He Said, Miracle at St Anna

Spike Lee frustrates me. Clearly one of our most talented filmmakers, Lee makes films of substance and quality that will stand the test of time. Years from now people will see these films and for a fact know what was on our mind. His films have challenged the accepted state of race relations in our society and the held the a mirror to the face of history which attempts distort the ugly truth and soft pedals the atrocities of the past.

In the is film, Lee gives us his take on the condition of the American Negro during WW II. The script is rift with contradictions and what I call bumps in the road. It's those things that make you notice that your watching a movie rather than gathering you in to the arms of familiar but willing world of your imagination. The walk and talk arguments about the difference between the way the black man is treated in Europe and back home were relevant and needed, but I found the language stiled and preachy. and that is the consistent problem with Lee's hand on the throttle. He makes his point with a damn good story and compelling characters, but he can't resist that climb up to the top of the soap box for one more verbal whack at the injustice of it all.

I certainly think this film, with it's minor flaws, is more than worthwhile seeing. Lee uses and even hand in finding evil and courageous human behaviour on all sides of the conflict. Regardless if they be the in the German Army, the liberating US fores, the townspeople, or the partisan underground, there is enough bravery and treachery to go around. Evil in uniform is not an unusual theme, but in this age of political correctness it's uncomfortable watching a US Army officer screaming racial remarks at the compliant, loyal black soldier. It's uncomfortable watching hundreds of people die because the betrayer has betrayed once more. And even though there is a measure of justice in this film, but far to many people have to die to accomplish that small step.

Spike Lee is a great talent and his heart is always out there were we can see it. He just has to have more faith in our ability to get it