Da 5 Bloods (Movie)

MovieAction & AdventureDramas
3 Min Read
Title — Da 5 Bloods
Available on — Netflix
Production Country — United States
Release Date — 2020
Four African American veterans return to Vietnam decades after the war to find their squad leader's remains — and a stash of buried gold. From Spike Lee.

ðŸŠķ Story & Synopsis

In the movie “Da 5 Bloods,” directed by Spike Lee, viewers are taken on a gripping journey with four African American veterans – Paul, Otis, Eddie, and Melvin – as they return to Vietnam. The story revolves around their quest to recover the remains of their fallen Squad Leader, Norman, and the buried treasure of gold bars they had hidden during the Vietnam War.

Set against the backdrop of Vietnam, the film delves into the complexities of war, friendship, and the enduring impact of past traumas. The group of veterans, known as the “Bloods,” had secured a stash of gold bars intended as payment for the Lahu people during the war. However, their plans are thwarted when Norman is killed, and they are unable to retrieve the gold after a napalm strike destroys their landmarks.

Years later, the Bloods reunite in Ho Chi Minh City, spurred by the discovery of the crashed plane’s tail, which holds the key to their buried treasure. As they embark on their mission, the group faces challenges from both human adversaries and the unforgiving forces of nature.

With the help of old acquaintances and new allies, including Otis’ Vietnamese girlfriend TiÊn and French businessman Desroche, the Bloods navigate the Vietnamese countryside in search of the gold. Along the way, they confront personal demons, strained relationships, and the harsh realities of their past decisions.

As the group uncovers the scattered gold bars and Norman’s remains, they are forced to reckon with the true cost of their actions during the war. Eddie’s financial struggles, Paul’s PTSD, and David’s tumultuous relationship with his father add layers of complexity to their mission.

Tragedy strikes when Eddie steps on a landmine, leading to a tense standoff that tests the loyalty and bonds of the group. As external threats close in, including armed gunmen and the specter of betrayal, the Bloods must confront their past sins and make difficult choices to secure their future.

Through themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and redemption, “Da 5 Bloods” offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the enduring scars of war and the quest for closure and justice.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., MÃĐlanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, Jasper PÃĪÃĪkkÃķnen, Johnny Nguyen, Chadwick Boseman

Actor Role
Delroy Lindo –
Jonathan Majors –
Clarke Peters –
Johnny Trí Nguyáŧ…n –
Norm Lewis –
Isiah Whitlock Jr. –
MÃĐlanie Thierry –
Paul Walter Hauser –
Jasper PÃĪÃĪkkÃķnen –
Jean Reno –
Chadwick Boseman –

💎 Reviews and feedback

Imagine a movie that’s like a rollercoaster ride through history, emotions, and adrenaline. That’s exactly what Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” delivers – a cinematic experience that hits you with the force of a thousand suns. Strap in, because we’re about to dive into the heart of this film that has garnered quite the buzz.

From the very first scene, Spike Lee grabs you by the collar and plunges you headfirst into a world where Black lives not only matter but take center stage in the tumultuous setting of the Vietnam War. The movie isn’t just good; it’s fresh! If there was a Michelin star for movies, this one would be wearing it proudly.

The performances in “Da 5 Bloods” are like a perfectly orchestrated symphony. Each actor brings their A-game to the table, creating a harmonious blend of talent that leaves you spellbound. Spike Lee’s trust in his actors shines through every frame, making the characters come alive with raw emotion and authenticity.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – historical accuracy. While “Da 5 Bloods” isn’t explicitly based on true events or people, it is deeply rooted in reality. Spike Lee weaves a narrative that pays homage to Black veterans who fought bravely but never got their stories told. It’s a poignant reminder of unsung heroes who deserve their moment in the spotlight.

  • Binge-watching Tip: Keep your tissues handy because this movie will tug at your heartstrings like never before.

As for the filming locations, while some scenes were shot in Vietnam, others were captured in and around Chiang Mai. The attention to detail is impeccable, immersing you in the sights and sounds of both past and present Vietnam with breathtaking visuals that transport you right into the heart of the action.

The message of “Da 5 Bloods” is clear – it stands as a bold statement against war. Spike Lee fearlessly connects America’s internal struggles with its external conflicts, using powerful imagery and historical references to drive home his anti-war stance.

Now onto the technical aspects – the cinematography is jaw-droppingly stunning. Every frame feels like a work of art, meticulously crafted to draw you deeper into the story. The production design deserves accolades for recreating an era with such authenticity that you can almost smell the gunpowder and feel the tension in the air.

  • Binge-watching Tip: Pay close attention to the background details; they add layers of depth to an already rich narrative.

The special effects are top-notch, seamlessly blending CGI with practical effects to create moments that leave you wide-eyed with amazement. Whether it’s intense action sequences or subtle visual cues, every effect serves a purpose and enhances your viewing experience.

The editing keeps the pace brisk and engaging, never letting momentum falter even for a second. The dialogue crackles with wit and emotion, delivering impactful lines that linger long after the credits roll.

“Da 5 Bloods” isn’t just another movie; it’s an experience that stays with you like a lingering melody. It challenges societal norms, provokes thought, and stirs emotions in ways few films dare to attempt.

So, dear reader, if you’re looking for more than just entertainment – if you seek a film that speaks volumes without saying much – then “Da 5 Bloods” is your ticket to cinematic bliss.

In conclusion, Da 5 Bloods rates an impressive 9/10. It’s not just a movie; it’s a revolution on screen!

Pros Cons
Top tier performances by actors Stilted (unnatural) dialogue
Rooted in reality with historical inspiration Poorly shot war flashbacks
Deliberately anti-war message Stock blood spatter CGI effects
Fierce energy and ambition in storytelling Some scenes criticized for quality
Addresses racism at home connected to imperialism abroad Some criticisms about being on “Best Of” lists

Feedback

  • Da 5 Bloods (2020) - IMDb

    SPONSOREDFour black veterans battle the forces of man and nature when they return to Viet Nam seeking the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide.Four black veterans battle the forces of man and nature when they return to Viet Nam seeking the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide.Four black veterans battle the forces of man and nature when they return to Viet Nam seeking the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide.

    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 41 wins & 200 nominations total

    SPONSOREDJohnny Tri Nguyen

  • Da 5 Bloods - Wikipedia

    156 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $35–45 million

    Da 5 Bloodsis a 2020 American war drama film directed, produced, and co-written by Spike Lee. It stars Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Johnny Trí Nguyáŧ…n, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., MÃĐlanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, Jasper PÃĪÃĪkkÃķnen, Jean Reno, and Chadwick Boseman (in his last movie released during his lifetime). The film’s plot follows a group of four aging Vietnam War veterans who return to the country in search of the remains of their fallen squad leader, as well as the treasure they buried while serving there.

  • Da 5 Bloods | Rotten Tomatoes

    Fierce energy and ambition course throughDa 5 Bloods, coming together to fuel one of Spike Lee’s most urgent and impactful films.

    Da 5 BloodsWhere to WatchDa 5 Bloods

    Watch Da 5 Bloods with a subscription on Netflix.

    What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew

    Spike LeeDirectorDelroy LindoPaulJonathan MajorsDavidClarke PetersOtisNorm LewisEddieIsiah Whitlock Jr.Melvin

  • Da 5 Bloods | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube

  • Da 5 Bloods movie review & film summary (2020) | Roger Ebert

    So, on the surface, we have the story of four Vietnam vets who have returned to the country that bonded them in battle to claim a treasure they buried several decades ago. The men themselves initially seem to fit the usual types—there’s the joker, Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), the level-headed medic, Otis (Clarke Peters) and the one who achieved the most post-war success, Eddie (Norm Lewis). Rounding out the quartet is the forceful, hot-headed leader, Paul, played by Delroy Lindo in one of the best performances to come out of a Spike Lee joint. The fifth blood of the title is not Paul’s son, David (Jonathan Majors), who unexpectedly shows up to join his elders’ crew, but their fallen comrade and squad leader, Norman, whose body they have been authorized to exhume so as to not raise suspicions about their other intentions. They will be assisted, at least to the base of their jungle journey, by Vinh (Johnny Tri Nguyen), a trustworthy guide who provides context from his side of what he calls “The American War.”

⚠ïļ Explanation (Spoiler)

In “Da 5 Bloods”, directed by Spike Lee, the narrative revolves around a group of African American Vietnam War veterans known as the Bloods who return to Vietnam to recover the remains of their fallen squad leader, Stormin’ Norman, and to find a stash of gold bars they buried during the war. The movie delves into themes of brotherhood, loyalty, the impact of war on individuals, and the enduring effects of systemic racism.

The characters in the film each bring their own personal struggles and perspectives to the story. Paul, played by Delroy Lindo, is a complex character grappling with guilt over accidentally killing Stormin’ Norman in friendly fire during the war. His journey throughout the film involves a deep exploration of his inner demons and ultimately finding redemption and acceptance of his past actions.

Norm Lewis’s character, Eddie, brings a contrasting viewpoint to the group, advocating for using the recovered gold for a broader cause, such as supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. This difference in opinion leads to internal conflicts within the group, reflecting larger societal debates on activism, legacy, and responsibility.

The movie draws parallels to the classic film “The Treasure of Sierra Madre” in its exploration of greed, paranoia, and the corrupting influence of wealth. However, “Da 5 Bloods” takes these themes and infuses them with the specific experiences of Black soldiers in a racially charged America, highlighting the injustices they faced both in war and at home.

One of the standout moments in the film is Delroy Lindo’s powerful soliloquy where his character, Paul, confronts his inner turmoil and ultimately finds a sense of peace and reconciliation. This scene showcases Lindo’s exceptional acting and Spike Lee’s directorial prowess in capturing raw emotion and vulnerability on screen.

As the Bloods navigate the treacherous landscape of present-day Vietnam to retrieve the gold, they are faced with external threats from Vietnamese mercenaries and internal struggles that force them to confront their past traumas and the true meaning of their brotherhood.

The film’s climax is a poignant and thought-provoking reflection on the enduring legacy of the Vietnam War on those who fought in it, the complexities of race relations in America, and the quest for personal and collective healing and redemption.

👊 Parents Guide & Age Rating

R

Age Rating:

Da 5 Bloods is rated R by the MPAA for strong violence, grisly images, and pervasive language. The movie contains intense scenes that may not be suitable for children under 17.

Parental Guide:

Sex & Nudity:

  • The movie contains limited sexual content with minimal nudity.

Violence & Gore:

  • There are several intense and graphic scenes of violence throughout the movie.
  • A man explodes, and his body is shown brutally butchered.
  • A main character is blown up by a mine, with his arms and legs blown off, bones sticking out, and blood spurting from the severed limbs.
  • The main character is violently gunned down by several soldiers.
  • Several people are killed in large explosions, and some are shown in several pieces.
  • A person is stabbed to death.

Profanity:

  • There is pervasive use of strong language throughout the movie.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:

  • There is minimal depiction of alcohol, drugs, and smoking in the movie.

Frightening & Intense Scenes:

  • The movie contains several frightening and intense scenes that may be disturbing for some viewers.

Parents should be cautious and consider the strong violent content, graphic images, and pervasive language when deciding whether this movie is appropriate for their children under 17.

📚 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Netflix You can watch Da 5 Bloods on Netflix with a subscription. The movie is available for streaming on Netflix basic with Ads.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • If you like war dramas, heist stories, and/or movies with a political point of view, take this opportunity to vote for the best Da 5 Bloods quotes. This new Netflix original is all three of those things. It mixes some thought-provoking one liners about the cost of war with funny lines exchanged between the main characters, who are old friends.
  • In true Spike Lee form, Da 5 Bloods touches on topics we are seeing today with the Black Lives Matter movement. Check out the list of powerful Da 5 Bloods quotes!
  • I got a side piece. I got Smith on one side and Wesson on the other.
  • We got back from Nam, we didn’t get nothing but a hard damn time.
  • Don’t tell me that you voted for President Fake Bone Spurs.
  • They are former Viet Cong and wanna welcome you all back to their country.
  • I would be the first cat in line if there was a flick about a real hero, you know, one of our blood. Somebody like Milton Olive.
  • She was a bastard child of the enemy.
  • Who feel like they’re ripping something off? We was the very first people that died for this red, white and blue. We’ve been dying for this country from the very get, hoping one day they’d give us our rightful place. All they gave us was a foot up our black asses.
  • War is about money. Money is about war.
  • Every time I walk out my front door I see cops patrolling my neighborhood like it’s some police state. I can feel just how much I ain’t worth.
  • Black GI, the South Vietnamese people are resolute against these fascist acts against Negroes who struggle for civil rights and freedom.
  • Negroes are only 11% of the US population, but among troops here in Vietnam, you are 32%. Black GI, is it fair to serve more than the white Americans that sent you here?
  • Won’t let nobody use our rage against us. We control our rage.
  • On behalf of all the black folks in the USA, which are the only group who didn’t vote for the motherf*&$&$%, we plead innocent to all the charges, claims, accusations, allegations, and associations connected to the Klansman in the Oval Office, so help me God.
  • So long, Blood. Rest in power.
  • When I say Black Lives you say Matter. Black Lives! Matter!

ðŸĪ–Da 5 Bloods Reddit Talks

Spike Lee’s latest movie, Da 5 Bloods, is a powerful and thought-provoking film that tackles important issues such as race, war, and the legacy of slavery. The film follows four African American Vietnam War veterans who return to the country to find the remains of their fallen squad leader and a treasure they buried during the war.

One of the most striking things about Da 5 Bloods is its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the brutality and violence of the Vietnam War, and it does so in a way that is both realistic and emotionally harrowing. The film also explores the psychological toll that war takes on soldiers, and it shows how the trauma of war can stay with people long after they return home.

However, Da 5 Bloods is not just a war film. It is also a film about race and the legacy of slavery in America. The film shows how the racism that African Americans faced during the Vietnam War was a continuation of the racism that they had faced for centuries. The film also explores the ways in which the legacy of slavery continues to affect African Americans today.

Da 5 Bloods is a complex and challenging film, but it is also a rewarding one. The film is a powerful indictment of war and racism, and it is a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and equality.

Here are some of the specific topics that are discussed on Reddit in relation to Da 5 Bloods:

  • The historical accuracy of the film.
  • The film’s portrayal of the horrors of war.
  • The film’s exploration of race and the legacy of slavery.
  • The film’s use of CGI blood.
  • The film’s editing.
  • The film’s overall quality.

Overall, the response to Da 5 Bloods on Reddit has been positive. Many people have praised the film for its powerful storytelling, its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, and its exploration of important social issues. However, some people have also criticized the film for its use of CGI blood and its editing.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Da 5 Bloods a true story?

Da 5 Bloods is a fictional story, but it’s a tribute to the forgotten heroes of the unpopular war. Furthermore, the film directly references some of the Black soldiers who bravely fought for their country courtesy of conversations among the characters, along with archival footage of the actual soldiers.

What is the message of Da 5 Bloods?

Spike Lee’s recent Netflix Vietnam War film Da 5 Bloods is deliberately and forthrightly anti-war. It includes footage of Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Malcolm X trenchantly connecting the United States’ racism at home to imperialism abroad.

Was Da 5 Bloods filmed in Vietnam?

The rest of the contemporary scenes were photographed in and around Chiang Mai as well as select locations in Vietnam, including scenes set on a river and in Ho Chi Minh City’s Apocalypse Now Bar, named after Francis Ford Coppola’s film.

Are the clips in Da 5 Bloods real?

In Da 5 Bloods, Spike Lee honors the legacy of the African Americans who fought in the Vietnam War—showing photographs and archival footage from the 1960s of the horrors they faced while overseas.

What happened to Norman in Da 5 Bloods?

However, in the ensuing Vietnamese counter-attack, Norman is killed, and the Bloods cannot locate the buried gold after a napalm strike obliterates the identifying landmarks. In the present day, Paul, Otis, Eddie, and Melvin meet up in Ho Chi Minh City.

🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show

  1. Rescue Dawn (2006): A true story of a U.S. fighter pilot who is shot down and captured during the Vietnam War.
  2. M.I.A. A Greater Evil (2018): A group of American college students embark on an expedition in search of gold in the war-torn jungles of Vietnam.
  3. Three Kings (1999): A dark comedy about a group of American soldiers who discover a map leading to hidden gold during the Gulf War.
  4. Treasure of the Yankee Zephyr (1981): An adventure film about a man searching for sunken treasure in the South Pacific.
  5. The Great Raid: A WWII film based on the true story of American soldiers trapped in a Japanese camp.
  6. The Deer Hunter: A classic film depicting the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from Pennsylvania.
  7. Waltz With Bashir: An animated documentary exploring the memories of an Israeli soldier during the Lebanon War.
  8. Glory: A historical drama based on the true story of the first all-black volunteer company in the Civil War.
  9. Last Flag Flying: A comedy-drama following three Vietnam War veterans as they reunite to bury one of their sons.

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