Da 5 Bloods: Movie Review

Considering the events that have happened globally the past few weeks, "Da 5 Bloods" is going to be a significant and timely look into the racial tensions experienced not only in the United States but around the world making it a more intimate experience for audiences. Regardless, "Da 5 Bloods" is a solid story on brotherhood, war, family, and racial issues.

Four Black veterans of the Vietnam War return to the country decades after to retrieve the remains of their friend. The four, calling themselves Bloods also have a secret side mission - to retrieve gold worth millions they buried in the jungle - and to finally move on from a war that has affected their lives deeply.

It's rare nowadays to experience a film breaking the two hour mark but "Da 5 Bloods" even with its 180 minute running time never feels bogged down. Every aspect felt significant even the tiny bits and pieces of historical footage put in. Surprisingly, the film doesn't feel all too serious and melodramatic. It has its moments but it was an unusual mix of drama and action movie that actually works and pushes its agendas simply and clearly. Unfortunately, the narrative wasn't as clean-cut as we expected it to be. It had us struggling with the agenda on what was more important - getting their friend's remains or becoming rich with gold. But we loved how unpredictable it became - you'll never really guess who will outlast the mayhem. Overall, "Da 5 Bloods" was entertaining, gory and great as an action film. Mixing in relevant and timely social commentary and what you get is an experience more than your time's and money's worth.

Rating: 4 reels






Why you should watch it:
- timely and relevant
- as an action film, this was unpredictable, gory, and entertaining

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the narrative had its rough moments