Iffy for 16+
Brutal WWII battlefield fable isn't for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, from start to finish, this is a violent war movie and not meant for kids. Though the filmmakers try to humanize the characters (including portraying a sympathetic Nazi), acts of cruelty, barbaric murder, wounding, and killing are graphically depicted throughout the film. Images include gunshots to the head, severed limbs, the massacre of innocent victims (including many children and babies), and blood gushing from heads and bodies and pooling around lifeless soldiers in the water. A young child is in danger throughout the film. Vicious racism is a continuing theme, and language is frequently crass and explicit (including many uses of both "f--k" and the "N" word). Two scenes show a bare-breasted woman; another includes passionate sexual foreplay.
- Families can talk about what this movie is saying about American history. What was the country fighting for in World War II? Why were the military troops segregated during that war -- and throughout U.S. history? How has America's racial conscience changed since then? Also, what does Captain Nokes represent? Did he learn anything over the course of the film? How did you feel about him?
The good stuff
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Messages: Some white American soldiers' blatantly cruel racism is tempered by the decency of other soldiers and officers; African-American soldiers are shown as courageous, heroic, and smart; a slow-witted soldier is depicted as brave, sensitive, and humane; the brutality of war is unsentimental and undisguised; a vengeful murder is seen as justifiable and satisfying.
What to watch for
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Violence: Explicit wartime brutality includes use of grenades and rifles, bloody deaths, severed limbs, and point-blank shooting. A savage massacre of an entire village in front of a church includes a close-up of a priest as he's shot in the head and graphic murders of children, women, and the elderly. A young boy is in jeopardy in many scenes throughout the movie. Also stabbings, a throat slashing, and several ambushes resulting in mass murder of unsuspecting villagers.
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Sex: A provocatively dressed young woman engages in seductive behavior to get her boyfriend's attention; a soldier views the bare breasts of woman preparing to do laundry; a brief scene of passionate sexual foreplay includes kissing, embracing, and undressing, with bare breasts visible.
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Language: Pervasive swearing throughout includes countless use of all forms of "f--k," as well as "s--t," "bastard," "p---y," "sons of bitches," "whore," "goddamn," and more. Frequent use of the "N" word both as a racial taunt by white bigots and between African-American soldiers as "buddy speak."
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Consumerism: Camel cigarettes.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Smoking throughout, as was common during the period.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Miracle at St. Anna by tmhchevelle
I generally dislike Spike Lee movies, so I was skeptical about this one, but I found the preview intriguing and decided to watch it and make an informed decision. This movie is amazing. The action starts right at the beginning, and then the storyline continues with explanations for the initial shooting. We see how our main character got the way he is and what he lived through during his time in the war. There is also a rare glimpse into the lifestyle and treatment of African-American soldiers during World War II. This movie opened my eyes to prior predjudices and the horrors of war with Nazis. This movie was sad, but also uplifting. I recommend that everyone sees this movie, no matter race or age.
5
If you said oh no you are a complete idiot . by Jmoneyrules
this movie had everything you can think of, it was spike lee at his greatest, best movie ive seen in years cannot wait to see it again.
4
Miracle at St. Anna by Movie fan in Seattle
A much better story than the reviews indicated. Interesting characters and good vehicle for telling the story of the Buffalo Soldiers. Some of the characters were a little trite, such as the redneck commander, but I found the movie generally inspiring and thoughtful. I really liked the cast as well.
5
" God Bless America" by Blessingyou2
Thanks Spike for the hard work and keeping it real with a great case.
When I think of Spielberg, Stone, and Eastwood I think those brillant young
mines got better with time as you have. This one for you America I
Respect every last War and Those who went to War for this Land.
Thanks Mr. LEE,
Blessingyou2.
5
Miracle at ST. Anna by cazper49
This is an outstanding movie in every respect, expertly and artfully crafted by Spike Lee and his associates. The movie demands your attention and your mind, if given; it reveals a truly complex, exquisitely executed story, which is portrayed on multiple levels. The story is compelling, lavishly laced with miracles and insights into the human experience, artfully interwoven; the story does not following a linear timeline. One reason those who seek raw entertainment will be lost and disappointed. The Cinematography is just as it should be, compelling. German and Italian characters speaking in their native tongue, adds to the realism, which is artfully purveyed. Above all it captures antagonist, protagonist and supporting charters portrayed in such a way as to reveal compelling insights into their minds and souls, loyalties, moral codes, and subsequent actions. If you are a thinker and are intrigued by human nature, this is a must see.
5
Damn good war movie ... by DTS freak
Don't let the trailer fool you, this is a WW II movie all the way with the exception of 10 minutes of the film, so all you WW II fans should be very pleased. The plot is belieavle ( as it was with Private Ryan) , the cinematography was the real deal no blue screen, and no shooting @ some Universal Studios lot. The dialogue was also original not some bad imitation on the Italian and German languages this made the film so much more realistic. The film I found it to be powerful and some scenes were brutally accuarate in depicting the savagery of the Nazi soldiers. I hope this films gets some award(s) next year ,it trully deserves some mention from the Academy .
5
Best World War II movie EVER. MUST SEE movie by Anpardavan
Spike Lee surpasses all previous directors in making this OSCAR deserving movie
about the atrocities of the Nazi horrors to the world and in this case to the Italian
people. This over two hour movie was worth every minute of it.
I did not want to leave the movie for a second even to run to the bathroom.
It dealt with racism here in the United States and abroad back in the 40's
The Photography was MAGNIFICENT. IT WILL WIN SEVERAL OSCARS
INCLUDING DIRECTORSHIP,SCRIPT, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND MORE.
To take you there, spiritually, the movie could not be any shorter. Loved it,
even though some people wrote unfavorable comments about the length of this movie.
I would like to see the movie again.
4
Miracles abound by chancet64
The movie is well-paced, and the focus is on the people, not the war. If you want a "war" movie, this isn't it. If you want a movie that is a humanistic portrayal of how people can survive terrible conditions, situation, and decisions, you will enjoy it. What is the "miracle?" It's hard to say. It could be the triumph of spirit, the courage, the tenacity, or the memory of such a horrific event that comes home with justice and love. Despite the difficult nature of the movie (if you think beyond the surface), it is uplifting and gratifying.
5
Do I hear Oscar Nod ? "It's a Beautiful Life" , "Saving Private Ryan", "Flags of Our Fathers", and "Schindler's List" all roled into one. by zshazam
This movie is "It's a Beautiful Life" , "Saving Private Ryan", "Flags of Our Fathers", and "Schindler's List" all roled into one. Do not get fooled by anti-Spike critics. A critic can tear down any Oscar award winning film but the fact is that this movie truly captures the four movies above so if you appreciated those Oscar winning films then you'll certainly appreciate this one. The story progresses slowly ,but appropriately so to allow you to understand the many characters of the film, and then accelerates into an inspiring, realistic, and yes, heart-warming film. It would be a great disappointment and shame if Spike doesn't at least get an Oscar nod for this wonderful piece of art.
Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, let's be fair here.
Good for you Spike !
5
You must see this movie by JonPatMom
I was very moved and impressed with the story, acting and directing. This movie is excellent.