• Jasper Pääkkönen as Seppo

Director
Spike Lee

Other Movies Director is Known For

• BlacKkKlansman (2018)
• Do the Right Thing (1989)
• Malcolm X (1992)

Producer

• Jon Kilik
• Spike Lee
• Beatriz Levin
• Lloyd Levin

Writer

• Spike Lee
• Kevin Willmott
• Danny Bilson
• Paul De Meo

Budget
Estimated $35–45 million

Production Company

• 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
• Rahway Road Productions
• Netflix

Running Time
154 minutes

Languages
English, Vietnamese, French

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Graphic war scenes
• Language
• Drug use
• Thematic elements related to war and trauma

Movie Story
“Da 5 Bloods” is a powerful war drama that follows four African American Vietnam War veterans—Paul (Delroy Lindo), Otis (Clarke Peters), Eddie (Norm Lewis), and Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.)—as they return to Vietnam decades after the war. The group, led by the passionate and troubled Paul, is on a dual mission: to recover the remains of their fallen squad leader, “Stormin'” Norman (Chadwick Boseman), and to retrieve a cache of gold bars that they buried during the war.

As the Bloods navigate the Vietnamese jungle, they confront not only the physical dangers of their quest but also the psychological scars left by the war. Flashbacks to their time in Vietnam, where they fought under Norman’s leadership, reveal the deep bond they shared and the moral complexities of their mission. Norman, who serves as both a mentor and a moral compass for the group, is remembered as a revolutionary figure whose ideals shaped the men they became.

The journey is fraught with tension as the veterans face threats from the jungle, local mercenaries, and their own internal conflicts. Paul, in particular, struggles with PTSD and guilt over past decisions, leading to increasingly erratic behavior. The film explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, the lasting impact of war, and the unresolved racial issues that the Bloods faced both during and after their service.

“Da 5 Bloods” is a mix of action, historical commentary, and emotional drama, offering a critical look at the Vietnam War through the lens of African American soldiers who fought in it. Spike Lee’s direction brings both intensity and a strong social message, making the film a significant addition to the war genre.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Da 5 Bloods” are used to enhance the realism of the war scenes, particularly in the flashback sequences. The film employs practical effects for explosions, gunfire, and the depiction of injuries sustained in battle. The flashbacks are presented in a different aspect ratio and film grain, creating a visual distinction between the past and the present. The use of CGI is minimal, with the focus on creating an authentic and gritty portrayal of the Vietnam War.

Box Office Performance
“Da 5 Bloods” was released exclusively on Netflix due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited its potential for a traditional box office performance. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and timely themes. Delroy Lindo’s portrayal of Paul was particularly praised, with many considering it one of the best performances of his career. The film also sparked discussions on the representation of African American soldiers in war movies and their contributions to the Vietnam War.

Filming Locations

• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Chiang Mai, Thailand

Notable Quotes

• “After you’ve been in a war, you understand it never really ends.” – Paul
• “We fought in an immoral war that wasn’t ours, for rights we didn’t have.” – Norman
• “Bloods don’t die, we multiply.” – Paul

Behind-the-Scenes
“Da 5 Bloods” was filmed on location in Vietnam and Thailand, with Spike Lee aiming to create an authentic portrayal of the Vietnam War experience. The film was shot in a variety of formats, including digital and 16mm film, to differentiate between the modern-day and flashback sequences. The film also incorporates real historical footage and references, blending fiction with reality to make a powerful statement on the legacy of the Vietnam War and the African American experience.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Original Score at the 93rd Academy Awards
• Won Best Ensemble at the 2020 New York Film Critics Circle Awards
• Nominated for Best Actor (Delroy Lindo) at the 2021 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards
• Won Best Film at the 2020 National Board of Review Awards

Final Verdict
“Da 5 Bloods” is a poignant and gripping war drama that blends action with deep emotional and historical exploration. Spike Lee delivers a powerful narrative that is both timely and resonant, highlighting the contributions and struggles of African American soldiers in the Vietnam War. With standout performances, particularly from Delroy Lindo, and a strong directorial vision, the film is a must-watch for those interested in stories that tackle the complexities of war and its lasting impact.

IMDb Rating
6.5/10