The Nerd Newsletter
Join our Nerd Nation with frequent updates from Black Nerd Problems
Bookmark
The trailer for the Spike Lee helmed Da 5 Bloods dropped on Monday and given the state of the pandemic, it was pretty exciting. For the last three decades, you knew a Spike Lee joint when you saw it. This one breaks the mold. Told outside of time, the trailer follows a unit of Black infantry soldiers from their heyday in the Vietnam War through to their return to ‘Nam as elder statesmen. Doing a Soul Train line at an Apocalypse Now themed Budweiser-sponsored event, turns out it’s a pretty Spike Lee situation. via The Economic Times At the core of the flashbacks to ‘Nam is vibranium soul brother number one, Chadwick Boseman! As the charismatic leader of an Army infantry, he decides that the squad should bury a trunk of gold bars they stumble onto in the jungle. Right about here the story cuts to the quick. This is not a biopic, heist movie or historical drama set to the soundtrack of the rebellious 60s. Da 5 Bloods opens up into a deeply excavated dissection of the inherent duality of Black identity hinging on the most controversial wars in U.S. history. The whole Warriors-style propaganda radio broadcast from ‘Hanoi Hannah’ drives that conflict home off rip. Too many Black-led period movies are set in the Civil War south, but a close second is 1960s Vietnam. But there aren’t any set in present-day Vietnam and none with a cast this full of seasoned melanated thespians. Theatre legends Norm Lewis and Delroy Lindo in the same cast? With Isaiah “Shiiiiiiiiidddd” Whitlock Jr. and …
YOU’VE REACHED YOUR LIMIT
Become a member and continue reading
Support independent journalism and unlock full access to our stories, analysis, live streams, and exclusive editorial content.
- Access to all member-only stories on
- Support writers you read most
- Read everything behind a paywall
- Access to live streams
- Comment on articles
Meet the author
Frantz Jerome
Poet, MC, Nerd, All-Around Problem. Lover of words, verse, and geek media from The Bronx, NYC.
View profile



CommentsNo comments yet
Subscribe for more
Be part of the conversation
Subscribe to Black Nerd Problems to start commenting.
Already have an account? Log in