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Howard E. Rollins Jr., Adolph Caesar, Dennis Lipscomb, Art Evans, Patti LaBelle ... see more see more... , Denzel Washington , Larry Riley , David Alan Grier , Bobby McGee , Scott Paulin , Michael Williams , Trey Wilson , William Allen Young , David Harris , Wings Hauser , Robert Townsend , Patricia Brandkamp , Tom Howard , John Valentine , John Hancock

Inspired by the Herman Melville novel Billy Budd, writer Charles Fuller created the Pulitzer Prize-winning A Soldier's Play, which he then adapted into this film drama in 1984, for socially conscious,... read more read more... liberal director Norman Jewison. In the racially-divided 1940s, Fort Neal, Louisiana, is a military base where black soldiers are sent not to fight in WWII but to play baseball against other armed forces teams. The murder of a black sergeant, Waters (Adolph Caesar) brings an investigator, Captain Davenport (Howard E. Rollins, Jr.) to the base. Davenport, the first black officer that most of the men have ever met, suspects that a pair of white men were responsible for Waters' death, but his probe reveals that nearly everyone, regardless of skin color, had ample reason to kill the loathsome but pitiable Waters. The cast of A Soldier's Story features early supporting performances from several African-American actors who would go on to greater prominence, including Denzel Washington, David Alan Grier, and Robert Townsend. The film was nominated for three Oscars: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Caesar) and Best Adapted Screenplay. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Flixster Users

79% liked it

5,943 ratings

Critics

88% liked it

17 critics

PG, 1 hr. 41 min.

Directed by: Norman Jewison

Release Date: September 14, 1984

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DVD Release Date: August 28, 2001

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Stats: 196 reviews

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A Soldier's Story Adolph Caesar in A Soldier's Story
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Flixster Reviews (196)

  • hobster1
    July 22, 2008
    hobster1
    Courtroom drama, written by Charles Fuller from his Pulitzer Prize-winning, "A Soldier's Play", was nominated for Best Picture. Great ensemble cast features early supporting performances from Denzel Washington, David Alan Grier, and Robert Townsend.
  • YLOWBSTARDreturns
    March 3, 2007
    YLOWBSTARDreturns
    Forgotten Oscar Nominated classic.
  • fb25827189
    April 19, 2011
    fb25827189
    A great soundtrack by Herbie Hancock featuring Patti LaBelle. An outstanding cast including a young Denzel Washington, and a strong and emotional story. You put all those together and you have one of the best films I had never heard of until about a week ago when I spotted a post... read moreer for the film at my local Cinema.
    A fantastic piece of filmmaking from Norman Jewison who has brought us some timeless classics including The Cincinnati Kid and In The Heat of the Night and he would go on to direct Denzel Washington again in The Hurricane.
  • metalfantoo
    January 16, 2012
    metalfantoo
    it was a good one but should be a PG-13 or an R rating than a PG rating cause theirs language like f--k, n word, a-- alot in this.
  • phbasketball6
    August 5, 2009
    phbasketball6
    Outstanding film. A great film about segregation in the military. The story is great with Adolph Casear playing as Sergeant Waters who is a hard-headed African American Sergeant Waters that was found mudered. Captain Davenport played by Howard Rollins investigates the murder. Dav... read moreenport learns that Sergeant Waters was not well liked and anyone could be a suspect. Adolph Casear had an amazing oscar-worthy performance. Denzel career basically starts here with his one of his best performances. Norman Jewison's direction was great as always.
  • divinecontroller
    June 5, 2009
    divinecontroller
    Man this was a good flix. It had a monster cast and it really exploited the sins we can commit against each other when we're pressed together and we think that we can lash out against oppression by hurting those around us. This was a heater.
  • AlsoLovesMovies
    February 27, 2009
    AlsoLovesMovies
    Howard E. Rollins deserved a n oscar for tthe character he portrayed in this movie.Very underrated film with a great cast and acting.
  • ladyj061370
    May 30, 2008
    ladyj061370
    Remember, you're the first colored officer most of these men ever seen. The Army expects you to set an example for the colored troops... and be a credit to your race.
  • khalbone
    May 29, 2008
    khalbone
    One of the deepest soldier i have ever seen big impact movie a must have denzel should have won a oscar way back due to this movie
  • bamatexgirl
    November 20, 2007
    bamatexgirl
    one of my all time favorites. adolph ceasar made the movie. early denzel was a bad character. signs of oscar even then. i miss howard e rollins.

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Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Jewison's lack of interest in developing anything other than his rather debatable ideological point relegates the film to the realm of moderately competent TV drama. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
March 30, 2011
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Charles Fuller adapated to the big screen his powerful Pulitzer prize winning play about the murder of a black captain. Directed by Norman Jewison, the movie is well acted but it's too verbose. Full Review

Dan Lybarger
August 2, 2005
Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online

A powerful and arresting drama.

Rich Cline
June 5, 2004
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

Strongly written and performec.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
July 23, 2003
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Reveals the virulence of racism Full Review

Dan Jardine
June 19, 2002
Dan Jardine, All Movie Guide

Occasionally preachy, but otherwise intense and provocative racially provocative drama Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Lawrence Van Gelder
September 18, 2004
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Emanuel Levy
July 26, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Daniel M. Kimmel
February 8, 2004
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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A Soldier's Story Trivia

  • The late actor Larry Riley was best known for his role as CJ Memphis in 1984's movie version of "A Soldier's Story". What prime time soap opera did he go on to star in?  Answer »
  • Name The Actor who appeared and/or starred in the following movies: Carbon Copy, A Soldier's Story, The Mighty Quinn, Mississippi Massala.  Answer »
  • Name The Actor who starred and/or appeared in the following movies: A Soldier's Story, The Mighty Quinn, The Five Heartbeats, The Meteor Man.  Answer »
  • Which actor DID NOT appear in the 1984 movie "A Soldier's Story"?  Answer »
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